Single-crystal growth and physical properties of 50% electron-doped rhodate Sr1.5La0.5RhO4

Centimeter-sized single crystals of ${\mathrm{Sr}}_{1.5}{\mathrm{La}}_{0.5}{\mathrm{RhO}}_{4}$ were grown by the floating zone method at oxygen pressures of 20 bar. The quality of our single crystals was confirmed by x-ray Laue, powder and single crystal x-ray diffraction, neutron and x-ray absorbtion spectroscopy measurements. At $\ensuremath{\sim}50%$ electron doping we observe ${\mathrm{RhO}}_{3}$ octahedral rotations of $\ensuremath{\sim}8.{2}^{\ensuremath{\circ}}$ within the octahedral basal plane which are incompatible with space group $I4/mmm$. Our single crystal was further characterized by susceptibility, electrical transport, and, finally, specific heat measurements showing a temperature-dependent Debye temperature.