Phase transformations in Li2WO4 at high pressure

The phase diagram of Li₂WO₄ has been determined at high pressure up to 160 kbars and a temperature of 800°C. Three new high-pressure phases have been found in the present study. Crystallographic data are given for Li₂WO₄ III and Li₂WO₄ IV by means of single crystal and powder X-ray analyses. Li₂WO₄ III is orthorhombic with the large unit cell containing 16 molecules and having the edges: a₀ = 10.12(4) Å, b₀ = 10.07(1) Å, c₀ = 11.68(6) Å. Li₂WO₄ IV has an orthorhombic unit cell with the parameters: a₀ = 4.96(7) Å, b₀ = 9.72(8) Å, c₀ = 5.93(8)Å and Z = 4. The total volume decrease is estimated to be 24.8% through the high pressure transformations in Li₂WO₄. No spinel-like structure could be found in the present study.