Structural characterization, thermal, spectroscopic and magnetic studies of the (C3H12N2)0.75[Mn1.50Fe1.50(AsO4)F6] and (C3H12N2)0.75[Co1.50Fe1.50(AsO4)F6] compounds

The (C₃H₁₂N₂)_0.94[Mn_1.50Fe_1.50^III(AsO₄)F₆] and (C₃H₁₂N₂)_0.75[Co_1.50Fe_1.50^III(AsO₄)F₆] compounds 1 and 2 have been synthesized using mild hydrothermal conditions. These phases are isostructural with (C₃H₁₂N₂)_0.75[Fe_1.5^IIFe_1.5^III(AsO₄)F₆]. The compounds crystallize in the orthorhombic Imam space group. The unit cell parameters calculated by using the patterns matching routine of the FULPROOF program, starting from the cell parameters of the iron(II),(III) phase, are: a = 7.727(1) Å, b = 11.047(1) Å, c = 13.412(1) Å for 1 and a = 7.560(1) Å, b = 11.012(1) Å, c = 13.206(1) Å for 2, being Z = 8 in both compounds. The crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional framework constructed from edge-sharing [M^II(1)₂O₂F₈] (M = Mn, Co) dimeric octahedra linked to [Fe^III(2)O₂F₄] octahedra through the F(1) anions and to the [AsO₄] tetrahedra by the O(1) vertex. This network gives rise two kinds of chains, which are extended in perpendicular directions. Chain 1 is extended along the a-axis and chain 2 runs along the c-axis. These chains are linked by the F(1) and O(1) atoms and establish cavities delimited by eight or six polyhedra along the [1 0 0] and [0 0 1] directions, respectively. The propanediammonium cations are located inside these cavities. The thermal study indicates that the structures collapse with the calcination of the organic dication at 255 and 285 °C for 1 and 2, respectively. The Mössbauer spectra in the paramagnetic state indicate the existence of two crystallographically independent positions for the iron(III) cations and a small proportion of this cation in the positions of the divalent Mn(II) and Co(II) ones. The IR spectrum shows the protonated bands of the H₂N- groups of the propanediamine molecule and the characteristic bands of the [AsO₄]³⁻ arsenate oxoanions. In the diffuse reflectance spectra, it can be observed the bands characteristic of trivalent iron(III) cation and divalent Mn(II) and Co(II) ones in a distorted octahedral symmetry. The calculated Dq and B-Racah parameters for the cobalt(II) phase are 710 and 925 cm⁻¹, respectively. The ESR spectra of compound 1 maintain isotropic with variation in temperature, being g = 1.99. Magnetic measurements for both compounds indicate that the main magnetic interactions are antiferromagnetic in nature. However, at low temperatures small ferromagnetic components are detected, which are probably due to a spin decompensation of the two different metallic cations. The hysteresis loops give values of the remnant magnetization and coercive field of 84.5, 255 emu/mol and 0.01, 0.225 T for phases 1 and 2, respectively.     

Transformation of Dion-Jacobson phase to Aurivillius phase: synthesis of (PbBiO2)MNb2O7 (M = La, Bi)

We describe transformations of the Dion-Jacobson (D-J) phases, KLaNb₂O₇ and RbBiNb₂O₇, to the Aurivillius (A) phases, (PbBiO₂)LaNb₂O₇ (1) and (PbBiO₂)BiNb₂O₇ (2), in a metathesis reaction with PbBiO₂Cl. Oxide 1 adopts centrosymmetric tetragonal structure (a = 3.905(1) Å, c = 25.66(1) Å), whereas oxide 2 crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric orthorhombic (A2₁am) (a = 5.489(1) Å, b = 5.496(2) Å, c = 25.53(1) Å) structure. Oxide 2 shows a distinct SHG response towards 1064 nm laser radiation. The role of La³⁺ versus Bi³⁺ in the perovskite slabs for the occurrence of noncentrosymmetric structure/ferroic property in these materials is pointed out.     

Determination of the modulated structure of the misfit layer compound (LaS)1.196VS2

Single crystal X-ray diffraction was used to determine the modulated structure of the misfit layer compound (LaS)_1.196VS₂. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic system with cell parameters: a_s = 3.410 (1) Å, b_s = 5.845(1) Å, c_s = 11.191(2) Å, α ≈ 95.15(4), β ≈ 84.79(2)°, and γ ≈ 89.98(2)°, q = 0.5978(4)a_s^* − 0.002(1)b_s^* + 0.004(2)c_s^*, and V_s = 221.2(1) Å³. A (3 + 1)D superspace group, X(α,β,γ), was used to analyze the complete structure (X is referring to a pseudo C centering). The largest modulation amplitudes are observed for La-S (between La (subsystem 2) and S (subsystem 1)), as well as V-V distances. In connection with the large V-V modulation, we observed the formation of “linear vanadium clusters” that may impact on the transport properties.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new organic dihydrogen phosphate-arsenate: [H2(C4H10N2)][H2(As, P)O4]2

Chemical preparation, crystal structure, calorimetric and spectroscopic investigations (IR and RMN) are given for a new non-centrosymmetric organic-cation dihydrogen phosphate-arsenate [H₂(C₄H₁₀N₂)][H₂(As, P)O₄]₂. This compound is triclinic P1 with the following unit-cell parameters: a = 7.082(2) Å, b = 7.796(1) Å, c = 12.05(3) Å, α = 95.37(2)°, β = 98.38(3)°, γ = 62.98(1)°, Z = 2, V = 586.2(1) Å³ and D_x = 1.836 g cm⁻³. The crystal structure has been solved and refined to R = 0.03 using 2328 independent reflections. The structure can be described as infinite (H₂XO)_n chains spreading parallel to the b direction. These chains are themselves interconnected by a set of NH?O hydrogen bonds generated by the organic entities, alternating with the chains. Solid-state ¹³C, ¹⁵N and ³¹P MAS NMR spectroscopies are in agreement with the X-ray structure.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new organic dihydrogenomonophosphate [3,5-(CH3O)2C6H3NH3]2(H2PO4)2

Chemical preparation, crystal structure, calorimetric studies and spectroscopic investigation are given for a new organic cation dihydrogenomonophosphate [3,5-(CH₃O)₂C₆H₃NH₃]₂(H₂PO₄)₂. This compound is triclinic with the following unit cell parameters: a=9.030(6) Å, b=16.124(5) Å, c=8.868(3) Å, α=75.04(3)°, β=110.71(4)°, γ=104.61(1)°, Z=4, V=1148.0(1) Å³, Z=2 and ρ_cal.=1.454 g cm⁻³. Crystal structure was solved and refined to R=0.04, 2752 independent reflections. The atomic arrangement can be described as inorganic layers of H₂PO₄⁻ anions parallel to planes, between which are located the organic groups. Solid-state and MAS-NMR spectroscopies are in agreement with the X-ray structure. Ab initio calculations allow the attribution of the phosphorous and carbon signals to the independent crystallographic sites and to the various atoms of the organic groups.     

Crystal growth and structure determinations of potassium hafnates: K2Hf2O5 and K4Hf5O12

Crystals of K₂Hf₂O₅ and K₄Hf₅O₁₂ were grown from molten potassium hydroxide flux. The crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. K₂Hf₂O₅ crystallizes in the space group Pnna of the orthorhombic system, with unit cell dimensions of a = 5.780(1) Å, b = 10.640(2) Å, and c = 8.666(2) Å. This compound contains infinite chains of HfO₆ octahedra that form a channel structure. K₄Hf₅O₁₂ crystallizes in the space group of the trigonal system, with unit cell dimensions of a = 5.7877(2) Å and c = 10.3693(7) Å. This compound possesses a layered structure with six-coordinate Hf in three different coordination environments (trigonal prismatic, distorted octahedral, and regular octahedral).     

Ion exchange and electrochemical evaluation of the microporous phosphate Li9Fe7(PO4)10

A new lithium iron(III) phosphate, Li₉Fe₇(PO₄)₁₀, has been synthesized and is currently under electrochemical evaluation as an anode material for rechargeable lithium-ion battery applications. The sample was prepared via the ion exchange reaction of Cs₅K₄Fe₇(PO₄)₁₀1 in the 1 M LiNO₃ solution under hydrothermal conditions at 200 °C. The fully Li⁺-exchanged sample Li₉Fe₇(PO₄)₁₀2 cannot yet be synthesized by conventional high-temperature, solid-state methods. The parent compound 1 is a member of the Cs_9−xK_xFe₇(PO₄)₁₀ series that was previously isolated from a high-temperature (750 °C) reaction employing the eutectic CsCl/KCl molten salt. The polycrystalline solid 1 was first prepared in a stoichiometric reaction via conventional solid-state method then followed by ion exchange giving rise to 2. Both compounds adopt three-dimensional structures that consist of orthogonally interconnected channels where electropositive ions reside. It has been demonstrated that the Cs_9−xK_xFe₇(PO₄)₁₀ series possesses versatile ion exchange capabilities with all the monovalent alkali metal and silver cations due to its facile pathways for ion transport. 1 and 2 were subject to electrochemical analysis and preliminary results suggest that the latter can be considered as an anode material. Electrochemical results indicate that Li₉Fe₇(PO₄)₁₀ is reduced below 1 V (vs. Li) to most likely form a Fe(0)/Li₃PO₄ composite material, which can subsequently be cycled reversibly at relatively low potential. An initial capacity of 250 mAh/g was measured, which is equivalent to the insertion of thirteen Li atoms per Li_9+xFe₇(PO₄)₁₀ (x = 13) during the charge/discharge process (Fe²⁺ + 2e → Fe⁰). Furthermore, 2 shows a lower reduction potential (0.9 V), by approximately 200 mV, and much better electrochemical reversibility than iron(III) phosphate, FePO₄, highlighting the value of improving the ionic conductivity of the sample.     

The morphology and orientation of Mn5Si3 precipitates in an Mg-Sn-Mn-Si alloy

This paper reports a preliminary study of Mn₅Si₃ precipitates in an Mg-Sn-Mn-Si alloy. The transmission electron microscopy investigation reveals that the Mn₅Si₃ precipitates have a plate shape, approximately 50 nm in thickness and 200 nm in width. The orientation relationship (OR) between the precipitates and matrix is not unique, but all measured ORs obey the following relationship: g_{(1 0 − 1 0)Mn5Si3} // Δg₁ // Δg₂, where Δg₁ = g_{(2 − 1 − 1 0)Mn5Si3} − g_{(0 0 0 2)Mg}, Δg₂ = g_{(3 − 1 − 2 0)Mn5Si3} − g_{(0 0 0 2)Mg}. The precipitate morphology and their OR with the matrix are explained with a Δg parallelism rule, showing good agreement.     

A new borophosphate chain anion in an organo-templated iron(III) borophosphate: Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetic properties of (C4H12N2)3Fe6(H2O)4[B6P12O50(OH)2]·2H2O

The organo-templated iron(III) borophosphate (C₄H₁₂N₂)₃Fe^III₆(H₂O)₄[B₆P₁₂O₅₀(OH)₂]·2H₂O was prepared under mild hydrothermal conditions (443 K). The crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray data at 295 K (orthorhombic, Pbca (No. 61), Z=4, a=17.8023(7) Å, b=16.1037(5) Å, c=19.1232(6) Å, V=5482.3(3) Å³, R1=0.055, wR2=0.104, 6576 observed reflections with I>2σ(I)) and contains a new type of borophosphate anion: a mixed open- and loop-branched zehner single chain, , built from heptamers [B₂P₅O₂₁] interconnected by BO₃(OH) tetrahedra sharing their third oxygen corners with additional (terminal) PO₄ tetrahedra to form open branchings. The mixed open- and loop-branched single chains running along [0 0 1] are interconnected by three crystallographically independent iron coordination octahedra to form a 3D framework structure containing eight-membered ring channels running along [0 1 0] and cages, which are occupied by two crystallographically independent piperazine cations and H₂O molecules. The displacement parameters of C and N atoms in the piperazine cations are dramatically influenced by the strength of the hydrogen bond reflecting the shape of the cavities. The magnetic investigations indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions as the major components. A narrow hysteresis at low temperatures indicates a weak ferromagnetic component, due to a non-cancellation of spins.     

(Sr6N)[CoN2][CN2]2: The first low-valency nitridometalate carbodiimide

The first nitridocobaltate carbodiimide (Sr₆N)[CoN₂][CN₂]₂ has been synthesized from the elements Sr, Co, and graphite powder and NaN₃ (as a nitrogen source). The crystal structure was determined from X-ray single-crystal diffraction data as orthorhombic (space group P2₁2₁2, No. 18, a=9.8807(6) Å, b=14.6474(9) Å, c=3.8569(3) Å, V=558.2 Å³, Z=2, R₁=0.0265, wR₂=0.0383). (Sr₆N)[CoN₂][CN₂]₂ is the first low-valency 3d-transition nitridometalate containing additional [CN₂]²⁻ groups. The crystal structure can be described as an array of rocksalt-like columns of Sr and N linked via common corners and connected by [NCN]²⁻ and [Co^IN₂]⁵⁻ units located within structural channels running along [0 0 1]. The magnetic susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law with an effective moment of 3.26 μ_B consistent with two unpaired spins (d⁸, Co^I). The compound is a bad metallic conductor with a resistivity of order 1 mΩ cm at 300 K. Vibrational spectroscopic data support the existence of carbodiimide [NCN]²⁻ species. The Co K-edge X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) of Ca₅[CoN₂]₂ and (Sr₆N)[CoN₂][CN₂]₂ confirm the presence of Co^I within the complex anions.     

Structural characterization and AC conductivity of bis tetrapropylammonium hexachlorado-dicadmate, [N(C3H7)4]2Cd2Cl6

Synthesis, crystal structure, vibrational study, ¹³C, ¹¹¹Cd CP-MAS-NMR analysis and electrical properties of the compound [N(C₃H₇)₄]₂Cd₂Cl₆, are reported. The latter crystallizes in the triclinic system (space group , Z = 2) with the following unit cell dimensions: a = 9.530(1) Å, b = 11.744(1) Å, c = 17.433(1) Å, α = 79.31(1)°, β = 84.00(1)° and γ = 80.32(1)°. Besides, its structure was solved using 6445 independent reflections down to R = 0.037. The atomic arrangement can be described by alternating organic and inorganic layers parallel to the plan, made up of tetrapropylammonium groups and Cd₂Cl₆ dimers, respectively. In crystal structure, the inorganic layer, built up by Cd₂Cl₆ dimers, is connected to the organic ones through van der Waals interaction in order to build cation-anion-cation cohesion. Impedance spectroscopy study, reported in the sample, reveals that the conduction in the material is due to a hopping process. The temperature and frequency dependence of dielectric constants of the single crystal sample has been investigated to determine some related parameters to the dielectric relaxation.     

Preparation and crystal structure of a new bismuth vanadate, Bi3.33(VO4)2O2

Single crystals of a new bismuth vanadate, Bi_3.33(VO₄)₂O₂ was prepared by hydrothermal reaction using a hydrated sodium bismuthate, NaBiO₃·nH₂O as one of the starting compounds. The crystal structure was determined by using single crystal X-ray diffraction data. This compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group (#2) with a = 7.114(1), b = 7.844(2), c = 9.372(2) Å, α = 106.090(7), β = 94.468(7) and γ = 112.506(8)°, Z = 2 and the final R factors are R1 = 0.052 and wR2 = 0.14 for 2085 unique reflections. The crystal structure is composed by four bismuth atoms with the coordination number of 6 or 8 and two VO₄ tetrahedra, and one of four bismuth atoms is statistically distributed in the splitting sites with the distance of 0.83 Å. This compound exhibited photocatalytic behavior for decomposition of phenol under visible light irradiation and its activity was less than that of monoclinic BiVO₄.     

[NH3(CH2)2NH3][Co(SO4)2(H2O)4]: Chemical preparation, crystal structure, thermal decomposition and magnetic properties

Cobalt ethylenediammonium bis(sulfate) tetrahydrate, [NH₃(CH₂)₂NH₃][Co(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₄], has been synthesised by slow evaporation at room temperature. It crystallises in the triclinic system, space group , with the unit cell parameters: a = 6.8033(2), b = 7.0705(2), c = 7.2192(3) Å, α = 74.909(2)°, β = 72.291(2)°, γ = 79.167(2)°, Z = 1 and V = 317.16(2) Å³. The Co(II) atom is octahedrally coordinated by four water molecules and two sulfate tetrahedra leading to trimeric units [Co(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₄]. These units are linked to each other and to the ethylenediammonium cations through OW-H…O and N-H…O hydrogen bonds, respectively. The zero-dimensional structure is described as an alternation between cationic and anionic layers along the crystallographic b-axis. The dehydration of the precursor proceeds through three stages leading to crystalline intermediary hydrate phases and an anhydrous compound. The magnetic measurements show that the title compound is predominantly paramagnetic with weak antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of a new oxyarsenate Li0.5Ni0.25TiOAsO4

The new oxyarsenate Li_0.5Ni_0.25TiOAsO₄ has been synthesized and studied by a combination of X-ray powder diffraction, neutrons powder diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. Li_0.5Ni_0.25TiOAsO₄ crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/c space group with the unit cell parameters: a = 6.5854(3) Å, b = 7.4665(4) Å, c = 7.4969(4) Å, β = 89.884(6)°, V = 368.62(1) Å³ and Z = 4. The structure has been determined at room temperature from neutrons diffraction by the Rietveld method analysis. It is formed by a 3D network of TiO₆ octahedra and AsO₄ tetrahedra sharing corners. Structural refinement shows a partial and a statistical occupancy of 2a and 2b sites by Li⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions. TiO₆ octahedra are linked together by corners and form infinite chains along c-axis. Raman and infrared studies confirm the existence of -TiOTi- chains. Diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates the presence of octahedrally coordinated Ni²⁺ ions.     

Sub-Gap Modulated Photo Current Spectroscopy performed on Cu(Inx,Ga1 − x)(Sey,S1 − y)2 based solar cells

Sub-Gap Modulated Photo Current Spectroscopy (SGMPCS) is an excellent tool in order to investigate the band gap defect density of the absorber layer, directly on Cu(In_x,Ga_1 − x)(Se_y,S_1 − y)₂ (CIGSS) based solar cells. This technique is essentially sensitive to defect states located in the absorber layer, which has the lowest band gap of the heterojunction solar cell. It allows the determination of the σ · N(E) product, where σ is the defect Optical Cross Section (OCS) and N(E) is its Density Of States (DOS).We have developed an analytical model, allowing to derive the above product from the imaginary part of the ac photocurrent of the solar cell, under reverse applied dc bias. We have then applied this model to study the defect density of the co-evaporated CIGS (i.e. y = 1) absorber layer of a heterojunction solar cell. Two different defect distributions have been exhibited by SGMPCS, the properties of which vary with thermal annealing.Correlation with Admittance Spectroscopy allows us to derive an estimation of the defect OCS.     

Chemical preparation, crystal structure and characterization of the new sodium ytterbium cyclotriphosphate Na3Yb(P3O9)2·9H2O

Chemical preparation and crystal structure are reported for a new lanthanide cyclotriphosphate Na₃Yb(P₃O₉)₂·9H₂O. This salt crystallizes in the trigonal system, space group with the following parameters: a = 30.933(2), c = 12.8282(5) Å. The crystal structure was refined to R₁ = 0.0432 using 1782 reflections with I > 2 σ(I). In the Na₃Yb(P₃O₉)₂·9H₂O structure, the phosphoric ring anions, located around the axis are interconnected by YbO₈ dodecahedra and NaO₆ and NaO₇ polyhedra to build, around the threefold axis, large channels parallel to the c axis. All the nine water molecules in the present arrangement participate in the coordination spheres of the associated cations. The thermogravimetric analysis shows that the removal of these water molecules occurs in three stages between 305 and 736 K.The vibrational study by IR absorption spectroscopy of Na₃Yb(P₃O₉)₂·9H₂O is also reported.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of triphosphate RbPrHP3O10

Crystals of RbPrHP₃O₁₀ have been grown by the flux technique and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. RbPrHP₃O₁₀ crystallizes in the triclinic space group with lattice parameters: a = 7.0655(5), b = 7.7791(4), c = 8.6828(6) Å, α = 74.074(3), β = 74.270(3), γ = 82.865(2)°, V = 441.09(5) ų, Z = 2. The crystal structure has been solved yielding a final R(F²) = 0.0443 and R_w(F²) = 0.1426 for 1955 independent reflections (F_o² ≥ 2σ(F_o²)). The structure of RbPrHP₃O₁₀ consists of PrO₈ polyhedra and P₃O₁₀⁵⁻ groups sharing oxygen atoms to form a two-dimensional framework; the PrO₈ polyhedra form infinite chains by edge-sharing. Each Rb⁺ ion is bonded to 10 oxygen atoms, these ions are located between chains formed of (HP₃O₁₀)⁴⁻. The energies of the vibrational modes of the crystal were obtained from measurements of the infrared spectrum.     

Crystal structure of a new organic condensed phosphate (C6H9N3O)H2P2O7

Crystals of a new organic compound, the isonicotinic acid hydrazide dihydrogendiphosphate, (C₆H₉N₃O)H₂P₂O₇ (denoted INHDP) were prepared and grown at room temperature. The INHDP crystallizes in the triclinic system with the space group. Its unit cell dimensions are: a = 7.316(3) Å, b = 7.783(3) Å, c = 10.802(4) Å, α = 82.41(3)°, β = 75.19(3)°, γ = 72.57(3)°, with V = 566.3(4) Å³ and Z = 2. Crystal structure has been determined and refined to a reliability R factor of 0.0389. The atomic arrangement can be described as inorganic infinite ribbons of H₂P₂O₇²⁻ anions spreading parallel to the b-axis. These ribbons are themselves interconnected by the organic (C₆H₉N₃O)⁺ cations so as to build a three dimensional arrangement. In the present work, we describe the crystal structure, thermal behaviour and IR analysis of this new compound.     

Phase relations of the Li2O-Ta2O5-B2O3 and Li2O-WO3-B2O3 systems and promising nonlinear optical compounds in K2O-Ta2O5-B2O3 system

The subsolidus phase equilibria of the Li₂O-Ta₂O₅-B₂O₃, K₂O-Ta₂O₅-B₂O₃ and Li₂O-WO₃-B₂O₃ systems have been investigated mainly by means of the powder X-ray diffraction method. Two ternary compounds, KTaB₂O₆ and K₃Ta₃B₂O₁₂ were confirmed in the system K₂O-Ta₂O₅-B₂O₃. Crystal structure of compound KTaB₂O₆ has been refined from X-ray powder diffraction data using the Rietveld method. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic, space group Pmn2₁ (No. 31), with lattice parameters a = 7.3253(4) Å, b = 3.8402(2) Å, c = 9.3040(5) Å, z = 2 and D_calc = 4.283 g/cm³. The powder second harmonic generation (SHG) coefficients of KTaB₂O₆ and K₃Ta₃B₂O₁₂ were five times and two times as large as that of KH₂PO₄ (KDP), respectively.     

Crystal growth and structure of R2Ir2O7 (R = Pr, Eu) using molten KF

Single crystals of R₂Ir₂O₇ (R = Pr, Eu) have been synthesized using molten KF at 1373 K. The pyrochlore compounds crystallize in a cubic space group (No. 227, origin choice 2), with Z = 8. At room temperature, the lattice parameters are a = 10.3940(4) Å, V = 1122.92(7) Å³ and a = 10.274(3) Å, V = 1084.5(6) Å³ for Pr₂Ir₂O₇ and Eu₂Ir₂O₇, respectively. In this paper, we report the crystal growth of R₂Ir₂O₇ (R = Pr, Eu) and their structure determinations from single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments at temperatures of 110, 115, and 298 K.