Role of dimensionality in CeIn₃ nanowires

Quantum materials are remarkably complex systems where new emergent phenomena are likely to arise. In particular, low-dimensional strongly correlated materials provide an ideal platform for experimental discoveries. In this work, we have studied the routes for synthesizing intermetallic nanowires of CeIn₃ by the Metallic-Flux Nanonucleation (MFNN) method [1] and the effects of dimensionality via structural and magnetic measurements. The study of emergent phenomena in one-dimensional systems was previously reported in different systems grown using MFNN [2]–[5].

We successfully obtain nanowires (d =170 ± 5 nm) and single crystals, which we investigate by means of Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), magnetic susceptibility, and heat capacity. Semiquantitative EDS analysis indicates a ratio of 1:3.1(1) of Ce:In in the nanowires, which is consistent with the desired stoichiometry. Magnetic susceptibility and specific heat data showed a suppression of the antiferromagnetic transition from the bulk T_N ~ 10 K. Our findings suggest a strong dimensionality effect on magnetic properties. To obtain a better understanding of this effect, electrical transport measurements of isolated nanowires will be required.