Controllable synthesis and tunable luminescence properties of Y2(WO4)3:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu, Yb/Er, Yb/Tm and Yb/Ho) 3D hierarchical architectures

Yttrium tungstate precursors with novel 3D hierarchical architectures assembled from nanosheet building blocks were successfully synthesized by a hydrothermal method with the assistance of sodium dodecyl benzenesulfonate (SDBS). After calcination, the precursors were easily converted to Y(2)(WO(4))(3) without an obvious change in morphology. The as-prepared precursors and Y(2)(WO(4))(3) were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra, respectively. The results reveal that the morphology and dimensions of the as-prepared precursors can be effectively tuned by altering the amounts of organic SDBS and the reaction time, and the possible formation mechanism was also proposed. Upon ultraviolet (UV) excitation, the emission of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):x mol% Eu(3+) microcrystals can be tuned from white to red, and the doping concentration of Eu(3+) has been optimized. Furthermore, the up-conversion (UC) luminescence properties as well as the emission mechanisms of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):Yb(3+)/Ln(3+) (Ln = Er, Tm, Ho) microcrystals were systematically investigated, which show green (Er(3+), (4)S(3/2), (2)H(11/2)→(4)I(15/2)), blue (Tm(3+), (1)G(4)→(3)H(6)) and yellow (Ho(3+), (5)S(2)→(5)I(8)) luminescence under 980 nm NIR excitation. Moreover, the doping concentration of the Yb(3+) has been optimized under a fixed concentration of Er(3+) for the UC emission of Y(2)(WO(4))(3):Yb(3+)/Er(3+).     

Na2EuAs2S5, NaEuAsS4, and Na4Eu(AsS4)2: controlling the valency of arsenic in polysulfide fluxes

The reactivity of europium with As species in Lewis basic alkali-metal polysulfide fluxes was investigated along with compound formation and the As(3+)/As(5+) interplay vis-à-vis changes in the flux basicity. The compound Na(2)EuAs(2)S(5) containing trivalent As(3+) is stabilized from an arsenic-rich polysulfide flux. It crystallizes in the monoclinic centrosymmetric space group P2(1)/c. Na(2)EuAs(2)S(5) has [As(2)S(5)](4-) units, built of corner sharing AsS(3) pyramids, which are coordinated to Eu(2+) ions to give a two-dimensional (2D) layered structure. A sodium polysulfide flux with comparatively less arsenic led to the As(5+) containing compounds NaEuAsS(4) (orthorhombic, Ama2) and Na(4)Eu(AsS(4))(2) (triclinic, P1) depending on Na(2)S/S ratio. The NaEuAsS(4) and Na(4)Eu(AsS(4))(2) have a three-dimensional (3D) structure built of [AsS(4)](3-) tetrahedra coordinated to Eu(2+) ions. All compounds are semiconductors with optical energy gaps of ～2 eV.     

Sensitization of lanthanoid luminescence by organic and inorganic ligands in lanthanoid-organic-polyoxometalates

The reaction of terbium and europium salts with the lacunary polyxometalate (POM) [As(2)W(19)O(67)(H(2)O)](14-) and 2-picolinic acid (picH) affords the ternary lanthanoid-organic-polyoxometalate (Ln-org-POM) complexes [Tb(2)(pic)(H(2)O)(2)(B-β-AsW(8)O(30))(2)(WO(2)(pic))(3)](10-) (1), [Tb(8)(pic)(6)(H(2)O)(22)(B-β-AsW(8)O(30))(4)(WO(2)(pic))(6)](12-) (2), and [Eu(8)(pic)(6)(H(2)O)(22)(B-β-AsW(8)O(30))(4)(WO(2)(pic))(6)](12-) (3). A detailed synthetic investigation has established the conditions required to isolate pure bulk samples of the three complexes as the mixed salts H(0.5)K(8.5)Na[1]·30H(2)O, K(4)Li(4)H(4)[2]·58H(2)O, and Eu(1.66)K(7)[3]·54H(2)O, each of which has been characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction. Complexes 2 and 3 are isostructural and can be considered to be composed of two molecules of 1 linked through an inversion center with four additional picolinate-chelated lanthanoid centers. When irradiated with a laboratory UV lamp at room temperature, compounds K(4)Li(4)H(4)[2]·58H(2)O and Eu(1.66)K(7)[3]·54H(2)O visibly luminesce green and red, respectively, while compound H(0.5)K(8.5)Na[1]·30H(2)O is not luminescent. A variable temperature photophysical investigation of the three compounds has revealed that both the organic picolinate ligands and the inorganic POM ligands sensitize the lanthanoid(III) luminescence, following excitation with UV light. However, considerably different temperature dependencies are observed for Tb(III) versus Eu(III) through the two distinct sensitization pathways.     

Spectroscopic properties and intense red-light emission of (Ca, Eu, M)WO4 (M=Mg, Zn, Li)

The red-emitting phosphors of (Ca, Eu, M)WO4 (M=Mg, Zn, Li) were prepared through solid-state reactions, and their spectroscopic properties were studied. After the addition of a small amount of Mg2+, Zn2+ or Li+ in (Ca, Eu)WO4, the red-light emission intensity of Eu3+ increases obviously. In the luminescence spectra of the phosphors, the predominant transition emission is 5D0-->7F2 (616nm), whereas the other emissions are very weak. The excitation spectra are composed of interweaved ligand-to-metal charge-transfer bands (CTB) of W6+-O(2-) and Eu3+-O(2-), and a few 4f excitation transitions of Eu3+. Among the 4f excitation transitions of Eu3+, there are three strong excitation lines corresponding to 7F0-->5L6, 7F0-->5D2 and 7F0-->5D1 transitions, whose relative excitation intensity ratio is seriously affected when Li+ doped in the host. The new phosphors may be applied as red-emitting phosphors for white light emitting diodes.     

Synthesis, structure, and thermally stable luminescence of Eu(2+)-doped Ba2Ln(BO3)2Cl (Ln = Y, Gd and Lu) host compounds

A new family of chloroborate compounds, which was investigated from the viewpoint of rare earth ion activated phosphor materials, have been synthesized by a conventional high temperature solid-state reaction. The crystal structure and thermally stable luminescence of chloroborate phosphors Ba(2)Ln(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu(2+) (Ln = Y, Gd, and Lu) have been reported in this paper. X-ray diffraction studies verify the successful isomorphic substitution for Ln(3+) sites in Ba(2)Ln(BO(3))(2)Cl by other smaller trivalent rare earth ions, such as Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, and Yb. The detailed structure information for Ba(2)Ln(BO(3))(2)Cl (Ln = Y, Gd, and Lu) by Rietveld analysis reveals that they all crystallize in a monoclinic P2(1)/m space group. These compounds display interesting and tunable photoluminescence (PL) properties after Eu(2+)-doping. Ba(2)Ln(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu(2+) phosphors exhibit bluish-green/greenish-yellow light with peak wavelengths at 526, 548, and 511 nm under 365 UV light excitation for Ba(2)Y(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu(2+), Ba(2)Gd(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu(2+), and Ba(2)Lu(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu(2+), respectively. Furthermore, they possess a high thermal quenching temperature. With the increase of temperature, the emission bands show blue shifts with broadening bandwidths and slightly decreasing emission intensities. It is expected that this series of chloroborate phosphors can be used in white-light UV-LEDs as a good wavelength-conversion phosphor.     

Structural study of the Li(0.5)Na(0.5)MnFe2(PO4)3 and Li(0.75)Na(0.25)MnFe2(PO4)3 alluaudite phases and their electrochemical properties as positive electrodes in lithium batteries

The alluaudite lithiated phases Li(0.5)Na(0.5)MnFe(2)(PO(4))(3) and Li(0.75)Na(0.25)MnFe(2)(PO(4))(3) were prepared via a sol-gel synthesis, leading to powders with spongy characteristics. The Rietveld refinement of the X-ray and neutron diffraction data coupled with ab initio calculations allowed us for the first time to accurately localize the lithium ions in the alluaudite structure. Actually, the lithium ions are localized in the A(1) and A(1)' sites of the tunnel. M?ssbauer measurements showed the presence of some Fe(2+) that decreased with increasing Li content. Neutron diffraction revealed the presence of a partial Mn/Fe exchange between the two transition metal sites that shows clearly that the oxidation state of the element is fixed by the type of occupied site. The electrochemical properties of the two phases were studied as positive electrodes in lithium batteries in the 4.5-1.5 V potential window, but they exhibit smaller electrochemical reversible capacity compared with the non-lithiated NaMnFe(2)(PO(4))(3). The possibility of Na(+)/Li(+) ion deintercalation from (Na,Li)MnFe(2)(PO(4))(3) was also investigated by DFT+U calculations.     

Eu3(AsS4)2 and AxEu(3-y)As(5-z)S10 (A = Li, Na): compounds with simple and complex thioarsenate building blocks

Eu(3)(AsS(4))(2) and A(x)Eu(3-y)As(5-z)S(10) (A = Li, Na) are the members of a new thioarsenate family. They feature As(5+) and As(3+) centers, respectively. The rhombohedral Eu(3)(AsS(4))(2) features a new structure type consisting of eight-coordinate Eu(2+) centers and AsS(4)(3-) anions, whereas the monoclinic A(x)Eu(3-y)As(5-z)S(10) (Li(0.73)Eu(3)As(4.43)S(10) and Na(0.66)Eu(2.86)As(4.54)S(10)) belong to the rathite sulfosalt family and are comprised of apparent [As(10)S(20)](10-) segments linked with Eu(2+) ions to give a three-dimensional network. They appear to be alkali-metal-stabilized derivatives of the putative parent phase "Eu(3)As(5)S(10)".     

Cation Size Effect on the Framework Structures in a Series of New Alkali-Metal Indium Selenites, AIn(SeO(3))(2) (A = Na, K, Rb, and Cs)

A new family of quaternary alkali-metal indium selenites, AIn(SeO(3))(2) (A = Na, K, Rb, and Cs) have been synthesized, as crystals and pure polycrystalline phases through standard solid-state and hydrothermal reactions. The structures of the reported materials have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. While AIn(SeO(3))(2) (A = Na, K, and Rb) crystallize in the orthorhombic space group, Pnma, with three-dimensional framework structures, CsIn(SeO(3))(2) crystallizes in the trigonal space group, R3?m, with a two-dimensional structure. All of the reported materials, however, share a common structural motif, a network of corner-shared InO(6) octahedra and SeO(3) groups. Interestingly, the size of the alkali-metal cations profoundly influences the bonding nature of the SeO(3) group to the InO(6) octahedra. Complete characterizations including infrared spectroscopy, elemental analyses, and thermal analyses for the compounds are also presented, as are dipole moment calculations. A detailed cation size effect on the framework structure is discussed.     

The crystal structure, vibrational and luminescence properties of the nanocrystalline KEu(WO4)2 and KGd(WO4)2:Eu obtained by the Pechini method

The luminescent nanocrystalline KEu(WO₄)₂ and KGd_0.98Eu_0.02(WO₄)₂ have been prepared by the Pechini method. X-ray diffraction, infrared and Raman spectroscopy as well as optical spectroscopy were used to characterise the obtained materials. The crystal structure of KEu(WO₄)₂ was refined in I2/c space group indicating the isostructurality to KGd(WO₄)₂. The size of the crystalline grains depended on the annealing temperature, increasing with the increase of the temperature. The average size of crystallites of both crystals formed at 540 °C was about 50 nm. Vibrational spectra showed noticeable changes as a function of size due to, among others, phonon confinement effect. Luminescence studies did not reveal significant changes for the nanocrystallites with the lowest grain size in comparison with the bulk material. The differences observed in luminescence spectra in form of slight inhomogeneous broadening of the spectral lines and increase of the hypersensitive I_0-2/I_0-1 ratio point to very low symmetry of Eu³⁺ ions and change of the polarisation of the local vicinities of Eu³⁺. X-ray diffraction, vibrational and optical studies showed that the structure of the synthesised nanocrystalline KEu(WO₄)₂ and KGd(WO₄)₂:Eu is nearly the same as that found for the bulk material. The size-driven phase transitions were established for both compounds.     

Patterning of Gd2(WO4)3:Ln3+ (Ln=Eu, Tb) luminescent films by microcontact printing route

Gd(2)(WO(4))(3) doped with Eu(3+) or Tb(3+) thin phosphor films with dot patterns have been prepared by a combinational method of sol-gel process and microcontact printing. This process utilizes a PDMS elastomeric mold as the stamp to create heterogeneous pattern on quartz substrates firstly and then combined with a Pechini-type sol-gel process to selectively deposit the luminescent phosphors on hydrophilic regions, in which a Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Ln(3+) (Ln=Eu, Tb) precursor solutions were employed as ink. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectra, as well as low voltage cathodoluminescence (CL) spectra were carried out to characterize the obtained samples. Under ultraviolet excitation and low-voltage electron beams excitation, the Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Eu(3+) samples exhibit a strong red emission arising from Eu(3+)(5)D(0,1,2)-(7)F(1,2) transitions, while the Gd(2)(WO(4))(3):Tb(3+) samples show the green emission coming from the characteristic emission of Tb(3+) corresponding to (5)D(4)-(7)F(6,5,4,3) transitions. The results show that the patterning of rare earth-doped phosphors through combining microcontact printing with a Pechini-type sol-gel route has potential for field emission displays (FEDs) applications.     

Novel red-emitting Ba2Tb(BO3)2Cl:Eu phosphor with efficient energy transfer for potential application in white light-emitting diodes

A novel red-emitting Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu phosphor possessing a broad excitation band in the near-ultraviolet (n-UV) region was synthesized by the solid-state reaction. Versatile Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl compound has a rigid open framework, which can offer two types of sites for various valence's cations to occupy, and the coexistence of Eu(2+)/Eu(3+) and the red-emitting luminescence from Eu(3+) with the aid of efficient energy transfer of Eu(2+)-Eu(3+)(Tb(3+)) and Tb(3+)-Eu(3+) have been investigated. Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl emits green emission with the main peak around 543 nm, which originates from (5)D(4) → (7)F(5) transition of Tb(3+). Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu shows bright red emission from Eu(3+) with peaks around 594, 612, and 624 nm under n-UV excitation (350-420 nm). The existence of Eu(2+) can be testified by the broad-band excitation spectrum, UV-vis reflectance spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectrum, and Eu L(3)-edge X-ray absorption spectrum. Decay time and time-resolved luminescence measurements indicated that the interesting luminescence behavior should be ascribed to efficient energy transfer of Eu(2+)-Eu(3+)(Tb(3+)) and Tb(3+)-Eu(3+) in Ba(2)Tb(BO(3))(2)Cl:Eu phosphors.     

The quantum cutting of Tb(3+) in Ca(6)Ln(2)Na(2)(PO(4))(6)F(2) (Ln = Gd, La) under VUV-UV excitation: with and without Gd(3+)

The VUV-vis spectroscopic properties of Tb(3+) activated fluoro-apatite phosphors Ca(6)Ln(2-x)Tb(x)Na(2)(PO(4))(6)F(2) (Ln = Gd, La) were studied. The results show that phosphors Ca(6)Gd(2-x)Tb(x)Na(2)(PO(4))(6)F(2) with Gd(3+) ions as sensitizers have intense absorption in the VUV range. The emission color of both phosphors can be tuned from blue to green by changing the doping concentration of Tb(3+) under 172 nm excitation. The visible quantum cutting (QC) via cross relaxation between Tb(3+) ions was observed in cases with and without Gd(3+). Though QC can be realized in phosphors Ca(6)La(2-x)Tb(x)Na(2)(PO(4))(6)F(2), we found that Gd(3+)-containg phosphors have a higher QC efficiency, confirming that the Gd(3+) ion indeed plays an important role during the quantum cutting process. In addition, the energy transfer process from Gd(3+) to Tb(3+) as well as (5)D(3)-(5)D(4) cross relaxation was investigated and discussed in terms of luminescence spectra and decay curves.     

Heterodinuclear cryptates [EuML(dmf)](ClO(4))(2)(M=Ca,Cd, Ni,Zn): tuning the luminescence of europium(III) through the selection of the second metal ion

Four heterodinuclear cryptates [EuML(dmf)](ClO(4))(2) (M=Ca, Cd, Ni, Zn) were synthesized by a two-step method (L denotes deprotonated anionic cryptand synthesized by condensation of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine with 2,6-diformyl-4-chlorophenol). The ES-MS spectra of the four cryptates and the crystal structure of [EuNiL(dmf)](ClO(4))(2) x MeCN confirm that a strict dinuclear Eu(III)-M(II) entity exits in the cryptates. The cyclic voltammetry and luminescence spectral investigations indicate that the introduction of second metal ions into the mononuclear Eu(III) cryptate result in a negative shift of the redox potential of Eu(III) and a change in luminescence intensity of Eu(III). The cryptate [EuML(dmf)](ClO(4))(2) was shown to quench the emission of Eu(III) when M=Ni and to enhance the emission of Eu(III) when M=Ca, Cd, and Zn in the sequence: mononuclear相似文献   

Explorations of new quaternary phases in the Ln(III)-V(V)(d0)-Se(IV)-O (Ln = Nd, Eu, Gd, Tb) systems

Systematic explorations of new phases in the Ln(III)-V(V)-Se(IV)-O systems by hydrothermal syntheses led to four new quaternary compounds, namely, Nd(2)(V(V)(2)O(4))(SeO(3))(4)·H(2)O (1), Ln(V(V)O(2))(SeO(3))(2) (Ln = Eu 2, Gd 3, Tb 4). The structure of Nd(2)(V(V)(2)O(4))(SeO(3))(4)·H(2)O features a 3D framework composed of the 2D layers of [N d(SeO(3))](+) bridged by the infinite [VO(2)(SeO(3))](-) chains with the lattice water molecules located at the 6-membered ring tunnels formed. The structure of Ln(V(V)O(2))(SeO(3))(2) (Ln = Eu, Gd, Tb) also features a 3D framework composed of 2D layers of [Ln(SeO(3))](+) bridged by the infinite [(VO(2))(SeO(3))](-) double chains. The 1D vanadium oxide selenite chain of 1 differs significantly from those in compounds 2-4 in terms of the coordination modes of the selenite groups and the connectivities between neighbouring VO(6) octahedra. Luminescent and magnetic properties of these compounds were also measured.     

Chemistry in Molten Alkali Metal Polyselenophosphate Fluxes. Influence of Flux Composition on Dimensionality. Layers and Chains in APbPSe(4), A(4)Pb(PSe(4))(2) (A = Rb, Cs), and K(4)Eu(PSe(4))(2)

The reaction of Pb and Eu with a molten mixture of A(2)Se/P(2)Se(5)/Se produced the quaternary compounds APbPSe(4), A(4)Pb(PSe(4))(2) (A = Rb,Cs), and K(4)Eu(PSe(4))(2). The red crystals of APbPSe(4) are stable in air and water. The orange crystals of A(4)Pb(PSe(4))(2) and K(4)Eu(PSe(4))(2) disintegrate in water and over a long exposure to air. CsPbPSe(4) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma (No. 62) with a = 18.607(4) ?, b = 7.096(4) ?, c = 6.612(4) ?, and Z = 4. Rb(4)Pb(PSe(4))(2) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam (No. 72) with a = 19.134(9) ?, b = 9.369(3) ?, c = 10.488(3) ?, and Z = 4. The isomorphous K(4)Eu(PSe(4))(2) has a = 19.020(4) ?, b = 9.131(1) ?, c = 10.198(2) ?, and Z = 4. The APbPSe(4) have a layered structure with [PbPSe(4)](n)()(n)()(-) layers separated by A(+) ions. The coordination geometry around Pb is trigonal prismatic. The layers are composed of chains of edge sharing trigonal prisms running along the b-direction. [PSe(4)](3)(-) tetrahedra link these chains along the c-direction by sharing edges and corners with the trigonal prisms. A(4)M(PSe(4))(2) (M = Pb, Eu) has an one-dimensional structure in which [M(PSe(4))(2)](n)()(n)()(-) chains are separated by A(+) ions. The coordination geometry around M is a distorted dodecahedron. Two [PSe(4)](3)(-) ligands bridge two adjacent metal atoms, using three selenium atoms each, forming in this way a chain along the c-direction. The solid state optical absorption spectra of the compounds are reported. All compounds melt congruently in the 597-620 degrees C region.     

Diversity of lanthanide(III)-organic extended frameworks with a 4,8-disulfonyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid ligand: syntheses, structures, and magnetic and luminescent properties

A sulfonate-carboxylate ligand, 4,8-disulfonyl-2,6-naphthalenedicarboxylic acid (H(4)-DSNDA), and eight new lanthanide coordination polymers {[Pr(4)(OH)(4)(DSNDA)(2)(H(2)O)(12)](H(2)O)(10)}(n) (1), [Ln(H(2)-DSNDA)(0.5)(DSNDA)(0.5)(H(2)O)(5)](n) (Ln = La(2), Nd(3), Sm(4), Eu(5), Gd(6), and Dy(7)), and {[Er(H-DSNDA)(H(2)O)(4)](H(2)O)}(n) (8) have been synthesized. Detailed crystal structures of these compounds have been investigated. Compound 1 has a 3D framework featuring the unique cubane-shaped [Pr(4)(μ(3)-OH)(4)] clusters and is a binodal 4,8-connected network with (4(16)·6(12))(4(4)·6(2))(2) topology. Compounds 2-7 are isostructural and have 2D layered structures. Compound 8 is also a 2D layer but belongs to different structural types. The luminescence behavior of compound Eu(5) shows that the π-rich aromatic organic ligands efficiently transfer the absorbed light energy to the Eu(III) ions, thus enhancing the overall luminescent properties of compound Eu(5). The magnetic properties of all compounds except for the diamagnetic La(2) compound have been investigated. In addition, elemental analysis, IR spectra, and thermogravimetric analysis of these compounds are also described.     

Surprising luminescent properties of the polyphosphates Ln(PO3)3:Eu (Ln = Y, Gd, Lu)

The optical emission properties of the lanthanoid catena-polyphosphates Ln(PO(3))(3) (Ln = Y, Gd, Lu) doped with europium were investigated. Incommensurately modulated β-Y(PO(3))(3):Eu (super space group Cc (0|0.364|0)0) and Gd(PO(3))(3):Eu (space group I2/a) show the usual emission characteristics of Eu(3+), while in Lu(PO(3))(3):Eu (space group Cc) the europium is unprecedentedly partially reduced to the divalent state, as proven by both a broad emission band at 406 nm excited at 279 nm and an EPR spectroscopic investigation. (151)Eu-M?ssbauer spectroscopy showed that only a very small part of the europium is reduced in Lu(PO(3))(3):Eu. An explanation for this unusual behaviour is given.     

Ligand design for alkali-metal-templated self-assembly of unique high-nuclearity CuII aggregates with diverse coordination cage units: crystal structures and properties

The construction of two unique, high-nuclearity Cu(II) supramolecular aggregates with tetrahedral or octahedral cage units, [(mu(3)-Cl)[Li subset Cu(4)(mu-L(1))(3)](3)](ClO(4))(8)(H(2)O)(4.5) (1) and [[Na(2) subset Cu(12)(mu-L(2))(8)(mu-Cl)(4)](ClO(4))(8)(H(2)O)(10)(H(3)O(+))(2)](infinity) (2) by alkali-metal-templated (Li(+) or Na(+)) self-assembly, was achieved by the use of two newly designed carboxylic-functionalized diazamesocyclic ligands, N,N'-bis(3-propionyloxy)-1,4-diazacycloheptane (H(2)L(1)) or 1,5-diazacyclooctane-N,N'-diacetate acid (H(2)L(2)). Complex 1 crystallizes in the trigonal R3c space group (a = b = 20.866(3), c = 126.26(4) A and Z = 12), and 2 in the triclinic P1 space group (a = 13.632(4), b = 14.754(4), c = 19.517(6) A, alpha = 99.836(6), beta = 95.793(5), gamma = 116.124(5) degrees and Z = 1). By subtle variation of the ligand structures and the alkali-metal templates, different polymeric motifs were obtained: a dodecanuclear architecture 1 consisting of three Cu(4) tetrahedral cage units with a Li(+) template, and a supramolecular chain 2 consisting of two crystallographically nonequivalent octahedral Cu(6) polyhedra with a Na(+) template. The effects of ligand functionality and alkali metal template ions on the self-assembly processes of both coordination supramolecular aggregates, and their magnetic behaviors are discussed in detail.     

Vibrational spectra of mono, di and trimethyl ammonium double sulphates of rare earths Pr, Nd, Ho and Eu

Infrared and Raman spectra of four rare earth (Ho, Eu, Nd and Pr) double sulphates have been recorded and analysed based on the vibrations of methyl ammonium cations, sulphate anions and water molecules. Formation of hydrogen bonds of the type N-H...O and O-H...O are identified in all the compounds. Bifurcated hydrogen bonds are present in the compounds with dimethyl ammonium cations. The sulphate anions are distorted and occupy a lower site symmetry in the compounds. The bands obtained for (CH(3))(2)NH(2) and SO(4)(2-) ions indicate that the structural bonding of (CH(3))(2)NH(2)Eu(SO(4))(2).H(2)O and (CH(3))(2)NH(2)Ho(SO(4))(2).4H(2)O is identical. Electronic transition bands of Eu(3+) and Nd(3+) observed in the Raman spectra of these two compounds have been identified and discussed.     

Thiophosphate phase diagrams developed in conjunction with the synthesis of the new compounds KLaP(2)S(6), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)), K(3)La(PS(4))(2), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2), K(9-)(x)La(1+x/3)(Ps(4))(4) (x = 0.5), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2), and KEuPS(4)

An alkali-metal sulfur reactive flux has been used to synthesize a series of quaternary rare-earth metal compounds. These include KLaP(2)S(6) (I), K(2)La(P(2)S(6))(1/2)(PS(4)) (II), K(3)La(PS(4))(2) (III), K(4)La(0.67)(PS(4))(2) (IV), K(9-x)La(1+x/3)(PS(4))(4) (x = 0.5) (V), K(4)Eu(PS(4))(2) (VI), and KEuPS(4) (VII). Compound I crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with the cell parameters a = 11.963(12) A, b = 7.525(10) A, c = 11.389(14) A, beta = 109.88(4) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n with a = 9.066(6) A, b = 6.793(3) A, c = 20.112(7) A, beta = 97.54(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound III crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c with a= 9.141(2) A, b = 17.056(4) A, c = 9.470(2) A, beta = 90.29(2) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound IV crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.202(2) A, b = 8.7596(7) A, c = 9.7699(8) A, and Z = 4. Compound V crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ccca with a = 17.529(9) A, b = 36.43(3) A, c = 9.782(4) A, and Z = 8. Compound VI crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Ibam with a = 18.29(5) A, b = 8.81(2) A, c= 9.741(10) A, and Z = 4. Compound VII crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a = 16.782(2) A, b = 6.6141(6) A, c = 6.5142(6) A, and Z = 4. The sulfur compounds are in most cases isostructural to their selenium counterparts. By controlling experimental conditions, these structures can be placed in quasi-quaternary phase diagrams, which show the reaction conditions necessary to obtain a particular thiophosphate anionic unit in the crystalline product. These structures have been characterized by Raman and IR spectroscopy and UV-vis diffuse reflectance optical band gap analysis.