Nonstoichiometry,point defects and magnetic properties in Sr2FeMoO6−δ double perovskites

The phase stability, nonstoichiometry and point defect chemistry of polycrystalline Sr₂FeMoO_6?δ (SFMO) was studied by thermogravimety at 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C. Single-phase SFMO exists between ?10.2≤log pO₂≤?13.7 at 1200 °C. At lower oxygen partial pressure a mass loss signals reductive decomposition. At higher pO₂ a mass gain indicates oxidative decomposition into SrMoO₄ and SrFeO_3?x. The nonstoichiometry δ at 1000, 1100, and 1200 °C was determined as function of pO₂. SFMO is almost stoichiometric at the upper phase boundary (e.g. δ=0.006 at 1200 °C and log pO₂=?10.2) and becomes more defective with decreasing oxygen partial pressure (e.g. δ=0.085 at 1200 °C and log pO₂=?13.5). Oxygen vacancies are shown to represent majority defects. From the temperature dependence of the oxygen vacancy concentration the defect formation enthalpy was estimated (ΔH_OV=253±8 kJ/mol). Samples of different nonstoichiometry δ were prepared by quenching from 1200 °C at various pO₂. An increase of the unit cell volume with increasing defect concentration δ was found. The saturation magnetization is reduced with increasing nonstoichiometry δ. This demonstrates that in addition to Fe/Mo site disorder, oxygen nonstoichiometry is another source of reduced magnetization values.     

Structure,nonstoichiometry and magnetic properties of the perovskites Sr1−xCaxMnO3−δ

The structural, thermal and magnetic properties of the perovskite-type alkaline-earth manganites of the series Sr_1−xCa_xMnO_3−δ (0⩽x⩽1) were investigated. SrMnO_3−δ forms a hexagonal perovskite lattice and shows a first-order transformation to a highly defective cubic high-temperature modification. By substituting Ca for Sr (x>0.25) the hexagonal perovskite is suppressed and a cubic (or orthorhombic) lattice becomes stabilized for all temperatures. For x=0.5 and 0.75 cubic perovskites with a large nonstoichiometry (e.g., δ=0.25 for x=0.5) are obtained at 1400 °C. The defective perovskites are prepared by either quenching from high temperature or by cooling in an inert atmosphere. The oxygen vacancies are easily filled by subsequent reoxidation at low temperature (400–600 °C) and stoichiometric samples are obtained. Orthorhombic perovskites are formed at T⩽1200 °C with the nonstoichiometry δ increasing with increasing temperature (e.g., δ=0.06 at 1000 °C and δ=0.14 at 1200 °C for x=0.5). Slow cooling in air results in almost complete reoxidation (δ=0). CaMnO_3−δ is an orthorhombic perovskite with a large range of nonstoichiometry (0⩽δ⩽0.30). The cubic to hexagonal phase transformation of the Sr-rich samples is accompanied by a large expansion of the lattice that is reduced by Ca substitution. The Ca/Sr-manganites are antiferromagnets with T_N of 170 K for x=0.5 and δ=0.02 and 120 K for x=1 and δ=0.05.     

Electron doping versus antisite defects: Structural and magnetic properties of Sr2−xLaxCrMoO6 and Sr2−xLaxCr1+x/2Mo1−x/2O6 perovskites

This study reports the synthesis, structure and magnetic properties of Sr_2?xLa_xCrMoO₆ and Sr_2?xLa_xCr_1+x/2Mo_1?x/2O₆ samples. Although both series exhibit similar crystal structures, Sr_2?xLa_xCrMoO₆ samples present an effective electron doping revealed by a significant expansion of the unit cell with increasing x. In Sr_2?xLa_xCr_1+x/2Mo_1?x/2O₆ samples instead, the Cr-excess leads to a non electron doped system. Both series show a large amount of antisite defects whose number increases as La-content increases. Neutron diffraction patterns reveal the existence of long-range magnetic ordering for all samples but the magnetic peaks are very broad for Sr₂CrMoO₆ indicating a short coherence length of the magnetic ordering. This coherence length is increased upon replacing Sr by La. In both systems there is a clear increase of the magnetic transition temperature with increasing the La-content. The samples show ferromagnetic contributions at low temperature as deduced from the magnetic hysteresis loops typical of hard ferromagnetic materials. However, magnetic saturation is not achieved even at 5 T and the magnetic moment at this field is small. The ac magnetic susceptibility reveals the existence of several anomalies suggesting that these compounds are magnetically inhomogeneous. This is probably due to the presence of the large amount of structural defects not homogenously distributed.     

Synthesis,structure, and properties of randomly mixed and layer-ordered SrMn1−xGaxO3−δ perovskites

We report the synthesis of SrMn_1−xGa_xO_3−δ perovskite compounds and describe the dependence of their phase stability and structural and physical properties over extended cation and oxygen composition ranges. Using special synthesis techniques, we have extended the solubility limit of Ga³⁺ in the cubic perovskite phase to x≈0.33. Higher Ga concentrations lead to mixed phases until a single-phase ordered double-perovskite structure is obtained at x=0.5, i.e., Sr₂MnGaO_6−δ. In the cubic perovskite phase the maximum oxygen content is 3−x/2, which corresponds to 100% Mn⁴⁺. All maximally oxygenated solid solution compounds are found to order antiferromagnetically, with the transition temperature linearly decreasing as Ga content increases. Reducing the oxygen content introduces frustration into the magnetic system and a spin-glass state is observed for SrMn_0.7Ga_0.3O_2.5 below 30 K. The brownmillerite phase at low oxygen content, Sr₂MnGaO₅, is found to have Icmm crystallographic symmetry. At 12 K its magnetic structure is found to order in the Icm′m′ magnetic symmetry corresponding to a G-type antiferromagnetic structure of Mn³⁺ ions. At higher oxygen content, Sr₂MnGaO_5.5 is found to have Cmmm crystallographic symmetry with disordered oxygen vacancies. At 12 K two competing long-range magnetic structures are found for the Mn⁴⁺ sublattice having C_Im′m′m symmetry (G-type), and C_Pm′m′m symmetry (C-type), together with a G-type short-range magnetic correlations.     

Synthesis,transport and magnetic studies of superconducting Y1−xNaxCa2Cu3O7−δ system

A series of oxides with chemical formula Y_1?xNa_xCa₂Cu₃O_7?δ (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 & 0.4) have been synthesized by solid-state diffusion method. The influence of substitution of Na with different Y concentrations has been studied using XRD, electrical resistivity and ac magnetic susceptibility measurements. The formation is checked by XRD and all samples found to crystallize in a single phase with orthorhombic structure, isostructural to YCa₂Cu₃O₇. The substitution of Na at Y site has a distinct effect on the superconducting properties of the oxides. With increase in Na content the critical temperature decreases. The resistivity of the compound above T_c is in the range of semiconductors but the behavior is metallic.     

Self‐assembled diols: synthesis,structure and dielectric studies

In single‐, double‐, and triple‐chain amphiphilic diols the CONH group was replaced by CON(CH₃) in order to reduce the number of proton donor groups available for intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The resulting three new liquid crystalline diols were studied by DSC, X‐ray and dielectric measurements, and show the mesophases SmA, Col_H2 or Cub_I2, depending on the number of decyloxy groups in the hydrophobic part of the molecule. The process of self‐assembly to different liquid crystalline phases is well seen in the dielectric spectrum and details of this process are discussed together with results from the X‐ray measurements. All the compounds show a high frequency dielectric absorption caused by the dynamics of the network of hydrogen bonds. An additional low frequency process related to the internal dynamics of the columns is seen only in the columnar phase.     

Sol–gel synthesis of nanocrystalline Zn1−xNixFe2O4 ceramics and its structural,magnetic and dielectric properties

Zn_1?xNi_xFe₂O₄ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 1.0) nanoparticles are prepared by sol–gel method using urea as a neutralizing agent. The evaluation of XRD patterns and TEM images indicated fine particle nature. The average crystallite size increased from 10 to 24 nm, whereas lattice parameters and density decreased with increasing Ni content (x). Infrared spectra showed characteristic features of spinel structure along with a strong influence of compositional variation. Magnetic measurements reveal a maximum saturation magnetization for Zn_0.5Ni_0.5Fe₂O₄ (x = 0.5); however, reduced value of magnetization is attributed to the canted spin structure and weakening of Fe³⁺(A)–Fe³⁺(B) interactions at the surface of the nanoparticles. Impedance analysis for different electro-active regions are carried out at room temperature with Ni substitution. The existence of different relaxations associated with grain, grain boundaries and electrode effects are discussed with composition. It is suggested that x = 0.5 is an optimal composition in Zn_1?xNi_xFe₂O₄ system with moderate magnetization, colossal resistivity and high value of dielectric constant at low frequency for their possible usage in field sensor applications.     

Structural,optical and microwave dielectric properties of Ba1−xSrxWO4 ceramics prepared by solid state reaction route

In this paper, Barium Strontium Tungstate (Ba_1−xSr_x)WO₄ crystals with (x = 0; 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0) were prepared by standard wet milling ceramic preparation method. These crystals were structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform Raman (FT-Raman) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopic techniques. The shape, growth and average crystal size distribution of these crystals were investigated by a scanning electron microscope (SEM). Their optical properties were investigated by ultraviolet visible (UV–vis) absorption and photoluminescence (PL) measurements. XRD patterns, Rietveld refinements data, FT-Raman and FT-IR spectroscopies indicate that all the crystals present a scheelite-type tetragonal structure without deleterious phases. FT-Raman spectra exhibited 6 Raman active modes in range from 100 to 1000 cm⁻¹, while the FT-IR spectra presented 2 infrared active modes in range from 500 to 1000 cm⁻¹. SEM micrographs showed well sintered BaWO₄ grains, while the substitution of Sr induced modifications in the shape and reduction in the grain size. UV–vis absorption measurements evidenced an increase in the values of the optical band gap (from 4.36 to 4.53 eV) with the increase of Sr into BaWO₄ lattice. Dielectric constant, temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f), quality factors were measured with Hakki–Coleman technique. The value of τ_f found −43.68 ppm/°C for BaWO₄ which increased to −21.40 ppm/°C for the SrWO₄.     

Structural and magnetic properties of metal telluromolybdates MxM′1−xTeMoO6 (M,M′ = Mn,Co, Cd)

Synthesis, crystal structures and magnetic properties of metal telluromolybdates M_xM′_1?xTeMoO₆ (M, M′ = Mn, Co, Cd) have been investigated. Their crystal structures have two-dimensional arrays of M and M′ atoms. From the powder X-ray diffraction measurements, Mn_xCo_1?xTeMoO₆ adopt an orthorhombic structure throughout the composition range (x = 0.0–1.0). On the other hand, Mn_xCd_1?xTeMoO₆ and Co_xCd_1?xTeMoO₆ adopt two types of structures corresponding to their end members (orthorhombic for Mn- or Co-rich solid solutions; tetragonal for Cd-rich ones). In the intermediate compositions, it was found that two phases coexist with different metal components. Magnetic properties of these solid solutions were investigated. All the Mn_xCo_1?xTeMoO₆ exhibits an antiferromagnetic transition at ～23 K. The antiferromagnetic transition was also observed in Mn_xCd_1?xTeMoO₆ and Co_xCd_1?xTeMoO₆. However, the Néel temperature rapidly decreases with increasing the concentration of Cd and disappeared below x = 0.6, which is characteristic for two-dimensional magnetic system.     

Non-centrosymmetric betaine–selenious acid crystal: Vibrational,X-ray,calorimetric, and dielectric studies

Piezoelectric crystal of betaine–selenious acid (abbreviated as B–H₂SeO₃) was studied at various temperatures by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, dielectric and vibrational spectroscopy methods. The latter was made by applying polarized techniques for the single crystal samples (Raman, infrared transmission and reflection spectra) and for the polycrystalline samples as well. B–H₂SeO₃ crystallizes in non-centrosymmetric space group (Fdd2) of orthorhombic system and does not reveal any phase transition. The high piezoelectric effect makes this crystal a candidate for nonlinear optical applications. Detailed analysis of the polarized vibrational spectra in relation to the B–H₂SeO₃ crystal structure is presented.     

Interactions between PAMAM−NH2 and 6-Mercaptopurine: Qualitative and Quantitative NMR studies

Despite being used as an anti-leukemic drug, the poor solubility of 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) limits its use in topical and parenteral applications. Dendrimers are commonly used as drug carriers to improve their solubility in aqueous solution. In this work, the interactions between 6-MP and the amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (PAMAM−NH₂) were investigated by various NMR technology. The chemical shift titrations disclosed that the 6-MP interacted with the surface of PAMAM−NH₂ mainly through electrostatics. The determination of diffusion coefficient and relaxation measurements further confirmed the presence of interactions in 6-MP/PAMAM−NH₂ complexes. In addition, the encapsulation of 6-MP within the cavity of PAMAM−NH₂ was revealed through nuclear Overhauser effect spectroscopy and Saturation Transfer Double Difference analysis. Finally, the binding strength (H-8 is 100% and H-2 is 70%) of 6-MP to PAMAM−NH₂ was quantitatively expressed using epitope maps. This study provides a systematic methodology for qualitative and quantitative studies of the interactions between dendrimers and drug molecules in general.     

Aurivillius family of layered perovskites,BiREWO6 (RE = La,Pr, Gd,and Dy): Synthesis,characterization, and photocatalytic studies

The present work deals with the synthesis, characterization, and photocatalytic studies of layered perovskites belonging to Aurivillius family. Layered perovskites of various chemical compositions, BiREWO₆ (RE = La, Pr, Gd, and Dy), were synthesized by an ethylene glycol–assisted sol–gel method. These materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy–energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance techniques. The composition of all these materials was obtained from EDS. The unit cell lattice parameters were attained from Rietveld refinement program, Fullprof.2k, by refining the d-lines of BiREWO₆. The band gap energy of these samples was obtained from the Kubelka–Munk plot. The photocatalytic activity of all the samples was evaluated by photodegradation of methylene blue. The mechanistic degradation pathway of methylene blue was studied using radical quenchers.     

New cobalt and iron pivalate complexes with 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine: synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties

The mononuclear complexes (η³-terpy)M(Piv)²·MeCN (M = Fe ⁱⁱ (3) and Co ⁱⁱ (4), and Piv is the pivalate anion) were synthesized by the reactions of polymeric iron(ii) and cobalt(ii) pivalates with 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (terpy). The oxidation of compound 3 affords the pentanuclear heterospin iron(ii,iii) complex (η³-terpy)Fe₅(μ₄-O)(μ₃-OH)(μ-OH)₂(μ-Piv)₇(η¹-Piv)₂ (5). All compounds were characterized by X-ray diffraction. Dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the L. Ya. Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 6, pp. 1186–1190, June, 2008.     

Calculation of direct and indirect excitons in GaAs–Ga1−xAlxAs coupled double quantum wells: Electric and magnetic fields and hydrostatic pressure effects

A study of the electronic and optical properties of coupled double quantum wells is presented. Within the framework of the effective mass and parabolic-band approximations we have calculated the electron–hole and photoluminescence energy transitions under simultaneous effects of electric and magnetic fields. For that purpose, a variational procedure has been used, taking into account the effect of hydrostatic pressure. The electric field is taken to be oriented along the growth direction of the heterostructure whereas for the magnetic field both in-plane and in-growth directions have been considered. The results show that hydrostatic pressure is a useful tool to tune the direct and indirect exciton transitions in such heterostructures. It is shown that the photoluminescence peak energy transitions strongly depend on the external fields and hydrostatic pressure studied here. Furthermore, our numerical outcome is in good agreement with previous experimental findings at zero pressure in double quantum wells under applied electric and magnetic fields.     

Low temperature heat capacity of bulk and nanophase ZnO and Zn1−xCoxO wurtzite phases

The low temperature heat capacity of the ZnO–CoO solid solution system was measured from 2 to 300 K using the heat capacity option of a Quantum Design Physical Property Measurement System (PPMS). The thermodynamic functions in this temperature range were derived by curve fitting. The standard entropies of bulk ZnO and bulk ZnO–CoO (wurtzite, 18 mol% CoO) at T = 298.15 K were calculated to be (43.1 ± 0.4) J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹ and (45.2 ± 0.5) J · mol⁻¹ · K⁻¹, respectively. The surface entropy of ZnO was evaluated to be (0.02 ± 0.01) mJ · K⁻¹ · m⁻², which is essentially zero. No sharp magnetic transitions were observed in the solid solution samples. The nanophase solid solution, 12 mol% CoO, appears to bind H₂O on its surface more strongly than ZnO.     

New process for low temperature preparation of LiNi1−xCoxO2 Cathode material for lithium cells

LiNi_1−yCo_yO₂ has been prepared at a temperature as low as 400 °C by molten ion exchange using a βNi_1−yCO_yOOH and either LiNO₃ or LiOH. The mechanism of these reactions was clarified using DTA and TG analyses. The material prepared using the LiNO₃ is well crystallized because the reaction takes place in viscous state since LiNO₃ melts and then reacts with the oxyhydroxide. However, in the case of using LiOH, a solid-solid diffusion reaction takes place and leads to a material with broad XRD peaks. The electrochemical characteristics of these materials were evaluated and compared with those prepared by the usual processes at high temperature.