$M$-doped IrTe${}_2$ ($M$ = Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) compounds were synthesized by solid-state reaction. Single crystal x-ray diffraction experiments indicate that part of the doped $M$ ions ($M$ = Fe, Co, and Ni) substitute for Ir, and the rest intercalate into the octahedral interstitial sites located in between IrTe${}_2$ layers. Due to the lattice mismatch between MnTe${}_2$ and IrTe${}_2$, Mn has limited solubility in IrTe${}_2$ lattice. The trigonal structure is stable in the whole temperature range 1.80 K$\le$ $T$ $\le$ 300 K for all doped compositions. No long-range magnetic order or superconductivity was observed in any doped compositions above 1.80 K. A spin glass behavior below 10 K was observed in Fe-doped IrTe${}_2$ from the temperature dependence of magnetization, electrical resistivity, and specific heat. The low temperature specific heat data suggest the electron density of states is enhanced in Fe- and Co-doped compositions but reduced in Ni-doped IrTe${}_2$. With the 3$d$ transition metal doping the trigonal $a$-lattice parameter increases but the $c$-lattice parameter decreases. Detailed analysis of the single crystal x-ray diffraction data shows that interlayer Te-Te distance increases despite a reduced $c$ lattice. The importance of the Te-Te, Te-Ir, and Ir-Ir bonding is discussed.

• Received 4 August 2013

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.88.134502