Properties of polyamorphous Ce75Al25 metallic glasses

The thermal stability and electronic transport properties of polyamorphous Ce75Al25 metallic glass (MG) have been investigated using in situ high-pressure, high-temperature, energy-dispersive synchrotron x-ray diffraction and in situ high-pressure and low-temperature, four-probe resistance measurements. The results are compared with the properties of La75Al25 MG. The pressure dependence of the crystallization temperature and resistance of the Ce75Al25 MG exhibited turning points at the polyamorphic transition pressure, 1.5 GPa, and they clearly presented different behaviors below and above 1.5 GPa. In contrast, no turning points were observed in the La75Al25 MG (La has no 4f electron). Additionally, the pressure-tuned temperature coefficient of resistance of the Ce75Al25 MG was observed. These results revealed switchable properties in the polyamorphous Ce75Al25 MG that are linked with 4f electron delocalization.