Enhanced Kondo fluctuations and orientation dependent fractionalization in the quasi-1D lattice, Ce₃ZrBi₅

Geometric frustration often leads to exoticity in low-dimensional systems. Here, we study the ground state properties of a low-dimensional Kondo lattice, Ce₃ZrBi₅, forming a hexagonal quasi one-dimensional structure. The experimental results show characteristic heavy-fermion behavior with the signature of suppression of Ce 4f moments. Magnetization data exhibit two distinct antiferromagnetic transitions at 4.8 K and 4.1 K. In-plane magnetization data at low field align well with the antiferromagnetic behavior while a tendency of saturation is observed at high field. Density functional theory calculations project an increase in the electronic density of states along the Bi linear chains. The Kondo screening of magnetic moments is enhanced along the c-axis giving rise to a quenched easy-axis magnetic ground state. Interestingly, the out-of-plane magnetization data reveal signatures of fractional magnetization plateaus evidencing frustration-induced exotic magnetic phases. These results provide a unique example of selective fractionalization arising from geometric frustration in a correlated system.