Reaction of π-Ti2O(PO4)2·2H2O with molten alkali nitrates: Synthesis of the fibrous materials π-M0.5H0.5TiOPO4 (M = Na, K)

Powder X-ray diffraction data for π-Ti₂O(PO₄)₂·2H₂O (π-TiP) is indexed in a monoclinic cell [a=5.067(4), b=10.898(3), c=14.533(8) Å, β=96.0(1)°]. Structural correlations with other titanium phosphates are discussed. The reaction of π-TiP with molten MNO₃ (M=Na, K) originates new metal phases with a KTP-type formula, π-M_0.5H_0.5TiOPO₄. These compounds maintain the fibrous morphology of their precursor. The reactions are monitored by thermogravimetric analysis. Thermal decomposition of the novel compounds is described.