Phase formation and magnetic anomalies in RuSr2RECu2O8 (RE = Eu, Gd, Ho) samples

We have synthesized bulk RuSr2RECu2O8 (RE = Eu, Gd and Ho) compounds using the ammonium nitrate melt technique. The phase purity of the samples decreases as the ionic radii of the RE element decreases. For RE = Ho, magnetic Sr2HoRuO6 and CuO were formed instead of the 1212 phase. The magnetization vs. temperature curves of the samples are similar to those of the samples prepared using the solid-state reaction method. The magnetic anomalies observed in M-T curves are discussed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.