Crystal structure and magnetization of a Co3B2O6 single crystal

The crystal structure and magnetic properties of Co3B2O6 single crystals are studied. Orthorhombic symmetry with space group Pnnm is detected at room temperature. The measurements of static magnetization and dynamic magnetic susceptibility reveal two magnetic anomalies at T 1 = 33 K and T 2 = 10 K and an easy-axis magnetic anisotropy. The effective magnetic moment indicates a high-spin state of the Co2+ ion. A spin-flop transition is found at low temperatures and H sf = 23 kOe. EXAFS spectra of the K-edge absorption of Co are recorded at various temperatures, the temperature-induced changes in the parameters of the local environment of cobalt are analyzed, and the effective Co-Co and Co-O distances are determined. The magnetic interactions in the crystal are analyzed in terms of an indirect coupling model.