Crystal Structure of (Hg, Ce, Cu)(Sr, Pr)2(Pr, Sr)Cu2O6+δ and (Hg, \square )(Sr, Pr)2(Pr, Sr)2Cu3O8+δ Phases

This paper reports on the refined compositions and crystal structures of two phases from the homologous series (Hg, M)(Sr, Pr)₂(Pr, Sr)_k-1Cu_kO_2k+2+ with k = 2 (Hg-1212) — (Hg_0.44(2)Ce _0.31 ⁴⁺ Cu_0.25)(Sr_0.90(3)Pr_0.10)₂(Pr_0.52(3)Sr_0.48)Cu_2.00O_7.00 (a = 3.8634(1), c = 12.2030(8) , space group P4/mmm) with k = 3 (Hg-1223) — (Hg_0.29(1) )(Sr_0.67(2)Pr_0.33)₂(Pr_0.61(2)Sr_0.39)₂Cu_3.00O_9.32(8) or (Hg_0.29(1) )(Sr_0.61(4)Pr_0.39)₂(Pr_0.51(4)Sr_0.49)₂Cu_3.00O_9.00 (with a fixed content of superstoichiometric oxygen O(4) in the phase) ( is a vacancy; a = 3.8294(9), b = 3.8567(6), c = 15.2763(44) , space group Pmmm). The implausibly high content of oxygen in the Hg-1223 phase (refinement I) is attributed either to O–O bond formation or to the possible presence of a minor amount of copper in a defect position of Hg; the inclusion of the latter in structure refinement leads to a better reproduction of the real structure but increases the R indices. The crystal-chemical analysis of the title phases and a comparison with the available data for analogous phases indicates that the composition of the crystallographic positions is related to structural features, in particular, to the coordinates of (Hg, M) and superstoichiometric oxygen, whose content depends on the degree of substitution of strontium ions by praseodymium ions. Reasons for the orthorhombic distortion of the Hg-1223 phase are discussed. The absence of superconductivity is explained by the nonoptimal formal charge (FC) of copper, which depends on the oxygen content in the phase.     

Dta/TG study of the formation of the (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O10+δ superconductor

In order to get insight in some of the yet unanswered questions about the formation process of the (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀₊ superconducting compound, coupled DTA-TG measurements have been performed in parallel with other techniques such as X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis. The path leading to the formation of the (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀₊ compound, starting from coprecipitated oxalates powders was studied. The activation energy of some of the involved transformation processes were determined. Relationships between the differences induced in the DTA traces by various sample nominal compositions and the intergranular magnetic properties of the superconductor will be discussed.     

Homogeneity ranges for yttrium and holmium manganites Ln2−x Mn x O3±δ (Ln = Y, Ho) in air

The homogeneity ranges with respect to the content of metal components in air were determined for yttrium and holmium manganites, based on X-ray phase analysis data for homogeneous solid solutions and heterogeneous compositions with the general formula Ln_2?x Mn _x O_3±δ (Ln = Y, Ho) prepared by ceramic synthesis procedure in air at 900–1400°C. The results were presented as fragments of the composition-temperature phase diagrams of the Ln-Mn-O (Ln = Y, Ho) systems in air.     

Normal pressure synthesis of (Tl1−yCy)Ba2Ca3Cu4O12−δ superconductor

Single phase (Tl_1−yC_y)Ba₂Ca₃Cu₄O_12−δ (Tl_1−yC_y-1234) (y = 0, 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75) superconductor samples have been prepared by solid state reaction method. The FTIR absorption measurements have confirmed the substitution of carbon at thallium site in the charge reservoir layer, (Tl_1−yC_y)Ba₂O_4−δ. The electron micrographs of these samples have shown that the carbon substitution has improved the grain morphology of Tl_0.75C_0.25-1234 sample. The y = 0.25 was found to be the optimum carbon concentration to achieve higher superconducting transition temperature T_c[0] and improved grain morphology. The superconducting transition temperature of Tl_0.75C_0.25-1234 sample has been increased to 100 K whereas a decrease in the superconducting transition temperature of Tl_1−yC_y-1234 (y = 0.5 and 0.75) samples was observed. However, the magnitude of diamagnetism has been decreased in all the carbon substituted samples.     

Investigations in the systems Sr–As–O–X (X = H,Cl): Preparation and crystal structure refinements of the anhydrous arsenates(V) Sr3(AsO4)2, Sr2As2O7, α- and β-SrAs2O6, and of the apatite-type phases Sr5(AsO4)3OH and Sr5(AsO4)3Cl

The previously uninvestigated atomic arrangements of six strontium arsenate(V) phases in the systems Sr-As-O-X (X = H, Cl) have been determined. Single crystals of Sr₃(AsO₄)₂ and Sr₅(AsO₄)₃Cl were grown from a borate and NaCl melt, respectively, whereas single crystals of α- and β-SrAs₂O₆ and of Sr₅-(AsO₄)₃OH were obtained under hydrothermal conditions. Microcrystalline samples of Sr₂As₂O₇ were prepared by solid-state reaction of As₂O₅ with SrCO₃ and, alternatively, by thermolysis of SrHAsO₄. Crystal structure determinations based on powder X-ray diffraction data using the Rietveld method (Sr₂As₂O₇), and from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data (all other phases) revealed isotypism with known structure types (except β-SrAs₂O₆ which represents a new structure type). Sr₃(AsO₄)₂ crystallizes in the K₂Pb(SO₄)₂ structure type; Sr₂As₂O₇ is isotypic with the high-temperature polymorphs of Ca₂P₂O₇ and Sr₂V₂O₇, but itself shows no polymorphism; Sr₅(AsO₄)₃OH and Sr₅(AsO₄)₃Cl crystallize with the hydroxylapatite and chloroapatite structure, respectively; SrAs₂O₆ is dimorphic. Like all other known M^IIAs₂O₆ metaarsenates (M = Mn, Co, Ni, Sr, Pd, Cd, Hg, Pb), the α-polymorph crystallizes in the PbSb₂O₆ structure type, whereas the novel β-polymorph is the first example of a M^IIAs₂O₆ superstructure with a doubled c-axis. Additional analytical methods using Raman spectroscopy and thermal analyses support the results of the X-ray structure work.     

Thermal decomposition of Ln(C2H5CO2)3·H2O (Ln?=?Ho, Er, Tm and Yb)

The thermal decomposition of Ho(III), Er(III), Tm(III) and Yb(III) propionate monohydrates in argon was studied by means of thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA), IR-spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Dehydration takes place around 90?°C. It is followed by the decomposition of the anhydrous propionates to Ln₂O₂CO₃ (Ln?=?Ho, Er, Tm or Yb) with the evolution of CO₂ and 3-pentanone (C₂H₅COC₂H₅) between 300 and 400?°C. The further decomposition of Ln₂O₂CO₃ to the respective sesquioxides Ln₂O₃ is characterized by an intermediate plateau extending from approximately 500?C700?°C in the TG traces. This stage corresponds to an overall composition of Ln₂O_2.5(CO₃)_0.5 but is more probably a mixture of Ln₂O₂CO₃ and Ln₂O₃. The stability of this intermediate state decreases for the lighter rare-earth (RE) compounds studied. Full conversion to Ln₂O₃ is achieved at about 1,100?°C. The overall thermal decomposition behaviour of the title compounds is similar to that previously reported for Lu(C₂H₅CO₂)₃·H₂O.     

Vibrational Properties of LaNb0.8M0.2O4-δ (M=As,Sb, V,and Ta)

LaNb_0.8M_0.2O_4-δ (where M=As, Sb, V, and Ta) oxides with pentavalent elements of different ionic sizes were synthesized by a solid-state reaction method. The vibrational properties of these oxides have been investigated. These studies revealed that the substituent element influences both Debye temperature value as well as the Raman active vibrational modes. Additionally, the low-temperature vibrational properties of LaNb_0.8Sb_0.2O_4-δ have been determined to show the phase transition occurrence at 260 K which is lower than previously reported.     

On the Stability of Interactions between Pairs of Anions – Complexes of MCl3− (M=Be,Mg, Ca,Sr, Ba) with Pyridine and CN−

The ability of the central M atom of the MCl₃⁻ anion, with M=Be, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, to engage in a noncovalent bond with an approaching nucleophile is gauged by ab initio methods. The N atom of pyridine forms a M⋅⋅⋅N bond with an interaction energy between 12 and 21 kcal mol⁻¹, even though the π-hole above the M atom is not necessarily positive in sign. Despite a strong Coulombic repulsion between two anions, CN⁻ is also able to approach the M atom so as to engage in a metastable complex that is higher in energy than the individual anions. The energy barrier separating this complex from its constituent anion pair is roughly 20 kcal mol⁻¹. Despite the endothermic formation reaction energy of the CN⁻⋅⋅⋅MCl₃⁻ complex, the electron topology signals a strong interaction, more so than in pyridine⋅⋅⋅MCl₃⁻ with its exothermic binding energy. The dianionic complex is held together largely on the strength of interorbital interactions, thereby overcoming a repulsive electrostatic component. The latter is partially alleviated by the pyramidalization of the MCl₃ unit which makes its π-hole more positive. The complex sinks below the separate monomers in energy when the system is immersed in an aqueous medium, with a binding energy that varies from as much as 20 kcal mol⁻¹ for Be down to 1.2 kcal mol⁻¹ for Ba.     

Thermal analysis of structural phase transition behavior of Ln2Ni1−xCuxO4+δ (Ln = Nd,Pr) under various oxygen partial pressures

Journal of Thermal Analysis and Calorimetry - Structural phase transition behavior between orthorhombic and tetragonal in Ln2Ni1?xCuxO4+δ (Ln?=?Nd, Pr), which attracts...     

Synthesis,crystal structure of Gd(H2O)(C2O4)2 · NH4 and of La(C2O4)2 · NH4. Characterization of the Ln(H2O)(C2O4)2 · NH4 with Ln=Eu…Yb

Single crystals of two lanthanide complexes, presenting similar formula Ln(H₂O)_x(C₂O₄)₂ · NH₄ with Ln=La, x=0 and Ln=Gd, x=1, have been prepared, in closed system at 200 °C. The gadolinium complex is bi-dimensional. A layer is built by the packing of the basic unit, [Gd(C₂O₄)]₄. The gadolinium atoms are related only by bischelating oxalate ligands, the ammonium ion and the water molecule (bound to the gadolinium atom) are localized into the interlayer space. The lanthanum complex is tri-dimensional. The basic building unit remains approximately the same and the packing of these units form a layer. However, within these units, the lanthanum atoms are related by either an oxalate ligand or an edge. Moreover, an oxalate ligand assumes the connection between the layers. The ammonium ion is localized into two sets of intersecting channels. Pure phase of the gadolinium complex has been prepared at 100 °C and extended to some lanthanide elements, Eu…Yb. As the size of the lanthanide ionic radius is decreasing, it is noticeable that the a unit–cell constant follows an expansion pattern while the others two follow an usual contraction one. The thermal behavior of this family shows that the anhydrous compounds are obtained and that some water molecule is sorbed during the cooling. Thus, the anhydrous compounds present a relatively open-framework with some small micropores.     

Ln2Cl 7 − ions (Ln = La and Lu): Structures and thermodynamic stability

The equilibrium geometrical parameters and frequencies of the normal vibrations of Ln₂Cl ₇ ^? ions (Ln = La and Lu) and the enthalpies of the dissociation reactions Ln₂Cl ₇ ^? → Ln₂Cl₆ + Cl^? and Ln₂Cl ₇ ^? → LnCl₃ + LnCl ₄ ^? were calculated at the MP2 and MP4 levels (with regard to single, double, triple, and quadruple perturbations). The basis set superposition errors were eliminated by using the counterpoise approach. The potential energy surface of the Ln₂Cl ₇ ^? ions was found to reach a minimum for a configuration with three bridging and four terminal Cl atoms (symmetry C ₂). The terminal fragments LnCl₂ show almost free inherent rotation. The lanthanide compression of the interatomic Ln-Cl distances differed for the bridging and terminal Ln-Cl bonds. The calculated enthalpies of dissociation of the Ln₂Cl ₇ ^? ions were compared with data from high-temperature mass spectrometry.     

A systematic study on the crystal structure and properties of RuSr2RCu2O8−δ (R=Gd,Tb, Dy,Y, Ho,Er)

The coexistence of superconductivity and magnetic order seems to take place in the so-called ruthenate-cuprates (Ru-1212). A systematic study is carried out on crystal structure of the RuSr₂RCu₂O_8−δ phases (R=Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Ho, Er) synthesized under high pressure by X-ray powder diffraction. RuSr₂RCu₂O_8−δ (R=Gd, Tb, Dy, Y, Ho, Er) has the Ru-1212-type structure of a tetragonal symmetry and the RuO₆ octahedra rotate around the c-axis with an additional small rotation around an axis perpendicular to c. The DC-magnetization data establish that compounds with R=Gd, Y, Ho, Er exhibit ferromagnetic order below about 140 K, and the Meissner effect was observed at low temperature for R=Y compound.     

Thermal and calorimetric studies of M(IO3)2·6H2O and M(IO3)2·6D2O forM 2+=Ca2+ and Sr2+

Thermal and calorimetric studies were carried out on M(IO₃)₂·6H₂O and M(IO₃)₂·6D₂O forM ²⁺=Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺, using DTA and DSC methods. The thermal behaviour of the ordinary and deuterated hydrates is outlined and the differences observed between them are discussed. The enthalpies of the phase transitions were determined. The H _f ^o for Ca(IO₃)₂·6H₂O, Ca(IO₃)₂·6H₂O(D₂O) and Sr(IO₃)₂·6H₂O(D₂O) were calculated from the H _deh data and comments are made on the isotope effect observed.

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Zusammenfassung Mittels DTA- und DSC-Methoden wurden Me(IO₃)₂·6H₂O und Me(IO₃)₂·6D₂O (mitMe ²⁺=Ca²⁺ und Sr²⁺) thermisch und kalorimetrisch untersucht. Es wird ein Überblick über das thermische Verhalten ordentlicher und deuterierter Hydrate gegeben, in dem auch die Unterschiede zwischen beiden diskutiert werden. Die Enthalpien der untersuchten Phasenumwandlungen wurden bestimmt. Aus den Daten für H_deh wurde H_f von Ca(IO₃)₂·6H₂O, Ca(IO₃)₂H₂O(D₂O) und Sr(IO₃)₂·6H₂O(D₂O) berechnet und Bemerkungen zum beobachteten Isotopeneffektes gemacht.

     

Syntheses and X-ray Characterization of Novel [M4(H2O)2(XW9O34)2] n− (M=CuII, X=CuII; and M=FeIII, X=FeIII) Polyoxotungstates

Two novel examples of sandwich type heteropolyanions were synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystal structure and elemental analysis as well as infrared spectroscopy. Na₁₃[H₃Cu₄(H₂O)₂(CuW₉O₃₄)₂]39H₂O (1) and Na₉K[Fe₄(H₂O)₂(FeW₉O₃₄)₂]32H₂O (2) were prepared in aqueous solution by reaction of sodium tungstate with Fe^III and Cu^II cations, respectively. 1 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (a=13.054(3) Å, b=17.729(4) Å, c=20.998(4) Å, =93.50(3)°), while 2 is triclinic, space group P¯1 (a=12.316(2) Å, b=13.716(3) Å, c=14.925(3) Å, =99.36(3)°, =104.21(3)°, =101.55(3)°). Each anion consists of two [XW₉O₃₄] ^n– moieties (X=Fe^III, n=11 (1) and Cu^II, n=12 (2)) which can be described as -B-isomers of the defect Keggin anion. These units are linked via a belt of four Fe^IIIO₆ or Cu^IIO₆ groups. Two transition metal atoms fill their octahedral coordination sphere with one additional water ligand.     

Syntheses,crystal structures,and magnetic properties of the banana-shaped tungstophosphates: [M6(H2O)2(PW9O34)2(PW6O26)]17− (MII=NiII,CoII)

Two new banana-shaped tungstophosphates [M₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]^{17 ?} (M^II?=?Ni^II, Co^II) incorporating two types of lacunary polyoxometalate units have been synthesized in aqueous solution and characterized by elemental analyses, IR, and UV spectra, and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Structural analyses show that Na₆H₁₁[Ni₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]?·?32H₂O (1) and Na₇H₁₀[Co₆(H₂O)₂(PW₉O₃₄)₂(PW₆O₂₆)]?· 31H₂O (2) are generated from two tri-M^II substituted B-α-[(MOH₂)M₂PW₉O₃₄] Keggin units connected by a hexavacant [PW₆O₂₆]^11? Keggin fragment, leading to the M^II-containing banana-shaped tungstophosphates. Magnetic properties of 2 show decrease of the molar magnetic susceptibility at higher temperatures results from spin-orbit coupling of Co^II and antiferromagnetic interactions whereas the maximum at the lower temperatures is indicative of the ferromagnetic interactions within the trinuclear Co^II spin cluster in the sandwich belt.     

Superconductivity in (Cu0.5Tl0.25Li0.25)Ba2Ca2Cu3−ySiyO10−δ samples

The (Cu_0.5Tl_0.25Li_0.25)Ba₂Ca₂Cu_3?ySi_yO_10?δ (y = 0, 0.25 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25) superconductor samples have been prepared by solid-state reaction method. The critical temperature and as well as the magnitude of diamagnetism is increased up to Si concentration y = 1.0, however, from the doping level y = 1.25 a decrease in the critical temperature along with the vanishing of the diamagnetism was observed. The carrier’s in the conducting CuO₂/SiO₂ planes were optimized by carrying out post-annealing in oxygen and an increase in the critical temperature was observed in all Si doped samples. The doping efficiency of Cu_0.5Tl_0.5Ba₂O_4?δ charge reservoir layer in (Cu_0.5Tl_0.25Li_0.25)Ba₂Ca₂Cu_3?ySi_yO_10?δ (y = 0, 0.25 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25) samples is enhanced by doping Li⁺¹ ion; as alkali metals are known to easily loose their outer most electron which could be supplied to CuO₂/SiO₂ conducting planes and would suppress the anti-ferromagnetism in the inner conducting planes. The FTIR absorption measurements have provided an indirect evidence of Si substitution at in CuO₂ planes.     

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.     

Structural and Mössbauer characterization of the ball milled Fex(Cr2O3)1−x system

The Fe_x(Cr₂O₃)_1?x system, with 0.10 ≤ X ≤ 0.80, was mechanically processed for 24 h in a high-energy ball-mill. In order to examine the possible formation of iron–chromium oxides and alloys, the milled samples were, later, thermally annealed in inert (argon) and reducing (hydrogen) atmospheres. The as-milled and annealed products were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and magnetization. The as-milled samples showed the formation of an Fe_1+YCr_2?YO_4?δ nanostructured and disordered spinel phase, the α₁-Fe(Cr) and α₂-Cr(Fe) solid solutions and the presence of non-exhausted precursors. For the samples annealed in inert atmosphere, the chromite (FeCr₂O₄) formation and the recrystallization of the precursors were verified. The hydrogen treated samples revealed the reduction of the spinel phase, with the phase separation of the chromia phase and retention of the Fe–Cr solid solutions. All the samples, either as-milled or annealed, presented the magnetization versus applied field curves typical for superparamagnetic systems.     

Synthesis,structure, and electrochemical properties of [M(N-MeIm)6]2+ (M = Ni,Co, Cu) associated with [HgCl4]2−

Reaction of Hg(NO₃)₂ with 4 equivalent KI in water afford K₂[HgI₄]. By using K₂[HgI₄] as the precursor, three new heterobimetallic compounds [Ni(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (I), [Co(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (II), and [Cu(N-MeIm)₆][HgI₄] (III) have been characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, and the singlecrystal X-ray crystallorgraphy analysis. Three complexes are isomorphous and crystallized in monoclinic symmetry space group P2₁/c. The coordination around each center metal(II) atom is octahedral with six nitrogen atoms of N-MeIm ligand. Each structure contains one tetrahedral [HgI₄]^2? as an anion to balance the charge of the molecular. Thermogravimetry analysis indicates these complexes have the similar departure process and cyclic voltammogram exhibits a significant pair of redox peaks.