Role of atomic environment in the magnetic and transport properties of amorphous Ce–Al alloys

Abstract We investigate the relationship between atomic structure and electronic properties in amorphous Ce–Al alloys. Structural analysis reveals that Ce 25 ​Al 75 exhibits predominantly Ce–Al nearest-neighbor interactions, while Ce 50 ​Al 50​ shows a splitting Ce–Ce distribution, indicating the coexistence of two structural motifs. These distinct local atomic environments of Ce atoms strongly influence their electronic behavior. The electrical resistivity exhibits a—log T dependence characteristic of the Kondo effect, which is suppressed under applied magnetic fields. Notably, Ce 25 ​Al 75 displays a stronger negative magnetoresistance and magnetic field sensitivity than Ce 50 ​Al 50 , suggesting a more coherent Kondo scattering environment. Magnetic susceptibility χ ( T ) continues to increase at low temperatures under low fields, suggesting uncompensated magnetic moments or weakly hybridized Ce sites. Magnetization reveals partially localized f -electron states, with field-induced alignment hindered by structural disorder and hybridization variation. These phenomena are closely linked to the local atomic environment of Ce.