Pyrochlore phases in the system ZnOBi2O3Sb2O5: II. Crystal structures of Zn2Bi3.08Sb2.92O14+δ and Zn2+xBi2.96−(x−y)Sb3.04−yO14.04+δ

Rietveld refinement of combined X-ray and neutron diffraction data has, within errors, confirmed the stoichiometries of two, cubic pyrochlore phases in the ZnOBi₂O₃Sb₂O₅ system. Neither phase has the ‘ideal’ stoichiometry, Zn₂Bi₃Sb₃O₁₄. One phase, P₁, is a Zn-rich, Bi-deficient solid solution Zn_2+xBi_{2.96−(x−y)}Sb_3.04−yO_14.04+δ. The other, P₂, is a Bi-rich line phase, stoichiometry Zn₂Bi_3.08Sb_2.92O_14+δ. Both structures have a mixture of Bi, Zn on the A-sites and Zn, Sb on the B-sites. However, Zn is displaced off-centre in the A-sites to achieve lower co-ordination number with realistic ZnO bond lengths. Additional structural complexities arise from: displacement of O(2) atoms; partial occupancies of O(1) and O(2) sites; partial occupancy of a third, interstitial oxygen site, O(3). Since the multiplicities of the off-centre sites are much higher than those of the ideal positions, there is considerable possibility for correlated short range order throughout the structures.     

Structure–composition sensitivity in “Metallic” Zintl phases: A study of Eu(Ga1−xTtx)2 (Tt=Si, Ge, 0≤x≤1)

Two isoelectronic series, Eu(Ga_1−xTt_x)₂ (Tt=Si, Ge, 0≤x≤1), have been synthesized and characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, physical property measurements, and electronic structure calculations. In Eu(Ga_1−xSi_x)₂, crystal structures vary from the KHg₂-type to the AlB₂-type, and, finally, the ThSi₂-type structure as x increases. The hexagonal AlB₂-type structure is identified for compositions 0.18(2)≤x<0.70(2) with Ga and Si atoms statistically distributed in the polyanionic 6³ nets. As smaller Si atoms replace Ga atoms while the number of valence electrons increases, the lattice parameters, unit cell volumes, and Ga–Si distances in this phase region decrease significantly. Although aspects of X-ray diffraction results suggest puckering of the 6³ nets for the Si-richest example of the AlB₂-type Eu(Ga_1−xSi_x)₂, the complete experimental evidence remains inconclusive. On the other hand, in Eu(Ga_1−xGe_x)₂, six different structural types were observed as x varies. In addition to EuGa₂ (KHg₂-type; space group Imma) and EuGe₂ (own structure type, space group P3¯m1), the ternary phases studied show four different structures: the AlB₂-type for Ga-rich compositions; the YPtAs-type structure for EuGaGe; and two new structures, which are intergrowths of the YPtAs-type EuGaGe and EuGe₂, for Ge-rich compositions. These two Ge-rich phases include: (1) Eu(Ga_0.45(2)Ge_0.55(2))₂ containing two YPtAs-type motifs of EuGaGe plus one EuGe₂ motif; and (2) Eu(Ga_0.40(2)Ge_0.60(2))₂ containing one YPtAs-type motif alternating with a split site at and z=0.4798(2) with ca. 50% site occupancy by Ga and Ge along the c-axis. Magnetic susceptibilities of three Eu(Ga_1−xGe_x)₂ compounds display Curie–Weiss behavior above ca. 100 K, and show effective magnetic moments indicative of divalent Eu with a 4f⁷ electronic configuration, consistent with. X-ray absorption spectra (XAS). Density of states (DOS) and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) analyses, based on first principles electronic structure calculations, rationalize the observed homogeneity ranges of the AlB₂-type phases in both systems and the structural variations as a function of Tt content.     

Influence of ceramic process and Eu content on the composite multiferroic properties of the Ba6−2xLn2xFe1+xNb9−xO30 TTB system

The present work reports the optimisation of the composition and elaboration process of Ba_6−2xLn_2xFe_1+xNb_9−xO₃₀ (0.6 < x < 1.0), a composite multiferroic below 440 K. Both firing and sintering conditions have been investigated in order to lower the two spurious phases content and to improve the ceramic quality. The Eu content has also been varied, with subsequent adjustment of cationic content to maintain charge compensation and site occupancies. The evolution of phase content, dielectric and magnetic properties has been evaluated with respect to these parameters. It was found that optimal processing parameters allow a significant improvement of dielectric properties but leave magnetic properties unaffected. Eu content modification impacts both the dielectric and magnetic properties of the TTB samples and changes their dielectric behaviour from ferroelectric to relaxor.     

Mesoporous mesocrystal Ce1−xZrxO2 with enhanced catalytic property for CO conversion

Novel mesoporous mesocrystal Ce_1−xZr_xO₂ was synthesized using acetate salt as inorganic species and P123 as surfactant. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the wall framework consists of a single phase based on the face-centered cubic CeO₂ and the nanocrystals are highly oriented with the crystal axis [001] parallel to the pore channel if the Zr⁴⁺ molar fraction x is 0.3 or less. However, when the Zr⁴⁺ molar fraction is larger than 0.3, a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phases forms and the preferential crystal orientation disappears as revealed by XRD and Raman measurements. The formation mechanism is ascribed to the oriented attachment following the manner of coherent interface. The single phase solid solution at Zr⁴⁺ molar fraction 0.3 demonstrates the best catalytic performance for CO conversion due to the unique mesoporous mesocrystal structure with dominant exposure of highly active {200} planes and an enhanced redox property caused by adequate Zr⁴⁺ incorporation.     

Non-stoechiométrie dans le système FeF3---ZrF4

The FeF₃---ZrF₄ system has been investigated using X-ray diffraction, micro-DTA, magnetic measurements, and Mössbauer spectroscopy. At 850°C two solid solutions with formulas Fe_1−xZr_xF_3+x have been obtained, which are based on the VF₃ type for 0 ≤ x < 0.10 and on the ReO₃ type for 0.10 ≤ x ≤ 0.23, respectively. A phase transition occurs in the VF₃-type domain: the transition temperature decreases with increasing x. All phases exhibit an antiferromagnetic behavior. The thermal variation of Mössbauer parameters has been studied for x = 0.05 and x = 0.23 as well as their variation vs composition at 300 K. The magnetic behavior is discussed on the basis of the structural data presently available.     

Efficient UV-emitting X-ray phosphors: octahedral Zr(PO4)6 luminescence centers in potassium hafnium–zirconium phosphates K2Hf1−xZrx(PO4)2 and KHf2(1−x)Zr2x(PO4)3

Potassium hafnium–zirconium phosphates, K₂Hf_1−xZr_x(PO₄)₂ and KHf_2(1−x)Zr_2x(PO₄)₃, are broad-band UV-emitting phosphors. At room temperature, they have emission peak maxima at approximately 322 and 305 nm, respectively, under 30 kV peak molybdenum X-ray excitation. Both phosphors demonstrate luminescence efficiencies that make them up to 60% as bright as commercially available CaWO₄ Hi-Plus. The solid-state and flux synthesis conditions, and X-ray excited UV luminescence of these two phosphors are discussed. Even though the two compounds have different atomic structures, they contain zirconium in the same active luminescence environment as that found in highly efficient UV-emitting BaHf_1−xZr_x(PO₄)₂. All the three materials have hafnium and zirconium in octahedral coordination via oxygen-atom corner sharing with six separate PO₄ tetrahedra. This octahedral Zr(PO₄)₆ moiety appears to be an important structural element for efficient X-ray excited luminescence, as are the edge-sharing octahedral TaO₆ chains for tantalate emission.     

Insulator–metal transition in Nd0.8Na0.2Mn(1−x)CoxO3 perovskites

The electric and magnetic properties of the perovskites Nd_0.8Na_0.2Mn_(1−x)Co_xO₃ (0x0.2) prepared by the usual ceramic procedure were investigated. The insulator-to-metal-like (IM) transition, closely related to a ferromagnetic arrangement, was revealed for the composition of x=0.04 and a similar tendency was detected for x=0. The insulating behavior persists down to low temperatures for higher contents of cobalt ions in spite of the transition to the bulk ferromagnetism. The properties are interpreted in terms of the steric distortion, tilting of the Mn(Co)O₆ octahedra and the double-exchange interactions of the type Mn³⁺–O²⁻–Mn⁴⁺and Mn^3.5+δ–O²⁻–Co²⁺, respectively. Presence of antiferromagnetic domains in the ferromagnetic matrix for the most of cobalt-substituted samples is supposed.     

The ternary system cerium–palladium–silicon

Phase relations in the ternary system Ce–Pd–Si have been established for the isothermal section at 800 °C based on X-ray powder diffraction and EMPA techniques on about 130 alloys, which were prepared by arc-melting under argon or powder reaction sintering. Eighteen ternary compounds have been observed to participate in the phase equilibria at 800 °C. Atom order was determined by direct methods from X-ray single-crystal counter data for the crystal structures of τ₈—Ce₃Pd₄Si₄ (U₃Ni₄Si₄-type, Immm; a=0.41618(1), b=0.42640(1), c=2.45744(7) nm), τ₁₆—Ce₂Pd₁₄Si (own structure type, P4/nmm; a=0.88832(2), c=0.69600(2) nm) and also for τ₁₈—CePd_1−xSi_x (x=0.07; FeB-type, Pnma; a=0.74422(5), b=0.45548(3), c=0.58569(4) nm). Rietveld refinements established the atom arrangement in the structures of τ₅—Ce₃PdSi₃ (Ba₃Al₂Ge₂-type, Immm; a=0.41207(1), b=0.43026(1), c=1.84069(4) nm) and τ₁₃—Ce_3−xPd_20+xSi₆ (0≤x≤1, Co₂₀Al₃B₆-type, Fm3¯m; a=1.21527(2) nm). The ternary compound Ce₂Pd₃Si₃ (structure-type Ce₂Rh_1.35Ge_4.65, Pmmn; a=0.42040(1), b=0.42247(1), c=1.72444(3) nm) was detected as a high-temperature compound, however, does not participate in the equilibria at 800 °C. Phase equilibria in Ce–Pd–Si are characterized by the absence of cerium solubility in palladium silicides. Mutual solubility among cerium silicides and cerium–palladium compounds are significant whereby random substitution of the almost equally sized atom species palladium and silicon is reflected in extended homogeneous regions at constant Ce-content such as for τ₂—Ce(Pd_xSi_1−x)₂ (AlB₂-derivative type), τ₆—Ce(Pd_xSi_1−x)₂ (ThSi₂-type) and τ₇—CePd_2−xSi_2+x. The crystal structures of compounds τ₄—Ce_~8Pd_~46Si_~46, τ₁₂—Ce_~29Pd_~49Si_~22, τ₁₅—Ce_~22Pd_~67Si_~11, τ₁₇—Ce_~5Pd_~77Si_~18 and τ₁₈—CePd_1−xSi_x (x~0.1) are still unknown.     

Crystal chemistry, modulated structure, and electrical conductivity in the oxygen excess scheelite-based compounds La1−xThxNbO4+x/2 and LaNb1−xWxO4+x/2

For La_1−xTh_xNbO_4+x/2, three phases with broad homogeneity regions occur, for 0.075 ≤ x ≤ 0.37, 0.41 < x < 0.61, and 0.65 ≤ x ≤ 0.74. All are related to the scheelite structure type, with at least the first exhibiting an incommensurate structural modulation. An analogous structurally modulated phase was found for LaNb_1−xW_xO_4+x/2 for 0.11 ≤ x ≤ 0.22. Additional phases occur at La_0.2Th_0.8NbO_4.4 and LaNb_0.4W_0.6O_4.3. The electrical conductivity and the direction and wavelength of the structural modulation have been characterized for the La_1−xTh_xNbO_4+x/2 phase with 0.075 ≤ x ≤ 0.37.     

Mössbauer studies of thiospinels. V. The systems Cu1−xFexMe2S4 (Me = Cr, Rh) and Cu1−xFexCr2(S0.7Se0.3)4

With the exception of FeRh₂S₄, powder samples of all systems studied have been obtained as spinel phase without essential impurities. The lattice constants follow Vegard's law. From the Seebeck coefficients and the Mössbauer spectra the valence distribution Cu¹⁺_1−xFe²⁺_2x−1Fe³⁺_1−x[Me³⁺₂]X²⁻₄ is derived for 0.5 x 1, while there is only Fe³⁺ present for 0 < x 0.5. Samples with the overall composition FeRh₂S₄ contain mostly Rh₂S₃ and iron sulfide phases, but less than 20% of a spinel phase.     

Synthesis and structure analysis of tetragonal Li7La3Zr2O12 with the garnet-related type structure

We have successfully synthesized a high-purity polycrystalline sample of tetragonal Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂. Single crystals have been also grown by a flux method. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis verifies that tetragonal Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ has the garnet-related type structure with a space group of I4₁/acd (no. 142). The lattice constants are a=13.134(4) Å and c=12.663(8) Å. The garnet-type framework structure is composed of two types of dodecahedral LaO₈ and octahedral ZrO₆. Li atoms occupy three crystallographic sites in the interstices of this framework structure, where Li(1), Li(2), and Li(3) atoms are located at the tetrahedral 8a site and the distorted octahedral 16f and 32g sites, respectively. The structure is also investigated by the Rietveld method with X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. These diffraction patterns are identified as the tetragonal Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ structure determined from the single-crystal data. The present tetragonal Li₇La₃Zr₂O₁₂ sample exhibits a bulk Li-ion conductivity of σ_b=1.63×10⁻⁶ S cm⁻¹ and grain-boundary Li-ion conductivity of σ_gb=5.59×10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ at 300 K. The activation energy is estimated to be E_a=0.54 eV in the temperature range of 300–560 K.     

Mössbauer study of the FeV2O4---Fe3O4 system

Mössbauer spectra of the Fe_1+xV_2−xO₄ spinel solid solutions are taken to investigate the cation distribution. Room temperature spectra can be interpreted by assuming that the cation distribution is represented approximately as Fe²⁺[Fe³⁺_xV³⁺_2−x]O₄ for 0 x 0.35 and Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺Fe³⁺_x−1V³⁺_2−x]O₄ for 1 x 2 and the ionic valence arrangement changes from the 2-3-3 type (Fe²⁺[Fe³⁺_xV³⁺_2−x]O₄) to the 3-2-3 one (Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺V³⁺]O₄) in the range 0.35 x 1. Fe₂VO₄ is found to be 3-2-3 spinel, Fe³⁺[Fe²⁺V³⁺]O₄. Its paramagnetic spectrum at 473°K is, however, composed of a broad single line with isomer shift value of 0.61 mm/sec relative to stainless steel, in which the line splitting due to the ferric and ferrous ions is rendered indistinguishable.     

Tunneled Intergrowth Structures in the Ga2O3–In2O3–SnO2 System

The structures of several Ga₂O₃–In₂O₃–SnO₂ phases were investigated using high-resolution electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Rietveld analysis of time-of-flight neutron diffraction data. The phases, expressed as Ga_4−4xIn_4xSn_n−4O_2n−2 (n=6 and 7–17, odd), are intergrowths between the β-gallia structure of (Ga,In)₂O₃ and the rutile structure of SnO₂. Samples prepared with n≥9 crystallize in C2/m and are isostructural with intergrowths in the Ga₂O₃–TiO₂ system. Samples prepared with n=6 and n=7 are members of an alternative intergrowth series that crystallizes in P2/m. Both intergrowth series are similar in that their members possess 1-D tunnels along the b axis. The difference between the two series is described in terms of different crystallographic shear plane operations (CSP) on the parent rutile structure.     

A study of the perovskite solid solution series LaxSr1−xRuO3 and LaxCa1−xRuO3 by ruthenium-99 Mössbauer spectroscopy

The magnetic, electronic, and structural properties of the solid solutions La_xSr_1−xRuO₃ and La_xCa_1−xRuO₃ have been studied by ⁹⁹Ru Mössbauer spectroscopy and other techniques. The La_xCa_1−xRuO₃ phases are reported for the first time and have been shown by powder X-ray diffraction measurements to be orthorhombically distorted perovskites. Electrical resistivity measurements on compacted powders show that all the phases are metallic with p 10⁻³, ohm-cm. Progressive substitution of Sr²⁺ by La³⁺ in ferromagnetic SrRuO₃ leads to a rapid collapse of the magnetic hyper-fine splitting at 4.2°K. For x = 0.25 some ruthenium ions still experience a magnetic field but for 0.4 x 0.75 only single, narrow resonance lines are observed, consistent both with the complete removal of the ferromagnetism and with the presence of an averaged ruthenium oxidation state in each phase, i.e., La_x³⁺Sr_1−x²⁺Ru^(4−x)+O₃ rather than La_x³⁺Sr_1−x²⁺Ru_x³⁺Ru_1−x⁴⁺O₃. LaRuO₃ and CaRuO₃ both give essentially single-line spectra at 4.2°K, indicating that the ruthenium ions in these oxides are not involved in long-range antiferromagnetic order but are paramagnetic. The solid solutions La_xCa_1−xRuO₃ (0 < x 0.6) give sharp symmetrical singlets with chemical isomer shifts (relative to the Ru metal) which move progressively from the value characteristic of Ru⁴⁺ (−0.303 mm sec⁻¹) toward the value for Ru³⁺ (−0.557 mm sec⁻¹), consistent with the presence of intermediate ruthenium oxidation states in these phases also.     

The structure Tl3SbS3, Tl3SbSe3, Tl3SbS3−xSex, and Tl3SbyAs1−ySe3

The space group symmetry and crystal structure of Tl₃SbS_3−xSe_x compounds in the composition range 0 < x < 3 have been determined by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The incongruently melting compound Tl₃SbSe₃ has been shown to crystallize in cubic space group P2₁3 with a = 9.435Å in a structure related to that of Langbeinite. The convergent beam electron diffraction pattern of Tl₃SbS₃ is in accord with the space group R3m determined by X-ray diffraction. The cubic Langbeinite-type structure is found for Tl₃SbS_3−xSe_x for 0.5 < x < 3 and for Tl₃Sb_yAs_1−ySe₃ for 0.077 < y < 1.0. A five-component compound Tl₃Sb_0.5As_0.5Se_1.5S_1.5 was also found to be cubic.     

Influence of the Mg-content on the cation distribution in cubic MgxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles

The influence of the Mg-content on the structural and magnetic properties of cubic Mg_xFe_3−xO₄ nanoparticles prepared by combustion reaction was investigated using X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Lattice parameter, nanoparticle size, and cation (Mg²⁺, Fe³⁺) distribution were quantified as a function of the Mg-content in the range 0.5≤x≤1.5. We found a mixed-like spinel structure at the smaller x-value end whereas the inverse-like spinel structure dominates samples with larger x-values. Moreover, in the x-value range investigated (0.5≤x≤1.5) we found no change in the quadrupole splitting and isomer shift values, though the hyperfine field decreases as the x-value increases. The splitting of the A_1g Raman mode was used to both quantify the Mg²⁺/Fe³⁺ contents in the tetrahedral site and obtain the cation distribution in the Mg_xFe_3−xO₄ structure. The cation distribution obtained from the Raman data is in very good agreement with the cation distribution obtained from the Mössbauer data.     

Preparation and characterization of lithium ion-conducting glass-ceramics in the Li1 + xCrxGe2 − x(PO4)3 system

Li₂O–Cr₂O₃–GeO₂–P₂O₅ based glasses were synthesized by a conventional melt-quenching method and successfully converted into glass-ceramics through heat treatment. Experimental results of DTA, XRD, ac impedance techniques and FESEM indicated that Li_1.4Cr_0.4Ge_1.6(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramics treated at 900 °C for 12 h in the Li_1 + xCr_xGe_2 − x(PO₄)₃ (x = 0–0.8) system exhibited the best glass stability against crystallization and the highest ambient conductivity value of 6.81 × 10⁻⁴ S/cm with an activation energy as low as 26.9 kJ/mol. In addition, the Li_1.4Cr_0.4Ge_1.6(PO₄)₃ glass-ceramics displayed good chemical stability against lithium metal at room temperature. The good thermal and chemical stability, excellent conducting property, easy preparation and low cost make it promising to be used as solid-state electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium batteries.     

Effect of GeIon on Electrical Properties of (La0.1Ca0.9)(Mn1−xGex)O3

Orthorhombic perovskite-type (La_0.1Ca_0.9)(Mn_1−xGe_x)O₃was synthesized in the range (0.00≤x≤0.10). Since the ionic radius of the Ge⁴⁺ion is equal to that of the Mn⁴⁺ion, the (Mn, Ge)–O(1, 2) distances and the angles for (Mn, Ge)–O(1, 2)–(Mn, Ge) are independent of the composition (x). From the measurement of the electrical resistivity (ρ), all manganates exhibit a metal–insulator transition. With increasingx, the metal–insulator transition temperature (T_t) increases anddρ/dTdecreases. The cation–anion–cation overlap integrals are weakened by the Ge⁴⁺ion.     

Structural, magnetic, and thermal characteristics of the phase transitions in Gd5GaxGe4−x magnetocaloric materials

Temperature-dependent, single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction studies as well as magnetization, and heat capacity measurements were carried out on two phases of the Gd₅Ga_xGe_4−x system: for x=0.7 and 1.0. Gd₅Ga_0.7Ge_3.3 shows three structure types as a function of temperature: (i) from 165 K to room temperature, the orthorhombic Sm₅Ge₄-type structure exists; (ii) below 150 K, it transforms to a orthorhombic Gd₅Si₄-type structure; and (iii) a monoclinic Gd₅Si₂Ge₂-type component is observed for the intermediate temperature range of 150 K≤T≤165 K. This is the first time that all these three structure types have been observed for the same composition. For Gd₅Ga_1.0Ge_3.0, the room temperature phase belongs to the orthorhombic Pu₅Rh₄-type structure with interslab contacts between main group atoms of 2.837(4) Å. Upon heating above 523 K, it transforms to a Gd₅Si₄-type structure with this distance decreasing to 2.521(7) Å before decomposing above 573 K.     

Effect of Transition Metals (Cu, Co and Fe) on the Autothermal Reforming of Methane over Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.7Oδ Catalyst

The transition metals (Cu, Co, and Fe) were applied to modify Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1 Al0.7Oδcatalyst. The effects of transition metals on the catalytic properties of Ni/Ce0.2Zr0.1 Al0.7Oδautothermal reforming of methane were investigated. The Ni-supported catalysts were characterized by XRD, TPR and XPS. Tests in autothermal reforming of methane to hydrogen showed that the addition of transition metals (Cu and Co) significantly increased the activity of catalyst under the conditions of lower reaction temperature, and Ni/Cu0.05Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.65Oδwas found to have the highest conversion of CH4 among all catalysts in the operation temperatures ranging from 923 K to 1023 K. TPR, XRD and XPS measurements indicated that the cubic phases of CexZr1-xO2 solid solution were formed in the preparation process of catalysts. Strong interaction was found to exist between NiO and CexZr1-xO2 solid solution. The addition of Cu improved the dispersion of NiO, inhibited the formation of NiAl2O4, and thus significantly promoted the activity of the catalyst Ni/Cu0.05Ce0.2Zr0.1Al0.65Oδ.