Synthesis, structure and electrical properties of Cu3.21Ti1.16Nb2.63O12 and the CuOx-TiO2-Nb2O5 pseudoternary phase diagram

Subsolidus phase relations in the CuO_x-TiO₂-Nb₂O₅ system were determined at 935 °C. The phase diagram contains one new phase, Cu_3.21Ti_1.16Nb_2.63O₁₂ (CTNO) and one rutile-structured solid solution series, Ti_1−3xCu_xNb_2xO₂: 0<x<0.2335 (35). The crystal structure of CTNO is similar to that of CaCu₃Ti₄O₁₂ (CCTO) with square planar Cu²⁺ but with A site vacancies and a disordered mixture of Cu⁺, Ti⁴⁺ and Nb⁵⁺ on the octahedral sites. It is a modest semiconductor with relative permittivity ∼63 and displays non-Arrhenius conductivity behavior that is essentially temperature-independent at the lowest temperatures.     

Comparative XANES study on the two electron-doped high-Tc superconductor systems, (Sr,La)CuO2 and (Nd,Ce)2CuO4

Here we employ high-quality samples of (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ and (Nd_2−xCe_x)CuO₄ and XANES spectroscopy at O-K, Cu-L_2,3 and Ce-M_4,5 edges to gain comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure and doping in n-type high-T_c superconductors. Not only common but also slightly different features are revealed for the two systems. From O-K-edge spectra, the UHB is found essentially independent of the electron-doping level for both the systems, in line with our understanding that the doped electrons do not go to the O site in n-type copper-oxide superconductors. Another common observation is that the main Cu^II peak at the Cu-L₃ edge (due to transitions to the Cu^II-3d orbitals) systematically decreases in intensity upon electron doping, hence verifying the fact that the doped electrons go to the Cu site. The difference then between the two systems is that in (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ the weaker Cu^II peak due to transitions to the Cu^II-4s orbital depends on the degree of doping. Moreover, it was found that with increasing x, electron density increases much faster in (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ than in (Nd_2−xCe_x)CuO₄. This is a consequence of two phenomena: a tiny increase in oxygen content concomitant to the Ce^IV-for-Nd^III substitution and the somewhat lower Ce-valence value of +3.8 compared to the nominal tetravalent state.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of the quasi-one-dimensional compound Ca0.83(Cu1−xCox)O2

A new solid solution of the quasi-one-dimensional composite crystal, , has been synthesized under of O₂ at 830°C. The non-doped compound Ca_0.83CuO₂ consists of two interpenetrating monoclinic subsystems of the [Ca] atoms and the edge-shared square planar [CuO₂] chains. Upon increasing x, both the subsystems undergo a phase change from monoclinic to orthorhombic (M-O). The M-O change occurs at x∼0.04 for the [(Cu,Co)O₂] subsystem, while such a change occurs at x∼0.17 for the [Ca] subsystem. Magnetic susceptibility measurements show an evolution from a short-range ordered state near x=0 to a long-range antiferromagnetic state for the samples with x?0.15. The effective magnetic moment μ_eff is found to increase with increasing x from for x=0.10 to for x=0.30, suggesting that the solid solution can be regarded as Ca_0.83[Cu_0.66²⁺Cu_0.34−x³⁺Co_x³⁺]O₂, in which a mixed state of Cu²⁺(S=1/2), Cu³⁺(S=0) and high-spin Co³⁺(S=2) ions is realized.     

The electronic structure of the CuRh1−xMgxO2 thermoelectric materials: An X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study

A detailed X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study has been performed for the CuRh_1−xMg_xO₂ (x=0, 0.04 and 0.10) series for a better understanding of the role of the Mg²⁺ substitution on the electrical properties and the value of the Seebeck coefficient. This study is based on an analysis of different compounds such as Rh₂O₃, Sr₂RhO₄ and CuCrO₂ in order to characterize different oxidation states (Rh³⁺ and Rh⁴⁺ in octahedral oxygen environment and Cu⁺ in a dumbbell O-Cu-O coordination). The Cu2p signal of copper in the non-doped compounds CuCrO₂ and CuRhO₂ reveals different electronic structures. An evolution of the Cu2p core signal with the increase of Mg²⁺ content in the CuRh_1−xMg_xO₂ is highlighted by XPS. The differences observed, especially for the Cu2p core peaks are discussed for the non-doped compounds CuCrO₂ and CuRhO₂ as for the CuRh_1−xMg_xO₂ series upon Mg²⁺ substitution.     

Doping studies of the magnetic cobaltocuprate CoSr2Y2−xCexCu2O9±δ

A structural, magnetic and electronic study of the cobaltocuprate CoSr₂Y_2−xCe_xCu₂O_9±δ (x=0.5-0.8) has been performed. All materials crystallise in the orthorhombic Cmcm symmetry space group in which chains of corner linked CoO₄ tetrahedra run parallel to the 1 1 0 direction. An antiferromagnetic transition is observed for x=0.5-0.8; T_M increases with x. A change in the dimensionality of the magnetic order occurs at x=0.8 as the interchain distance increases to a critical value. There is charge transfer between the cuprate planes and cobaltate layer as Ce doping increases, so that Co³⁺ is partially oxidised to Co⁴⁺ with a concomitant reduction in the valence of Cu. Superconductivity is not observed in any of the samples and a crossover from Mott to Efros and Shklovskii variable range hopping behaviour is evidenced as x increases from 0.5 to 0.8.     

Effect of Niobium doping on structural, thermal, sintering and electrical properties of Bi4V1.8Cu0.2O10.7

Doping Bi₄V_1.8Cu_0.2O_10.7 with niobium has led to the formation of the Bi₄V_1.8Cu_0.2−xNb_xO_10.7+3x/2 solid solution. X-ray diffraction and thermal analysis have shown that only the compound with x=0.05 presents a tetragonal symmetry with a γ^′ polymorph while the other compositions are of β polymorph. The influence of sintering temperature on the microstructure of the samples was investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The ceramics sintered at temperatures higher than 820 °C present micro-craks. The evolution of the electrical conductivity with temperature and the degree of substitution has been investigated by impedance spectroscopy. Among all compositions studied the sample with x=0.05 presents the highest value of the conductivity.     

Subsolidus phase diagram of Cu2OCuOMoO3 system

Five chemical compounds, CuMoO₄, Cu₃Mo₂O₉, Cu₂Mo₃O₁₀, Cu₆Mo₄O₁₅, and Cu_4?x Mo₃O₁₂ (0.10 ? x ? 0.40), were identified in the system Cu₂OCuOMoO₃ and characterized by DTA, X-ray powder patterns, ir spectra, and magnetic properties. Cupric molybdates CuMoO₄ and Cu₃Mo₂O₉ are stable in air up to 820 and 855°C, respectively, melting at these temperatures with simultaneous decomposition (oxygen loss). Congruent mp of cuprous molybdates Cu₂Mo₃O₁₀ and Cu₆Mo₄O₁₅, in argon, are 532 and 466°C, respectively. Nonstoichiometric phase Cu_4?x Mo₃O₁₂ = Cu²⁺₃Cu⁰_1?xMo⁶⁺₃O₁₂, melts in argon between 630 and 650°C depending on the value of x and at 525–530°C undergoes polymorphic transformation. Areas of coexistence of the above-mentioned phases are determined. The μ_eff of Cu²⁺ ions and θ values are: 1.80 B.M. and 28°K for CuMoO₄, 1.71 B.M. and ? 12°K for Cu₃Mo₂O₉, and 1.74 B.M. and ? 93°K for Cu_4?xMo₃O₁₂. Below 200°K CuMoO₄ becomes antiferromagnetic. Cu₂Mo₃O₁₀ and Cu₆Mo₄O₁₅ show weak temperature-independent paramagnetism.     

The calculation of the molecular orbital parameters for the square coplanar Cu(NH3)2+4 cation in Cu(NH3)4PtCl4

The calculation of the molecular orbital parameters of the σ-bonding square-planar Cu(NH₃)²⁺₄ cation in Cu(NH₃)₄PtCl₄ is reported, involving metal—ligand and ligand—ligand overlap integrals. In order to obtain a reasonable correlation of the magnetic g- and A-values and the electronic transition energies it is necessary to use a Cu⁺ wavefunction to represent the radially expanded Cu²⁺ wavefunction in this complex.     

Phase diagram and some physical properties of V2O3+x1 (0 ? x ? 0.080)

The magnetic and electric properties of V₂O_3+x were investigated by measurements of magnetic susceptibility, electrical resistivity, magnetotorque, Mössbauer of doped ⁵⁷Fe, and NMR of ⁵¹V, and the results were compared with those of the (V_1?xTi_x)₂O₃ system or highly pressured V₂O₃. The results obtained are as follows: (1) The metallic state shows an antiferromagnetic ordering at T_N (x). The value of T_N for metallic V₂O₃, obtained by interpolation to x = 0, shows the coincidence between V₂O_3+x and the (V_1?xTi_x)₂O₃ system. (2) Magnetic susceptibility of V₂O_3+x is expressed as χ_M(V₂O_3+x) = (1?x)χ_M(V³⁺) + xχ_M(V⁴⁺). χ_M(V⁴⁺) obeys the Curie-Weiss law $\text{(χ}{}_{\mathrm{<mtext>M</mtext>}}\text{(}\text{V}{}^{\mathrm{4+}}\text{) =}\text{0.77}\text{T}\text{+ 17)}$. (3) In the insulating phase, the electrical resistivity ? is expressed as a common equation: $\text{? = 10}{}^{\mathrm{?1.8}}\text{exp}\text{(}\text{E}\text{kT}\text{)}$. This implies that the substitution of Ti or nonstoichiometry (V⁺⁴ + metal vacancies) has little influence on the carrier mobility (or bandwidth). (4) There is a critical length in the c-axis (? 14.01 Å) where the metal-insulator transition takes place. This suggests that the length of the c-axis plays an important role in the metal-insulator transition of V₂O₃-related compounds.     

Effects of the partial replacement of La by M (M=Ce, Ca and Sr) in La2-xMxCuO4 perovskites on catalysis of the water-gas shift reaction

The performance of La2-xMxCuO4 perovskites (where M = Ce, Ca or Sr) as catalysts for the water-gas shift reaction was investigated at 290 ℃ and 360 ℃. The catalysts were characterized by EDS, XRD, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS and XANES. The XRD results showed that all the perovskites exhibited a single phase (the presence of perovskite structure), suggesting the incorporation of metals in the perovskite structure. The XPS and XANES results showed the presence of Cu²⁺ on the surface. The perovskites that exhibited the best catalytic performance were La2-xCexCuO4 perovskites, with CO conversions of 85%-90%. Moreover, these perovskites have higher surface areas and larger amounts of Cu on the surface. And Ce has a higher filled energy level than the other metals, increasing the energy of the valence band of Ce and providing more electrons for the reaction. Besides, the La1.80Ca0.20CuO4 perovskite showed a good catalytic performance.     

Three-layer Aurivillius phases containing magnetic transition metal cations: Bi2−xSr2+x(Nb,Ta)2+xM1−xO12, M=Ru, Ir, Mn, x≈0.5

We report the synthesis of Aurivillius-type phases incorporating magnetic M⁴⁺ cations (M=Mn, Ru, Ir), based on the substitution of M⁴⁺ for Ti⁴⁺ in Bi₂Sr₂(Nb,Ta)₂TiO₁₂. The key to incorporating these magnetic transition metal cations appears to be the partial substitution of Sr²⁺ for Bi³⁺ in the α-PbO-type layer of the Aurivillius phase, leading to a concomitant decrease in the M⁴⁺ content; i.e., the composition of the prepared compounds was Bi_2−xSr_2+x(Nb,Ta)_2+xM_1−xO₁₂, x≈0.5. These compounds only exist over a narrow range of x, between an apparent minimum (x≈0.4) Sr²⁺ content in the α-PbO-type [Bi₂O₂] layer required for Aurivillius phases to form with magnetic M⁴⁺ cations, and an apparent maximum (x≈0.6) Sr²⁺ substitution in this [Bi₂O₂] layer. Rietveld-refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data making use of anomalous dispersion at the Nb and Ru K edges show that the overwhelming majority of the incorporated M cations occupy the central of the three MO₆ octahedral layers in the perovskite-type block. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are presented and discussed in the context of the potential for multiferroic (magnetoelectric) properties in these materials.     

Solid state studies on substituted CuCr2O4 spinel

Changes in crystallographic, electrical, and thermal properties of CuCr₂O₄ spinel were investigated by replacing Cu with Mg, i.e., Cu_1?xMg_xCr₂O₄, and Cr with Al, i.e., CuCr_2?xAl_xO₄. The tetragonal distortion in CuCr₂O₄ disappeared with 60% replacement of Cu by Mg (x = 0.6) or 50% replacement of Cr by Al (x = 1.0). The temperature variation of electrical resistivity for all the tetragonal samples was similar to that of CuCr₂O₄. The first order, diffusionless phase transition was manifest in the hysteresis loops of log ? vs $\text{1}\text{T}$ plots. The resistivity and activation energy for conduction changed sharply near the phase transition composition. With the replacement of Cr by Al, the conduction in CuCr₂O₄ was found to change from p type to n type. The low thermal stability of the spinel was found to be due to a high concentration of tetrahedral Cu²⁺ ions (>80%) and compressed tetragonal distortion which strains the spinel lattice. This strain is removed by replacing either Cu with Mg or Cr with Al, whereby the spinel becomes stable.     

Synthesis,composition, and magnetic properties of the ferrimagnetic NdCu3−xMn4+xO12 perovskite-like phases

A magnetic oxide with composition close of NdCu₃Mn₄O₁₂ with a perovskite-related cubic structure ($\text{a ? 7.30}$ Å, space group Im3, Z = 2) has been synthesized by using either the high-pressure or the hydrothermal technique. The composition is strongly dependent on the synthesis conditions. A partial reduction of Mn⁴⁺ in the octahedral sites, resulting in a partial substitution of Cu²⁺ by Mn³⁺ in the Jahn-Teller sites, leads to the actual formula Nd(Cu²⁺_3?xMn³⁺_x)(Mn⁴⁺_3?xMn³⁺_1+x)O₁₂. For the compound synthesized at 650°C/2 kbar, the value of the substitution parameter x, as determined by neutron diffraction, is 0.32. For samples synthesized at higher temperatures, larger values of x are obtained. The compound is ferrimagnetic with Néel temperature of 390 K and a spontaneous magnetization of 93 emu/g at 4 K (52 emu/g at room temperature). For larger x values, magnetizations up to 118 emu/g at 4 K are obtained.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Zn1−xSbxCr2−x/3Se4 (x=0.11, 0.16 and 0.20) single crystals

Single crystals of Zn_1−xSb_xCr_2−x/3Se₄ based on the ZnCr₂Se₄ spinel, which is known to exhibit interesting magnetic and electronic transport properties, have been prepared by solid state reaction from the appropriate selenides. Three compounds of different Sb content (x=0.11, 0.16, and 0.20) were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron scattering technique and macroscopic magnetic measurements with the aim to determine (i) stability of the cubic symmetry and (ii) influence of the Sb admixture on the magnetic properties. The results show that the Sb³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions share the tetrahedral sites in the spinel structure, while the Cr³⁺ions carrying magnetic moments, are located in the octahedral sites. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicate that in this series of compounds the chromium ions have a 3d³ electronic configuration. The three samples studied order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures, with the magnetic characteristics being hardly altered with respect to those reported for the parent ZnCr₂Se₄ compound.     

Electronic State of Vanadium Ions in Li1+xV3O8 According to EPR Spectroscopy

EPR spectroscopy is used to study the electronic state of vanadium ions in HT- and LT-Li_1+xV₃O₈. It is shown that in both cases the EPR spectra observed are attributed to vanadyl VO²⁺ ions (localized electron centers) with weak exchange interaction. The other type of registered electrons is characterized by larger mobility through a few V⁵⁺ ions, i.e., by a higher degree of delocalization (electron gas). Based on the analysis of the temperature dependence of the EPR line width, it is stated that the exchange interaction between localized electron centers proceeds through electron gas (C-S-C relaxation). It is found that HT-Li_1+xV₃O₈ differs from LT-Li_1+xV₃O₈ by the sloping form of its spectrum at g_∥ range connected with two types of VO²⁺ ions different in the direction of the crystal field axis corresponding to a short V=O²⁺ bond.     

Magnetic study of Cr ion in M2CrV3O11−x (MZn, Mg) compounds

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements on the recently synthesized vanadates M₂CrV₃O_11−x (M=Zn, Mg) have been analyzed. Two absorption lines with g≈2.0 (type I) and g≈1.98 (type II) were recorded in the EPR spectra, which can be attributed to V⁴⁺ ions and Cr³⁺ ion clusters (pairs), respectively. The exchange constant J between Cr³⁺ ions has been calculated, using both EPR and magnetic susceptibility data. Fitting of the EPR and magnetic susceptibility data has been carried out. The sign of J is a negative one for all samples and indicates antiferromagnetic interactions. Some difference in the J constant value among samples has been obtained. Volumetric titration confirms distinctly the presence of vanadium V⁴⁺ ions in the investigated compounds.     

Preparation and characterization of novel alkylviologens-intercalated vanadyl-vanadate (RV)V3O8

Various n-alkylviologens-intercalated vanadyl-vanadate (RV)V₃O₈ were synthesized with the combination of redox and ions-exchange methods. The derivative compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), FT infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-vis DRS). The XRD results indicate that the interlayer spacing increases with the alkyl chain length of the alkylviologen cations. The FTIR data shows that alkylviologens were inserted into the interlayers of V₃O₈²⁻. XPS data reveals that the vanadium ions in the intercalation compounds are mostly in a pentavalent V⁵⁺ state with some partially reduced to the V⁴⁺ state. The intercalation compounds have the strong absorption character in the ultraviolet and visible light region. Magnetic susceptibility indicates that the (ethylviologen) V₃O₈ (EV3) is antiferromagnetic and possesses an ordered magnetic structure below 15 K. Above 15 K, EV3 exhibits paramagnetic behavior and a disordered magnetic structure.     

Ln2BaZnO5 and Ln2BaZn1−xCuxO5: A series of zinc oxides with zinc in a pyramidal coordination

A series of zinc oxides Ln₂BaZnO₅ has been synthesized for Ln = Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, and Y. Theses phases are orthorhombic and isostructural with the copper compounds Ln₂BaCuO₅ previously described, as shown from the structural study of one member Y₂BaZnO₅. In this structure, whose framework is built up from edge- and face-sharing LnO₇ polyhedra, the Zn²⁺ ions exhibit an unusual pyramidal coordination ZnO₅. The solid solution Y₂BaZn_1?xCu_xO₅ has been studied by infrared spectroscopy and electron spin resonance (ESR). The distorted square-based pyramidal configuration of Zn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ is confirmed. The ESR spectra of diluted samples exhibit a hyperfine structure and are typical of individual Cu(II) ions. For higher Cu(II) contents, they exhibit an anisotropic broad signal which is interpreted in terms of CuCu interactions.     

Synthesis, structure and properties of new chain cuprates, Na3Cu2O4 and Na8Cu5O10

Na₃Cu₂O₄ and Na₈Cu₅O₁₀ were prepared via the azide/nitrate route from stoichiometric mixtures of the precursors CuO, NaN₃ and NaNO₃. Single crystals have been grown by subsequent annealing of the as prepared powders at 500 °C for 2000 h in silver crucibles, which were sealed in glass ampoules under dried Ar. According to the X-ray analysis of the crystal structures (Na₃Cu₂O₄: P2₁/n, Z=4, a=5.7046(2), b=11.0591(4), c=8.0261(3) Å, β=108.389(1)°, 2516 independent reflections, R₁(all)=0.0813, wR₂ (all)=0.1223; Na₈Cu₅O₁₀: Cm, Z=2, a=8.228(1), b=13.929(2), , β=111.718(2)°, 2949 independent reflections, R₁(all)=0.0349, wR₂ (all)=0.0850), the main feature of both crystal structures are CuO₂ chains built up from planar, edge-sharing CuO₄ squares. From the analysis of the Cu-O bond lengths, the valence states of either +2 or +3 can be unambiguously assigned to each copper atom. In Na₃Cu₂O₄ these ions alternate in the chains, in Na₈Cu₅O₁₀ the periodically repeated part consists of five atoms according to Cu^II-Cu^II-Cu^III-Cu^II-Cu^III. The magnetic susceptibilities show the dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions. At high temperatures the compounds exhibit Curie-Weiss behaviour (Na₃Cu₂O₄: , , Na₈Cu₅O₁₀: , , magnetic moments per divalent copper ion). Antiferromagmetic ordering is observed to occur in these compounds below 13 K (Na₃Cu₂O₄) and 24 K (Na₈Cu₅O₁₀).