Thermodynamic Quantities and Defect Structure of La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ(y=0–0.6) from High-Temperature Coulometric Titration Experiments

The partial energies and entropies of O₂in perovskite-type oxides La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1−yFe_yO_3−δ(y=0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, 0.6) were determined as a function of nonstoichiometryδby coulometric titration of oxygen in the temperature range 650–950°C. An absolute reference value ofδwas obtained by thermogravimetry in air. The nonstoichiometry at a given oxygen pressure and temperature decreases with iron contenty. At low nonstoichiometries the oxygen chemical potential decreases withδ. The observed behavior can be interpreted by assuming random distribution of oxygen vacancies, an electronic structure with both localized donor states on Fe, and a partially filled itinerant electron band, of which the density of states at the Fermi level scales with the Co content. The energy of the Fe states is close to the energy at the Fermi level in the conduction band. The observed trends of the thermodynamic quantities can be interpreted in terms of the itinerant electron model only when the iron content is small. At high values ofδthe chemical potential of O₂becomes constant, indicating partial decomposition of the perovskite phase. The maximum value ofδat which the compositions are single-phase increases with temperature.     

Properties of the perovskites, SrMn1−xFexO3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3)

The SrMn_1−xFe_xO_3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3) phases have been prepared and are shown by powder X-ray and neutron (for x=1/2) diffraction to adopt an ideal cubic perovskite structure with a disordered distribution of transition-metal cations over the six-coordinate B-site. Due to synthesis in air, the phases are oxygen deficient and formally contain both Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺. Magnetic susceptibility data show an antiferromagnetic transition at 180 and 140 K for x=1/3 and 1/2, respectively and a spin-glass transition at 5, 25, 45 K for x=1/3, 1/2 and 2/3, respectively. The magnetic properties are explained in terms of super-exchange interactions between Mn⁴⁺, Fe^(4+δ)+ and Fe⁽³⁺⁾⁺. The XAS results for the Mn-sites in these compounds indicate small Mn-valence changes, however, the Mn-pre-edge spectra indicate increased localization of the Mn-e_g orbitals with Fe substitution. The Mössbauer results show the distinct two-site Fe⁽³⁺⁾+/Fe^(4+δ)+ disproportionation in the Mn- substituted materials with strong covalency effects at both sites. This disproportionation is a very concrete reflection of a localization of the Fe-d states due to the Mn-substitution.     

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.     

Synthesis and ac susceptibility of YCa2Cu3O7−δ

The bulk superconducting YCa₂Cu₃O_7−δ compounds are prepared at an ordinary pressure of oxygen by conventional solid-state reaction method. The formation of sample is tested by means of XRD and is studied for their ac susceptibility below room temperature up to 77.5 K. The samples are found single-phase orthorhombic structure and found superconducting at 83.5 K. It is shown that the analysis is consistent with published data on YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ oxide superconductor.     

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.     

Structure and Magnetism of Pr1−xSrxFeO3−δ

Crystal structure, redox, and magnetic properties for the Pr_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ solid-solution phase have been studied. Oxidized samples (prepared in air at 900°C) crystallize in the GdFeO₃-type structure for 0≤x≤0.80, and probably in the Sr₈Fe₈O₂₃-type (unpublished) structure for x=0.90. Reduced samples (containing virtually only Fe³⁺) crystallize as the perovskite aristotype for x=0.50 and 0.67 with randomly distributed vacancies. The Fe⁴⁺ content increases linearly in the oxidized samples up to x≈0.70, whereupon it stabilizes at around 55%. Antiferromagnetic ordering of the G type is observed for oxidized samples (0≤x≤0.90) which show decreasing Néel temperature and ordered magnetic moment with increasing x, while the Néel temperature is nearly constant at 700 K for reduced samples. Electronic transitions for iron from an average-valence state via charge-separated to disproportionated states are proposed from anomalies in magnetic susceptibility curves in the temperature ranges 500–600 K and 150–185 K.     

Pillaring of Layered Perovskites, K1−xLaxCa2−xNb3O10, with Nanosized Fe2O3 Particles

Nanosized Fe₂O₃ clusters are pillared in the interlayer spaces of layered perovskites, H_1−xLa_xCa_2−xNb₃O₁₀ (0≤x≤0.75) by a guest-exchange reaction using the trinuclear acetato-hydroxo iron cation, [Fe₃(OCOCH₃)₇ OH·2H₂O]⁺. The interlayer spaces of niobate layers are pre-expanded with n-butylammonium cations (n-C₄H₉NH⁺₃), which are subsequently replaced by bulky iron pillaring species to form Fe(III) complex intercalated layer niobates. Upon heating at 380°C, the interlayered acetato-hydroxo iron complexes are converted into Fe₂O₃ nanoclusters with a thickness of ca. 3.5 Å irrespective of the interlayer charge density (x). The band-gap energy of the Fe₂O₃ pillars (E_g2.25 eV) is slightly larger than that of bulk Fe₂O₃ (E_g2.20 eV) but is smaller than that expected for such a small-sized semiconductor, which can be assigned to the pancake-shaped Fe₂O₃ pillars of 3.5 Å in height with comparatively large lateral dimension. X-ray absorption spectroscopic measurements at the Fe K-edge are carried out in order to obtain structural information on the Fe₂O₃ pillars stabilized between the niobate layers. XANES analysis reveals that the interlayer FeO₆ octahedra have coordination environments similar to that of bulk α-Fe₂O₃, but noncentrosymmetric distortion of interlayered FeO₆ is enhanced due to the asymmetric electric potential exerted by the negatively charged niobate layers. Scanning electron microscopic observation and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurement suggest that the pillared derivatives are nanoporous materials with the highest BET specific surface area of ca. 116 m²/g.     

Thermodynamics of MgyU1−yO2+x by EMF measurements : II. Properties at low magnesium concentrations

Thermodynamic properties of a solid solution, Mg_yU_1−yO_2+x, at low magnesium concentrations have been investigated using the solid galvanic cell technique. The emf values were found to vary linearly with temperature in the range 850 1050 °C, from which the linear temperature dependence of partial molar free energy of oxygen, , and the temperature independence of and were derived. These thermodynamic quantities were obtained as a function of x and y. Agreement of these values with those from theoretical considerations was examined. The effect of magnesium incorporation on was expressed using of UO_2+x as

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Thermal analysis and thermal expansion studies on high density YBa2−xLaxCu3O7−δ, 0x0.2

The compositions in the YBa_2−xLa_xCu₃O_7−δ (0x0.2) system were prepared by the solid state reaction, employing a novel high-temperature oxygen sintering route. The modified sintering route yields dense slab like microstructures with large grains. The decomposition (incongruent melting) temperature of the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (Y-123) phase was found to shift to higher temperatures with increasing oxygen partial pressure and lanthanum content. Structure remained orthorhombic up to x=0.2 with a decrease in the orthorhombic strain ((b−a)/b). Iodometric titration indicated a systematic increase in the oxygen content with increasing lanthanum content. Thermo-gravimetric studies in various oxygen partial pressures revealed that the oxygen diffusion in to the YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (δ>0.5) lattice is an exothermic event and takes place at temperatures not less than 573 K. High-temperature thermal-expansion measurements in air indicated that the nonlinearity in thermal expansion behaviour was reduced by the substitution of lanthanum.     

Matrix-Inducing Synthesis of SrxY10?x(SiO4)y(PO4)6?yO2: Eu3+ Micron Crystalline Coral Like Phosphors by Sol-Gel Composition of Hybrid Precursors

In the context, Sr_xY_10−x(SiO₄)_y(PO₄)_6−yO₂ doped with 1 mol%Eu³⁺ (x = 2, y = 6; x = 4, y = 4; x = 5, y = 3; x = 8, y = 0) were synthesized by using 3-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane (APES) as the sources of the silicate network. X-ray diagrams confirm that Sr_xY_10−x(SiO₄) _y(PO₄)_6−yO₂: Eu³⁺ solid solutions are formed as a pure apatitic phase. The SEM picture shows that there exist some novel unexpected coral like morphological structures. The luminescent intensity is the strongest for the host composition of Sr₄Y₆(SiO₄)₄(PO₄)₂O₂ although the effect of the composition on the luminescent intensity is little.     

Crystal chemistry of Co-doped Zn7Sb2O12

Zn₇Sb₂O₁₂ forms a full range of Co-containing α solid solutions, Zn_7−xCo_xSb₂O₁₂, with an inverse-spinel structure at high temperature. At low temperatures for x<2, the solid solutions transform into the low temperature β-polymorph. For x=0, the β→α transition occurs at 1225±25 °C; the transition temperature decreases with increasing x. At high x and low temperatures, α solid solutions are formed but are non-stoichiometric; the (Zn+Co):Sb ratio is >7:2 and the compensation for the deficiency in Sb is attributed to the partial oxidation of Co²⁺ to Co³⁺. From Rietveld refinements using ND data, Co occupies both octahedral and tetrahedral sites at intermediate values of x, but an octahedral preference attributed to crystal field stabilisation, causes the lattice parameter plot to deviate negatively from the Vegard's law. Sub-solidus compatibility relations in the ternary system ZnO-Sb₂O₅-CoO have been determined at 1100 °C for the compositions containing ?50% Sb₂O₅.     

The oxycarbonates Sr4(Fe2−xMnx)1+y(CO3)1−3yO6(1+y): nano, micro and average structural approach

The possibility to synthesize layered oxycarbonates, with nominal composition Sr₄Fe_2−xMn_xO₆CO₃ involving trivalent manganese, with 0≤x≤1.5, is reported for the first time. The structural study of Sr₄FeMnO₆CO₃ using NPD, HREM, Mössbauer and XANES, shows that this phase is closely related to n=3 member of the Ruddlesden–Popper family. It derives from the latter by replacing the middle layer of transition metal octahedra by triangular CO₃ groups, with two different “flag” and “coat hanger” configurations. The magnetic order is antiferromagnetic and fundamentally different from the magnetic behavior of Sr₄Fe₂O₆CO₃.     

Synthesis, Phase Diagram, and Conductivity Study in a La0.5+x+yLi0.5−3xTi1−3yMn3yO3System

The stoichiometry, polymorphysm, and electrical behaviour of solid solutions of La_0.5+y+xLi_0.5−3xTi_1−3yMn_3yO₃with perovskite-type structure have been studied. Data are given in the form of a solid solution triangle, phase diagrams, XRD patterns for the three polymorphs, A,β, and C, composition-dependence of their lattice parameters, and ionic and electronic conductivity plots. Microstruture and composition were studied by SEM/EDS and electron probe microanalysis. These compounds are mixed conductors. Ionic conductivity decreases when the amount of lithium diminishes and electronic conductivity increases with manganese content.     

Sodium “stuffed” Ba2−xSrxFe4O8 ferrites: new cationic conductors

Sodium insertion in the tetrahedral layer structure of the ferrites Ba_2−xSr_xFe₄O₈ was performed by solid state reaction at 1220 K in air. Superstoichiometric oxides with the actual formula (Ba_2−xSr_x)_1−y/4Na_yFe₄O₈—y0.56; 0.60Ba/Sr1.67—were characterized by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction. The hexagonal unit-cell volume shows an increasing dependence on the sodium insertion when the Ba/Sr ratio reaches the largest values. The marked expansion of the c parameter is the likely signature of the location of the inserted sodium cations within the interlayer space. One-half of the sodium cations partly sits on the Sr(Ba) sites in octahedral coordination and the other half occupies extra octahedral and tetrahedral sites. ac conductivity measurements point to a cationic conductivity whose thermally activated regime—E_a 0.7 eV—evidenced from 570 K, is unsensitive to the sodium content. The bottleneck of the 2D sodium mobility regards the crossing of the oxygen triangular faces shared by the different polyhedra within the interlayer space.     

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.     

Dy5Ni0.66Bi2.34 and Lu5Ni0.56Sb2.44 – Substitution derivatives with the orthorhombic Yb5Sb3-type structure. Magnetocaloric effect of Dy5Ni0.66Bi2.34

Dy₅Ni_0.66Bi_2.34 and Lu₅Ni_0.56Sb_2.44 were synthesized by arc-melting and were found to adopt an orthorhombic Yb₅Sb₃-type structure. Cell parameters are a = 12.075(2), b = 9.165(2), c = 8.072(1) Å for Dy₅Ni_0.66Bi_2.34 and a = 11.6187(9), b = 8.933(1) and c = 7.8377(6) Å for Lu₅Ni_0.56Sb_2.44. Dy₅Ni_0.66Bi_2.34 undergoes a step-like ferromagnetic transition around 66 K. Magnetocaloric effect in terms of the magnetic entropy change, ΔS, reaches −3.73 J/kg K at 75 K for Dy₅Ni_0.66Bi_2.34.     

Structural and magnetic properties of the solid solution () YMn1−x(Cu3/4Mo1/4)xO3

Recently, the ferroelectromagnet YMnO₃ has been the focus of interest because it exhibits both antiferromagnetism (Néel temperature 80 K) and ferroelectricity (Curie temperature 914 K). There have been no reports of complete YMn_1−xM_xO₃ solid solutions in which substitution of the foreign M cation preserves the hexagonal P6₃cm structure. In contrast there exist several homeotypic phases with the general formula, Ln_1+nCu_nMO_3+3n (n=1 (M=Ti), 2 (M=V) and 3 (M=Mo); Ln: lanthanide). Several YMn_1−x(Cu_3/4Mo_1/4)_xO₃ compounds have been synthesized. The solid solution, from YMnO₃ (x=0) to YCu_3/4Mo_1/4O₃ (x=1) has been characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy study. For 0<x<0.9, the compounds are found to crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric structure, space group P6₃cm, of YMnO₃. The Mn-free end member, x=1, crystallizes in a complex multiple cell, the superstructure being associated to Cu³⁺/Mo⁶⁺ cationic ordering. Dilution of the Mn³⁺ magnetic array by the paramagnetic (Cu²⁺) and diamagnetic (Mo⁶⁺) cations is found to decrease the antiferromagnetic ordering temperature and it becomes undetectable for x0.5 compositions.     

Synthesis and Properties of the Mixed Hydrated Oxides V2?yWyO5 + δ < eqid2 > nH2O

Compounds of the general formula V_{2 − y}W_yO_{5 + δ} < eqid3 > nH₂O (0 < y ≤ 0.25) with the layered structure of polyvanadic acid V₂O₅ < eqid4 > nH₂O (H₂V₁₂O_{31 − δ} < eqid5 > nH₂O) have been prepared from peroxide solutions using the sol–gel process. The samples contain up to 5–8 wt% vanadium (IV). The water content changes within the range of 0.7 ≤ n ≤ 1.5 in depending on tungsten concentration. The V_{2 − y}W_yO_{5 + δ} < eqid6 > nH₂O (y ≤ 0.125) form the thin films described an interlayer distance of 11.60 ± 0.05 Å. The thermal properties, IR, and X-ray photoelectron spectra of the compounds synthesized have been studied. The thermal stability of the phases increases with the rising of tungsten content. The dehydration finishes with the forming solid solution V_2−yW_yO₅ and WO₃. The electrical conductivity of V_2−yW_yO_{5 + δ} < eqid7 > nH₂O (0 < y ≤ 0.25) powders was measured between 293 and 473 K at a relative humidity of 12%. The activation energy of conduction is independent upon the W content and equals 0.22–0.24 eV. Partial substitution of vanadium for tungsten was found to reduce the conductivity of the phases. The conductivity of the films increases with the increasing of relative air humidity and is governed by proton diffusion across the V-O-W layers.     

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.     

Subsolidus phase equilibria and properties in the system Bi2O3:Mn2O3±x:Nb2O5

Subsolidus phase relations have been determined for the Bi-Mn-Nb-O system in air (750-900 °C). Phases containing Mn²⁺, Mn³⁺, and Mn⁴⁺ were all observed. Ternary compound formation was limited to pyrochlore (A₂B₂O₆O′), which formed a substantial solid solution region at Bi-deficient stoichiometries (relative to Bi₂(Mn,Nb)₂O₇) suggesting that ≈14-30% of the A-sites are occupied by Mn (likely Mn²⁺). X-ray powder diffraction data confirmed that all Bi-Mn-Nb-O pyrochlores form with structural displacements, as found for the analogous pyrochlores with Mn replaced by Zn, Fe, or Co. A structural refinement of the pyrochlore 0.4000:0.3000:0.3000 Bi₂O₃:Mn₂O_3±x:Nb₂O₅ using neutron powder diffraction data is reported with the A and O′ atoms displaced (0.36 and 0.33 Å, respectively) from ideal positions to 96g sites, and with Mn²⁺ on A-sites and Mn³⁺ on B-sites (Bi_1.6Mn²⁺_0.4(Mn³⁺_0.8Nb_1.2)O₇, (?227), a=10.478(1) Å); evidence of A or O′ vacancies was not found. The displacive disorder is crystallographically analogous to that reported for Bi_1.5Zn_0.92Nb_1.5O_6.92, which has a similar concentration of small B-type ions on the A-sites. EELS spectra for this pyrochlore were consistent with an Mn oxidation between 2+ and 3+. Bi-Mn-Nb-O pyrochlores exhibited overall paramagnetic behavior with negative Curie-Weiss temperature intercepts, slight superparamagnetic effects, and depressed observed moments compared to high-spin, spin-only values. At 300 K and 1 MHz the relative dielectric permittivity of Bi_1.600Mn_1.200Nb_1.200O₇ was ≈128 with tan δ=0.05; however, at lower frequencies the sample was conductive which is consistent with the presence of mixed-valent Mn. Low-temperature dielectric relaxation such as that observed for Bi_1.5Zn_0.92Nb_1.5O_6.92 and other bismuth-based pyrochlores was not observed. Bi-Mn-Nb-O pyrochlores were readily obtained as single crystals and also as textured thin films using pulsed laser deposition.