Abstract
Y2Co3 is a newly discovered antiferromagnetic (AFM) compound with distorted kagome layers. Previous investigations via bulk magnetization measurements suggested a complex noncollinear magnetic behavior, with magnetic moments primarily anti-aligned along the 𝑏 axis and some canting towards the 𝑎𝑐 plane. In this study, we report the magnetic structure of Y2Co3 to be an A-type AFM structure with ferromagnetic (FM) interactions within the distorted kagome plane and an interplane antiferromagnetic interaction, as determined by single-crystal neutron diffraction. The magnetic moments align along the 𝑏 axis, with minimal canting towards the 𝑐 axis, at odds with the previous interpretation of bulk magnetization measurements. The magnetic moments on the two distinct Co sites are [0, -0.68(3), 0] µ𝐵 and [0, 1.25(4), 0.07(1)] µ𝐵. We attribute the previously reported “noncollinear” behavior to the considerable temperature dependence of itinerant AFM exchange interactions, induced by thermal contraction along the 𝑏 axis. Additionally, our examination of lattice constants through pressure studies reveals compensating effects on FM and AFM interactions, resulting in negligible pressure dependence of 𝑇N.
