Long-range magnetic order in the ${\tilde S}=1/2$ triangular lattice antiferromagnet KCeS$_2$

Recently, several putative quantum spin liquid (QSL) states were discovered in {\tilde S} = 1/2S̃=1/2 rare-earth based triangular-lattice antiferromagnets (TLAF) with the delafossite structure. In order to elucidate the conditions for a QSL to arise, we report here the discovery of a long-range magnetic order in the Ce-based TLAF KCeS_22 below T_{\mathrm N} = 0.38TN=0.38 K, despite the same delafossite structure. Finally, combining various experimental and computational methods, we characterize the crystal electric field scheme, the magnetic anisotropy and the magnetic ground state of KCeS_22.

Synthesis and characterization of AgFeO2 delafossite with non-stoichiometric silver concentration

The simple co-precipitation method was used to prepare AgxFeO2 delafossite with non-stoichiometric silver concentration in the range of x = 0.05-1. The obtained material was investigated using X-ray powder diffraction and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy at room temperature. The structural and hyperfi ne interaction parameters were recognized in relation with decreasing silver concentration. The study revealed that the delafossite structure of AgxFeO2 was maintained up to x = 0.9; as the range of silver concentration was decreased to 0.05 ≤ x ≤ 0.8, a mixture of AgFeO2, Fe2O3 or/and FeOOH was formed.