On the existence of phases with a structure of NaZr2(PO4)3 in series of binary orthophosphates with different alkaline element to zirconium ratios

Complex phosphates M_xZr_2.25–0.25x(PO₄)₃, where M=Li, Na,K, Rb or Cs and x may be an integer or fraction from 0 to 9, have been synthesized, and their structure has been investigated. The concentration and temperature ranges of stability of the phosphate phases NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ have been found. The influence of the method for the synthesis of these phases and of the annealing temperature on their crystal properties is studied. It was found that the structure of NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ NZP] exists in the above phosphate series when 0≤x≤5 for Na and K, 0≤x≤3 for Rb, and 0≤x≤1 for Cs. N. I. Lobachevskii Nizhnii Novgorod State University. Translated fromZhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 37, No. 6, pp. 1104–1113, November–December, 1996. Translated by L. Smolina