Ferromagnetic Clusters and High Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy in Co₃Sn₂S₂

Cobalt-based sulphides with formula Co₃A₂S₂ (A = Sn and In) are strongly correlated electron systems that have triggered an immense research interest for their remarkable properties. Here-in, the anisotropic magnetic properties of single crystals of a ferromagnet Co₃Sn₂S₂ are investigated in the presence of magnetic field H applied along c-axis (H || c) and ab-plane (H || ab). A glass-like magnetic behaviour is revealed at low temperatures in magnetization. The inverse susceptibility measurements exhibit a sharp downturn and non-linear behaviour close to critical temperature T_C in the paramagnetic region signifies the presence of short-range ferromagnetic clusters above T_C and strong Griffiths singularity in Co₃Sn₂S₂. The magnetic hysteresis loops indicate the short-range magnetic correlations and the hard and soft magnetic phases of Co₃Sn₂S₂. The Takahashi’s spin fluctuation theory analysis provides sufficient evidence for itinerant ferromagnetism in Co₃Sn₂S₂. A large magneto-crystalline anisotropy accompanied by a high anisotropy field implies the strong spin-orbit coupling phenomenon. Our results emphasize an intuitive understanding of the complex magnetism in Co-based systems.