Crystal structure, magnetic properties, and tunable Kondo effect in a new compound Nd₅ScSb₁₂

The exploration and synthesis of new materials are important for materials science and condensed matter physics. Here, we report the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and electrical transport properties of the single crystals of Nd₅ScSb₁₂, which is a quasi-one-dimensional new compound. Nd₅ScSb₁₂ exhibits antiferromagnetic transition in both directions perpendicular and parallel to the long axis. Moreover, the magnetic field-dependent magnetization reveals two metamagnetic transitions. The electrical transport properties have been measured on the same sample but with different measurement lengths between the electrodes of the voltage. The resistivity exhibits the metallic behavior. At low temperatures, the Kondo effect and negative transverse magnetoresistance (MR) (B ⊥ I) have been observed. Interestingly, the measurement length has a significant impact on the Kondo effect and negative MR, providing an intuitive new approach to regulate the Kondo effect. As the measurement length increases, the Kondo effect and negative MR become more pronounced. This not only indicates that the interaction between magnetic impurities and conduction electrons dominates the electrical transport of Nd₅ScSb₁₂ at low temperatures, but also confirms that the negative MR originates from the suppression of the Kondo effect.