Journal Article

PUBDB-2026-01830

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Decoupling electronic and lattice contributions to martensitic transformation in Ni$_2$Mn$_{1.5}$Ga$_{0.5}$ Heusler alloys

Manea, N. ; Welter, E.DESY* ; Priolkar, K. (Corresponding author)Extern*

2026
Elsevier Lausanne

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Please use a persistent id in citations: doi:10.1016/j.jallcom.2026.188941

Abstract: The interplay between electronic structure and lattice degrees of freedom governs martensitic transformations in Nisingle bondMn-based Heusler alloys, yet their relative contributions remain difficult to disentangle. Here, we address this issue through a systematic investigation of Ni$_2$Mn$_{1.5}$Ga$_{0.5-x}$In$_x$ $(0\leq x \leq 0.5)$, where isoelectronic substitution of In for Ga enables isolation of lattice effects at nearly constant valence electron concentration $(e / a \approx 8)$. A pronounced and monotonic decrease in the martensitic transformation temperature $(T_M)$ is observed with increasing In content, despite negligible variation in $e / a$, indicating a non-electronic origin of the transformation suppression. On the other hand, a direct correlation between $(T_M)$ and lattice expansion and the bond-length difference $\Delta R = (R_{Ni-Z} - R_{Ni-Mn})$establishes local structural distortions as a key control parameter. These results are interpreted within a strain accommodation framework, wherein lattice expansion induced by larger In atoms progressively relieves internal strain, thereby reducing the elastic energy difference between austenite and martensite phases and suppressing the transformation. Magnetization measurements further indicate the emergence of frustrated magnetic states arising from competing exchange interactions in a structurally heterogeneous environment. These findings demonstrate that lattice-driven effects can dominate martensitic phase stability independently of electronic concentration and provide a pathway for tuning functional properties in Heusler alloys via controlled manipulation of local structure and strain.

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. FS DOOR-User (FS DOOR-User)
2. Experimentebetreuung PETRA III (FS-PET-S)

Research Program(s):

1. 632 - Materials – Quantum, Complex and Functional Materials (POF4-632) (POF4-632)
2. 6G3 - PETRA III (DESY) (POF4-6G3) (POF4-6G3)
3. FS-Proposal: I-20210145 (I-20210145) (I-20210145)
4. INDIA-DESY - INDIA-DESY Collaboration (2020_Join2-INDIA-DESY) (2020_Join2-INDIA-DESY)

Experiment(s):

1. PETRA Beamline P65 (PETRA III)

Appears in the scientific report 2026

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Database coverage:
; Clarivate Analytics Master Journal List ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Essential Science Indicators ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Web of Science Core Collection

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