Structure and physical properties of rare-earth zinc antimonides REZn1-xSb2 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb)

The ternary rare-earth zinc antimonides REZn_1-xSb₂ (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) were prepared by heating at 1050 °C followed by annealing at 600 °C. For all members, single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies indicated that the Zn deficiency is essentially fixed, corresponding to the formula REZn_0.6Sb₂, with no appreciable homogeneity range. These compounds adopt the HfCuSi₂-type structure (Pearson symbol tP8, space group P4/nmm, Z=2). Single-crystal electrical resistivity measurements confirmed the occurrence of an abrupt resistivity decrease near 4 K for RE=Ce, and a less pronounced one for RE=La, Pr, and Gd. Except for the ferromagnetic Ce (T_c=2.5 K) and antiferromagnetic Tb (T_N=10 K) members, all remaining compounds exhibit no long-range magnetic ordering down to 2 K, instead showing temperature-independent (RE=La), van Vleck (RE=Sm), or Curie-Weiss paramagnetism (RE=Pr, Nd, Gd).     

Synthesis and crystal structures of RE7Zn21+xSi2–x [RE = Ce,Pr, and Nd; 0.09 (1) < x < 0.95 (1)]

The focus of this paper is on the synthesis and crystal structures of three Zn‐rich compounds with the general formula RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x, where RE = Ce [x = 0.95 (1); heptacerium docosazinc silicon], Pr [x = 0.09 (1); heptapraseodymium henicosazinc disilicon], and Nd [x = 0.53 (1); heptaneodymium docosazinc silicon]. The compounds were obtained by high‐temperature reactions, using the respective elements as starting materials. The structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The title compounds crystalize in the orthorhombic space group Pbam (No. 55, Pearson symbol oP60) and are isostructural with about a dozen RE₇Zn_21+xTt_2−x (RE = La–Nd; Tt = Ge, Sn, and Pb) compounds previously reported by our group. The results from the present refinements confirm the previously published data on RE₇Zn_21+xSi_2−x (RE = La and Ce; x≃ 1.45) [Malik et al. (2013). Intermetallics, 36 , 118–126]. Additionally, magnetic susceptibility measurements on the corresponding bulk samples show Curie–Weiss paramagnetic behavior from 5 to 300 K, consistent with RE³⁺ ground states and local‐moment magnetism due to the core 4f electrons.     

Critical covalence and superconductivity in Ln2−xCexCuO4

The variations of superconductive properties with x of the n-type Ln_2−xCe_xCuO₄ (Ln = La_0.5Nd_0.5, Nd, or Gd) systems have been investigated. As the size of Ln³⁺ decreases, (i) the solubility limit x of Ce decreases, (ii) the value of x at which a transition from antiferromagnetic semiconductor to superconductor occurs increases, and (iii) the width Δx of the superconductive region decreases. The decreasing solubility of Ce with decreasing size of Ln³⁺ is due to decreasing tensile strain in the CuO₂ sheets. The progressive shift of the semiconductor to superconductor transition to higher x values with decreasing size of Ln³⁺ is explained on the basis of increasing electrostatic Madelung energy E_M caused by decreasing Cu---O bond length. A larger E_M means a larger charge transfer gap Δ and a smaller covalent-mixing parameter λ and bandwidth W; so a decreasing size of Ln³⁺ necessitates a higher level of Ce-doping in order to achieve a critical covalence essential for superconductivity to occur.     

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.     

Magnetic structure of the UCuxSi2−x system

Neutron powder diffraction experiments were performed on selected compositions of the UCu_xSi_2−x system exhibiting an interesting magnetic phase diagram towards the composition: spin fluctuation behaviour for x<0.49, ferromagnetism for 0.49≤x<0.80, spin glass state for 0.80<x<0.92 and finally antiferromagnetism for 0.92<x≤0.96. At 1.5 K, the compounds UCu_0.49Si_1.51 (hexagonal AlB₂ modification) and UCu_0.65Si_1.35 show a collinear ferromagnetic structure where the uranium magnetic moments equal to 1.1(1) and 2.5(1)μ_B, respectively, are aligned in the basal plane of the [U₆] trigonal prisms. On the contrary, UCu_0.96Si_1.04 adopts a non-collinear antiferromagnetic structure similar to that observed for UCuSn. Moreover, the study confirms the absence of long range magnetic order for UCu_0.90Si_1.10.     

Ternary metal borides [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm] Os4B4 and [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb] Ir4B4 with NdCo4B4-type structure

New ternary metal borides with compositionR. E. T ₄B₄ (R. E.=rare earth metal,T=transition metal) have been synthesized within the systems [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm]–Os–B and [Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb]–Ir–B. All compounds were found to be crystallizing with NdCo₄B₄-type structure. Magnetic measurements (80–300 K,Curie-Weiss behaviour, _p ~ 16K and µ_eff=9.94µ_B for TbIr₄B₄) indicate Y andR. E. elements (except Ce) to be trivalent in these compounds. The crystal chemistry of the isotypic series [Y,R. E.] [Os,Ir]₄B₄ is discussed.

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Ternäre Metallboride. [La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm] Os₄B₄ und [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb] Ir₄B₄ mit NdCo₄B₄-Struktur

Zusammenfassung Es wurden neue Metallboride der ZusammensetzungR. E. T ₄B₄ (R. E.=Seltenerdmetall,T=Übergangsmetall) innerhalb der Systeme [La,Ce, Pr,Nd,Sm]–Os–B und [Y,La,Ce,Pr,Nd,Sm,Gd,Tb]–Ir–B hergestellt. Alle Verbindungen kristallisieren entsprechend dem NdCo₄B₄-Typ. Magnetische Messungen (80–300K,Curie-Weiss-Verhalten, _p ~ 16K und µ_eff=9.94µ_B für TbIr₄B₄) zeigen an daß Y und dieR. E.-Elemente (ausgenommen Ce) in diesen Verbindungen trivalent sind. Die Kristallchemie der isotypen [Y,R. E.][Os,Ir]₄B₄-Verbindungen wird diskutiert.

     

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.     

不同形貌InxGa1-xN纳米材料的制备及发光性能研究

采用常压化学气相沉积法(APCVD),分别以金属镓(Ga),铟(In)和氨气(NH3)为镓源,铟源和氮源,在Si衬底上利用催化剂Au成功合成了不同形貌的InxGa1-xN纳米材料。利用X射线衍射仪(XRD)、扫描电子显微镜(SEM),X射线光电子能谱(XPS)和光致发光谱(PL)对比研究了InxGa1-xN(x=0,0.25)纳米材料在形貌,化学成分,晶体结构以及发光特性的变化。分析结果表明:当没有催化剂时,所生成的InxGa1-xN样品形貌由片状结构自组装成花状结构,而在催化剂Au的作用下,生成的InxGa1-xN纳米晶的形貌变为以纳米线为轴在其上生长的片状的"塔"状结构;虽然在催化剂Au的作用下生成的InxGa1-xN(x=0.25)形貌发生了很大变化,但晶体结构未发生改变,均为六方纤锌矿结构;PL分析结果显示InxGa1-xN纳米结构的发光性能随着In含量的增加,发光谱的强度增加且同时出现了蓝光区,在催化剂Au的作用下生成的InxGa1-xN的发光强度最强。最后对不同形貌InxGa1-xN其生长机理做简单分析。     

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.     

Crystal growth and magnetic behavior of R6T13−xAlxMy phases (R=La, Nd; T=Mn, Fe; M=main group) grown from lanthanide-rich eutectic fluxes

Binary eutectic mixtures of early lanthanide metals and late transition metals have been explored as media for crystal growth of new intermetallic phases. A large family of R₆T_13−xAl_xM_y phases (R=La or Nd; T=Fe or Mn; M=main group elements) with the La₆Co₁₁Ga₃ structure type can be crystallized from La/Ni and Nd/Fe eutectics. The tetragonal structure of these compounds features slabs of transition metal atoms capped with mixed T/Al sites and separated by layers of lanthanide ions. The growth of large crystals of the lanthanum analogs allows for the study of the anisotropic magnetic properties of the transition metal slabs. For La₆Fe_13−xAl_xM_y analogs, these order antiferromagnetically with T_N strongly dependent on the Fe/Al ratio on the mixed sites. Growth of Mn analogs is reported for the first time; the transition metal slabs in La₆(Mn/Ni)₁₀Al₃ phases order ferromagnetically with a T_C of 200 K.     

REAuAl4Ge2 and REAuAl4(AuxGe1−x)2 (RE=rare earth element): Quaternary intermetallics grown in liquid aluminum

The two families of intermetallic phases REAuAl₄Ge₂ (1) (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Er, Tm and Yb) and REAuAl₄(Au_xGe_1−x)₂ (2) (x=0.4) (RE=Ce and Eu) were obtained by the reactive combination of RE, Au and Ge in liquid aluminum. The structure of (1) adopts the space group R-3m (CeAuAl₄Ge₂, , ; NdAuAl₄Ge₂, , ; GdAuAl₄Ge₂, , ; ErAuAl₄Ge₂, , ). The structure of (2) adopts the tetragonal space group P4/mmm with lattice parameters: , for EuAuAl₄(Au_xGe_1−x)₂ (x=0.4). Both structure types present slabs of “AuAl₄Ge₂” or “AuAl₄(Au_xGe_1−x)₂” stacking along the c-axis with layers of RE atoms in between. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that the RE atoms (except for Ce and Eu) possess magnetic moments consistent with +3 species. The Ce atoms in CeAuAl₄Ge₂ and CeAuAl₄(Au_xGe_1−x)₂ (x=0.4) appear to be in a mixed +3/+4 valence state; DyAuAl₄Ge₂ undergoes an antiferromagnetic transition at 11 K and below this temperature exhibits metamagnetic behavior. The Eu atoms in EuAuAl₄(Au_xGe_1−x)₂ (x=0.4) appear to be in a 2+ oxidation state.     

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.     

Nowotny chimney ladder compounds in Nd1+EFe4−xCoxB4

Structural investigations on Nd_1+EFe_4−xCo_xB₄ show the presence of distinct new phases with multiplicative c axis extensions (ladder compounds) and limited homogeneous range. We also report on compoundsR_1+EFe₄B₄ (R = rare earth) for which several new representatives (e.g., with R = La and Lu) are described. The ladder compounds in both substitutional series appear related and a common sequence as a function of composition is suggested. As an example the first new ladder type Nd_1.06Fe_1.5Co_2.5B₄ to develop out of NdCo₄B₄ is similar to La_1.06Fe₄B₄ and the third namely Nd_1.09Fe₃CoB₄ resembles Pr_1.10Fe₄B₄.     

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.     

Synthesis of ternary and quaternary CuInxGa1−xSe2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) semiconductor nanocrystals

Semiconducting CuIn_xGa_1−xSe₂ nanocrystals (20–30 nm) have been synthesized over the whole composition range using a facile solution-based method. Depending on the synthesis conditions, the nanocrystals exhibit a cubic or spherical morphology with a narrow size distribution. The band gap increases with increasing Ga concentration and the values are close to those observed in the bulk.     

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.     

Mössbauer studies of thiospinels. V. The systems Cu1−xFexMe2S4 (Me = Cr, Rh) and Cu1−xFexCr2(S0.7Se0.3)4

With the exception of FeRh₂S₄, powder samples of all systems studied have been obtained as spinel phase without essential impurities. The lattice constants follow Vegard's law. From the Seebeck coefficients and the Mössbauer spectra the valence distribution Cu¹⁺_1−xFe²⁺_2x−1Fe³⁺_1−x[Me³⁺₂]X²⁻₄ is derived for 0.5 x 1, while there is only Fe³⁺ present for 0 < x 0.5. Samples with the overall composition FeRh₂S₄ contain mostly Rh₂S₃ and iron sulfide phases, but less than 20% of a spinel phase.     

Tb2Mn17C3−x with filled Th2Ni17-type structure and some structural and magnetic properties of related compounds

The new compounds R₂Mn₁₇C_3−x (R = Y, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) were prepared by reacting the elemental components in an arc-melting furnace with subsequent annealing at temperatures between 400 and 900°C. Their crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffractometer data of Tb₂Mn₁₇C_3−x and refined to a residual of R = 0.035 for 27 variable parameters and 588 structure factors. It is hexagonal, space group P6₃/mmc with the lattice constants a = 873.8(1) pm, C = 851.1(1) pm and Z = 2 formula units per cell. The positions of the metal atoms correspond to those of Th₂Ni₁₇. The carbon atoms are situated in approximately octahedral voids formed by two Tb and a rectangle of Mn atoms. Of these carbon positions 81 (4)% are occupied in the crystal investigated; this corresponds to the composition Tb₂Mn₁₇C_2.43. The new carbides CeMn₁₁C_2−x, NdMn₁₁C_2−x, and ThMn₁₁C_2−x crystallize with LaMn₁₁C_2−x (filled BaCd₁₁) structure; Th₂Mn₁₇C_3−x has Pr₂Mn₁₇C_3−x (filled Th₂Zn₁₇) structure. The crystal chemistry of these and other interstitial carbides is discussed. The compounds LaMn₁₁C_2−x, CeMn₁₁C_2−x, Pr₂Mn₁₇C_3−x, and Tb₂Mn₁₇C_3−x are paramagnetic with Curie-Weiss behavior at high temperature and no magnetic order at least above about 100 K. The Mn atoms carry magnetic moments in all four compounds. Down to 1.9 K no transition to a superconducting state could be observed for LaMn₁₁C_2−x, La₂Mn₁₇C_3−x, Y₂Mn₁₇C_3−x, or Lu₂Mn₁₇C_3−x.     

Magnetic and Transport Properties of RESnxSb2 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; x=0.5, 0.7)

The nonstoichiometric rare-earth tin antimonides RESn_xSb₂ (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were characterized by ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy and their transport and magnetic properties were measured. The presence of nearly zero-valent Sn is suggested by the similarity of the ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer parameters in LaSn_xSb₂ (0.1≤x≤0.7) to those of elemental β-Sn. All RESn_0.7Sb₂ compounds exhibit metallic behavior. CeSn_0.7Sb₂ and NdSn_0.7Sb₂ show drops in resistivity below 8 K; this is attributed to a transition to a magnetically ordered state. At 25 K, CeSn_0.7Sb₂ also displays a resistivity minimum characteristic of ordered Kondo lattices. Magnetic studies indicate that, below 4 K, CeSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) orders ferromagnetically, whereas NdSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) orders antiferromagnetically and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at H_C=5.5 T and 2 K. Neither PrSn_xSb₂ nor SmSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) displays long-range magnetic ordering above 2 K.     

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.