Monoclinic 122-Type BaIr₂Ge₂ with a Channel Framework: A Structural Connection between Clathrate and Layered Compounds

A new 122-type phase, monoclinic BaIr₂Ge₂ is successfully synthesized by arc melting; X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy are used to purify the phase and determine its crystal structure. BaIr₂Ge₂ adopts a clathrate-like channel framework structure of the monoclinic BaRh₂Si₂-type, with space group P2₁/c. Structural comparisons of clathrate, ThCr₂Si₂, CaBe₂Ge₂, and BaRh₂Si₂ structure types indicate that BaIr₂Ge₂ can be considered as an intermediate between clathrate and layered compounds. Magnetic measurements show it to be diamagnetic and non-superconducting down to 1.8 K. Different from many layered or clathrate compounds, monoclinic BaIr₂Ge₂ displays a metallic resistivity. Electronic structure calculations performed for BaIr₂Ge₂ support its observed structural stability and physical properties.