Synthesis, characterization and electrical conductivity studies on A3Bi2P3O12 (A = Na, K) materials

Crystalline Na₃Bi₂P₃O₁₂, K₃Bi₂P₃O₁₂ and glassy K₃Bi₂P₃O₁₂ compounds were prepared by solid-state reaction method. The prepared samples are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. The crystalline materials are found to be orthorhombic. The electrical conductivity measurements on the crystalline and glassy samples show that at ∼373 K, the σ_DC for crystalline K₃Bi₂P₃O₁₂ (0.81 × 10⁻⁸ S/cm) is about two orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding glassy phase (1.25 × 10⁻¹⁰ S/cm). The scaling results show that the conductivity relaxation mechanism is independent of temperature.     

Crystal structure and ionic conductivity of ruthenium diphosphate ARu2(P2O7)2, A=Li, Na, and Ag, with a tunnel structure

Crystal structure and ionic conductivity of ruthenium diphosphates, ARu₂(P₂O₇)₂ A=Li, Na, and Ag, were investigated. The structure of the Ag compound was determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. It crystallized in the triclinic space group P−1 with a=4.759(2) Å, b=6.843(2) Å, c=8.063(1) Å, α=90.44(2)°, β=92.80(2)°, γ=104.88(2)°, V=253.4(1) Å³. The host structure of it was composed of RuO₆ and P₂O₇ groups and formed tunnels running along the a-axis, in which Ag⁺ ions were situated. The ionic conductivities have been measured on pellets of the polycrystalline powders. The Li and Ag compounds showed the conductivities of 1.0×10⁻⁴ and 3.5×10⁻⁵ S cm⁻¹ at 150 °C, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility measurement of the Ag compound showed that it did not obey the Curie-Weiss law and the effective magnetic moment decreased as temperature decreased due to the large spin-orbital coupling effect of Ru⁴⁺ ions.     

Structure refinement, infrared and Raman spectra of KDyP4O12

Crystals of KDyP₄O₁₂ have been grown by the flux technique and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. KDyP₄O₁₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/c space group with lattice parameters: a=7.8158(3), b=12.3401(5), c=10.4382(3) Å, β=111.053°(2), V=939.6(4) Å³, Z=4. The crystal structure has been refined yielding a final R(F²)=0.034 and R_w(F²)=0.082 for 902 independent reflections (F_o²≥2σ(F_o²)). The structure of KDyP₄O₁₂ consists of DyO₈ polyhedra and cyclotetraphosphate P₄O₁₂ groups sharing oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional framework, delimiting intersecting tunnels in which the potassium ion is located. Each K⁺ ion is bonded to 10 oxygen atoms. The energies of the vibrational modes of the crystal were obtained from measurements of the infrared and Raman spectra.     

Synthesis and properties of solid solutions of hexagonal YCu0.5Ti0.5O3 with YMO3 (M = Mn, Cr, Fe, Al, Ga, and In)

Solid solutions of the type Y(Cu_0.5Ti_0.5)_1−xM_xO₃ with a hexagonal structure were prepared for M = Mn, Fe, Cr, Al, Ga, and In. A complete solid solution could be obtained only in the case of M = Mn. The green color of YCu_0.5Ti_0.5O₃ was found to be enhanced by small substitutions of Al, Ga, and In. All compositions containing Mn were black in color. Suppression of magnetic transitions is observed upon co-doping of Cu/Ti into YMnO₃. Measurements of dielectric constant suggest some magneto-electric coupling may be present in the Y(Cu_0.5Ti_0.5)_1−xMn_xO₃ solid solution.     

Acceptor doping of Ln2Ti2O7 (Ln = Dy, Ho, Yb) pyrochlores with divalent cations (Mg, Ca, Sr, Zn)

New LANTIOX high-temperature conductors with the pyrochlore structure, (Ln_1−xA_x)₂Ti₂O_7−δ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Yb; A = Ca, Mg, Zn; x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04, 0.07, 0.1), have been prepared at 1400-1600 °C using mechanical activation, co-precipitation and solid-state reactions. Acceptor doping in the lanthanide sublattice of Ln₂Ti₂O₇ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Yb) with Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ increases the conductivity of the titanates except in the (Ho_1−xCa_x)₂Ti₂O_7−δ system, where the conductivity decreases slightly at low doping levels, x = 0.01-0.02. The highest conductivity in the (Ln_1−xA_x)₂Ti₂O_7−δ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Yb; A = Ca, Mg, Zn) systems is offered by the (Ln_0.9A_0.1)₂Ti₂O_7−δ and attains maximum value for (Yb_0.9Ca_0.1)₂Ti₂O_6.9 and (Yb_0.9Mg_0.1)₂Ti₂O_6.9 solid solutions:∼2 × 10⁻² and 9 × 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at 750 °C, respectively. Ca and Mg are best dopants for Ln₂Ti₂O₇ (Ln = Dy, Ho, Yb) pyrochlores. Using impedance spectroscopy data, we have determined the activation energies for bulk and grain-boundary conduction in most of the (Ln_1−xA_x)₂Ti₂O_7−δ (Ln = Dy, Ho; A = Ca, Mg, Zn) materials. The values obtained, 0.7-1.05 and 1-1.4 eV, respectively, are typical of oxygen ion conductors. We have also evaluated defect formation energies in the systems studied.     

Preparation, structure and infrared spectrum of NaEuP2O7

Crystals of NaEuP₂O₇ have been grown by the flux technique and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Single crystal structure of NaEuP₂O₇ has been solved, for the first time; it crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/n space group with lattice parameters : a = 5.238(2), b = 8.443(4), c = 12.486(6) Å, β = 91.404°(2), V = 552.0(4) ų, Z = 4. The crystal structure has been refined yielding a final R(F²) =0.049 and R_w(F²) = 0.138 for 1313 independent reflections (F_o² ≥ 2σ(F_o²)). In this structure, the PO₄ tetrahedral are linked by bridging oxygen to give P₂O₇ groups, these groups are connected to the EuO₈ polyhedron by sharing two oxygen corners to form three-dimensional framework in which channels are noticed and where the sodium ions are located. The frequencies of the vibrational modes of the crystal were obtained from measurements of the infrared spectra.     

Synthesis and electrochemical performance of high voltage cycling LiCo0.8M0.2O2 (M = Mg, Ca, Ba) as cathode material

New single phase undoped LiCoO₂ and doped LiCo_0.8M_0.2O₂ (M = Mg, Ca, Ba) layered oxide materials have been synthesized by a low temperature solid-state reaction. The phase purity and cation environment of the synthesized oxides were characterized using XRD and FT-IR. The particle size, nature, morphological properties and the composition of the synthesized oxides were examined by TEM and SEM with EDAX analysis. Finally, the electrochemical behaviour of the prepared layered materials was studied using cyclic voltammetry and charge–discharge cycling. LiCo_0.8Mg_0.2O₂ has better cycling results compared to all other materials. These results have also been supported by cyclic voltammograms.     

Effect of preparative parameters on the electrical conductivity of Li2SO4-Al2O3 composites

The effect of various preparative parameters, such as the size and form of alumina and also the time of sintering, on the electrical conductivity of the Li₂SO₄-Al₂O₃ composite system has been investigated. The sintering time appears to be an insignificant preparative parameter. The role of different phases of Al₂O₃ on the electrical conductivity of the composite clearly establishes that the maximum enhancement is achieved for γ-Al₂O₃. The 50 m/o Al₂O₃ composition was found to exhibit the highest conductivity, an enhancement of three orders of magnitude at 500°C. The experimental data indicates higher conduction in the space charge layer near the surface to be the possible mechanism of conductivity enhancement.     

Fluorite-like phases in the BaF2-BiF3-Bi2O3 system—synthesis, conductivity and defect clustering

A fluorite-like solid solution Ba_1 − xBi_xO_zF_{2 + x − 2z} on the basis of cubic BaF₂ was synthesised in the BaF₂-Bi₂O₃-BiF₃ system and the homogeneity range at 873 K was determined. The samples were studied by X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction, and their transport properties were measured by the complex impedance method at 300-623 K. Tendencies of variation of lattice parameters and transport properties were determined. These tendencies are discussed on the basis of a defect clustering hypothesis. Thermal treatment at 573 K of the solid solution, quenched from 873 K results in the formation of a new ordered tetragonal fluorite-like phase with lattice parameters a = 9.5355(4) Å, c = 18.151(1) Å.     

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.     

Synthesis, structure refinement at 296 K and physico-chemical characterizations of KMnHP3O10

Potassium manganese(III) monohydrogentriphosphate KMnHP₃O₁₀ was synthesized by flux method and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, crystallizes in the monoclinic system with centric space group C2/c. The parameters of the unit cell are a = 12.104(1), b = 8.287(1). c = 9.150(1) Å, β = 110.97(1)° and Z = 4. The structure was solved at 296 K using 893 independent reflections and refined until R(F) = 0.022; wR(F²) = 0.045. The atomic arrangement of the title compound consists of MnO₆ octahedra linked by hydrogentriphosphate anions to form a three-dimensional framework containing tunnels parallel to the c-axis where the K⁺ cations are inserted. The structure of KMnHP₃O₁₀ contains a single Mn site which is surrounded by typical Jahn-Teller [2 + 2 + 2] distorted octahedron. The title material has been also characterized by different physico-chemical techniques: powder X-ray diffraction, IR, NMR and CI spectroscopies and DTA-TGA-DSC thermal analysis.     

Cluster formation in Ag2O-P2O5-CdCl2 glass system

Ag₂O-P₂O₅ and Ag₂O-P₂O₅-20 wt% CdCl₂ glasses were prepared by melt quenching method and characterized with the help of several experimental techniques. Powder X-ray diffraction study indicated that the glasses are amorphous in nature. DSC studies showed that CdCl₂ doped glass is chemically more durable. Electrical conductivity and ionic transference number measurements have shown that both the glasses are ionic conductors with Ag⁺ ions as the charge carriers. The electrical conductivity of the doped glass is found to be higher than the undoped one. Structures of the glasses have been proposed on the basis of IR spectral analysis. From SEM studies it has been inferred that addition of 20 wt% CdCl₂ modifies the morphology of Ag₂O-P₂O₅ glass and in its presence formation of clusters composed of nanofibers occur.     

Performance of Ni/ScSZ cermet anode modified by coating with Gd0.2Ce0.8O2 for a SOFC

A Ni/scandia-stabilized zirconia (ScSZ) cermet anode was modified by coating with nano-sized gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC, Gd_0.2Ce_0.8O₂) within the pores of the anode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were employed in the anode characterizations. Open circuit voltages (OCVs) increased from 1.027 to 1.078 V, and the maximum power densities increased from 238 to 825 mW/cm², as the operating temperature of a SOFC with 2.0 wt.%GDC-coated Ni/ScSZ anode was increased from 700 to 850 °C in humidified hydrogen. The coating of nano-sized Gd_0.2Ce_0.8O₂ particle within the pores of the porous Ni/ScSZ anode significantly improved the performance of anode supported cell. Electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS) illustrated that the cell with Ni/ScSZ anode exhibited far greater impedances than the cell with 2.0 wt.%GDC-coated Ni/ScSZ anode. Consequently, 2.0 wt.%GDC-coated Ni/ScSZ anode could be used as a novel anode material for a SOFC due to better electrochemical performance.     

Thermal expansion properties of Ln2−xCrxMo3O12 (Ln = Er and Y)

Structures and thermal expansion properties of Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (Ln = Er and Y) have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. Rietveld analysis results of Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ indicate that compounds Er_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) and Y_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) crystallize in orthorhombic structure and exhibit negative thermal expansion, while both monoclinic and orthorhombic compounds Er_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.7 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) and Y_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ (1.8 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) possess positive coefficient of thermal expansion. The coefficients of linear thermal expansion of orthorhombic Ln_2−xCr_xMo₃O₁₂ change from negative to positive with increasing chromium content. Thermogravimetric and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to study the hygroscopicity and the phase transition temperature.     

Preparation, characterization and electrical conductivity studies of nanocrystalline La doped BaMoO4

Different compositions of scheelite type nanocrystalline La doped BaMoO₄ [Ba_1−xLa_xMoO_4+x/2, where x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4 and 0.5] samples were prepared by acrylamide assisted sol-gel combustion process. Dried gels prepared at 60 °C were heated at different temperatures and characterized using TG/DTA, XRD, FTIR and SEM-EDX techniques. From XRD patterns, crystalline phases for La doped BaMoO₄ samples were confirmed and their average crystallite sizes were calculated using Scherrer's formula and it was found to be less than 80 nm. Structure and thermal behavior of scheelite type nanocrystalline La doped BaMoO₄ samples were identified respectively using FTIR and TG/DTA measurements. Microstructure and existence of O, La, Ba and Mo elements in the La doped BaMoO₄ samples were obtained from SEM-EDX and HRTEMtechniques. The ‘d’ spacing values were obtained for different (h k l) planes and were well matched with the standard BaMoO₄. (h k l) values for different directions of planes were assigned for the observed HRTEM images and were matched with standard BaMoO₄. Grain and grain boundary conductivities were evaluated by analyzing the impedance data, using the Winfit software, measured at different temperatures.     

Synthesis and Li ion conductivity of Li2O-Nb2O5-P2O5 glasses and glass-ceramics

Glasses with the compositions of xLi₂O-(70 − x)Nb₂O₅-30P₂O₅, x = 30-60, and their glass-ceramics are synthesized using a conventional melt-quenching method and heat treatments in an electric furnace, and Li⁺ ion conductivities of glasses and glass-ceramics are examined to clarify whether the glasses and glass-ceramics prepared have a potential as Li⁺ conductive electrolytes or not. The electrical conductivity (σ) of the glasses increases monotonously with increasing Li₂O content, and the glass of 60Li₂O-10Nb₂O₅-30P₂O₅ shows the value of σ = 2.35 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at room temperature and the activation energy (E_a) of 0.48 eV for Li⁺ ion mobility in the temperature range of 25-200 °C. It is found that two kinds of the crystalline phases of Li₃PO₄ and NbPO₅ are formed in the crystallization of the glasses and the crystallization results in the decrease in Li⁺ ion conductivity in all samples, indicating that any high Li⁺ ion conducting crystalline phases have not been formed in the present glasses. 60Li₂O-10Nb₂O₅-30P₂O₅ glass shows a bulk nanocrystallization (Li₃PO₄ nanocrystals with a diameter of ∼70 nm) and the glass-ceramic obtained by a heat treatment at 544 °C for 3 h in air exhibits the values of σ = 1.23 × 10⁻⁷ S/cm at room temperature and E_a = 0.49 eV.     

Ionic conductivity of a gel polymer electrolyte based on Mg(ClO4)2 and polyacrylonitrile (PAN)

Magnesium ion containing gel polymer electrolytes based on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) have been synthesized and characterized using ac impedance measurements. The electrolyte composition having the highest room temperature conductivity was found by varying the ratios propylene carbonate/ethylene carbonate (PC/EC) and PAN/Mg(ClO₄)₂. The corresponding composition was 18 mol% PAN:64 mol% EC:14 mol% PC:4 mol% Mg(ClO₄)₂. The ac conductivity measurements were carried out from room temperature upto 70 °C with blocking (stainless steel) electrodes. The room temperature conductivity is 3.2×10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ and the activation energy is 0.24 eV over the temperature range used. The high conductivity and the low activation energy of the material could possibly be due to the liquid electrolyte, Mg(ClO₄)₂ in EC/PC trapped in a matrix of PAN, as suggested by previous workers. According to dc polarization measurements, the gel electrolyte appears to be predominantly an anionic conductor.     

Processing, dielectric properties and impedance characteristics of Na0.5Bi0.5Cu3Ti4O12 ceramics

Na_0.5Bi_0.5Cu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (NBCTO) ceramics were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method. The phase structure, microstructure and dielectric properties of NBCTO ceramics sintered at various temperatures with different soaking time were investigated. Pure NBCTO phase could be obtained with increasing the temperature and prolonging the soaking time. High dielectric permittivity (13,495) and low dielectric loss (0.031) could be obtained when the ceramics were sintered at 1000 °C for 7.5 h. The ceramics sintered at 1000 °C for 7.5 h also showed good temperature stability (−4.00 to −0.69%) over a large temperature range from −50 to 150 °C. Complex impedances results revealed that the grain was semiconducting and the grain boundaries was insulating. The grain resistance (R_g) was 12.10 Ω cm and the grain boundary resistance (R_gb) was 2.009 × 10⁵ Ω cm when the ceramics were sintered at 1000 °C for 7.5 h.