Some structural considerations on the perovskite‐type A1‐ySryCo1‐xFexO3‐δ solid solution series

Solid solution series of La_1‐ySr_yCo_1‐xFe_xO_3‐δ were extensively studied in the past as cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells. However, the crystal structure behavior of La_1‐ySr_yCo_1‐xFe_xO_3‐δ solid solution series when La‐ions are replaced with another rare‐earth ion or metallic alkaline earth metal is at present not fully understood. Here we report X‐ray powder diffraction measurements performed on samples of the Sm_0.8Sr_0.2Co_1‐xFe_xO_3‐δ solid solution series. This study demonstrates that the average A‐cation radius, as well as the Fe content (x), affects the structural modification of the A_1‐ySr_yCo_1‐xFe_xO_3+δ solid solution series significantly. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase separation in La1−x Sr x CoO3 solid solutions with a perovskite structure

The properties of La_1−x Sr _x CoO₃ (x = 0, 0.15, 0.20, 0.30) solid solutions are investigated using neutron diffraction, positive-muon spin relaxation (precession) measurements, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The results obtained are interpreted within the model of phase separation into ferromagnetic regions enriched with Sr²⁺ ions and nonmagnetic regions similar in composition to the LaCoO₃ compound.

     

Microwave dielectric properties of La(1‐2x/3)Bax(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3 ceramics

This study examined the potential applications of microwave dielectric properties of La_(1‐2x/3)Ba_x(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics in rectenna. The La_(1‐2x/3)Ba_x(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics were prepared by the conventional solid‐state method with various sintering temperatures. An apparent density of 6.62 g/cm³, a dielectric constant of 20.3, a quality factor of 51,700 GHz, and a temperature coefficient of resonant frequency of ‐78.2 ppm/K were obtained for La_2.98/3Ba_0.01(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃ ceramics that were sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Microwave dielectric properties of (1‐x)La(Mg0.5Sn0.5)O3‐x(Sr0.8Ca0.2)3Ti2O7 ceramic system with a near zero temperature coefficient of resonant frequency

In this study, the microwave dielectric properties of (1‐x)La(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃‐x(Sr_0.8Ca_0.2)₃Ti₂O₇ ceramic system prepared by the conventional solid‐state method have been investigated for application in mobile communication. It was found that the diffraction peaks of (1‐x)La(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃‐x(Sr_0.8Ca_0.2)₃Ti₂O₇ ceramic system shift to higher angles as x increases from 0.2 to 0.4. It was also found that the X‐ray diffraction patterns of the 0.8La(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃‐0.2(Sr_0.8Ca_0.2)₃Ti₂O₇ ceramics exhibited no significant phase difference at different sintering temperatures. The average grain size of the (1‐x)La(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃‐x(Sr_0.8Ca_0.2)₃Ti₂O₇ ceramic system decreased from 6.4 to 4.3 μm as the value of x increased from 0.2 to 0.4 sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h. The dielectric constant increased from 26.6 to 35.9 and the quality factor (Q×f) decreased from 31,600 to 23,300 GHz for (1‐x)La(Mg_0.5Sn_0.5)O₃‐x(Sr_0.8Ca_0.2)₃Ti₂O₇ ceramic system as the x value increases from 0.2 to 0.4 sintered at 1550 °C for 4 h. The average value of temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) increased from ‐18 to +8 ppm/ K as the x value increases from 0.2 to 0.4. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Studies on electrical conduction behavior of La1‐3xCaxBaxSrxMnO3 synthesized by chemical route

In the manganite La_1‐xM_xMnO₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr) the doping concentration introduces a mixed valency (Mn³⁺, Mn⁴⁺) which governs the magnetic and electrical properties of the compound. The perovskite oxides La_1‐3xCa_xBa_xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10) were prepared by chemical method. Single‐phase formation is confirmed by XRD studies. The electrical behavior of compositions with x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 in the system La_1‐3xCa_xBa_xSr_xMnO₃ was studied in the temperature range 300‐420 K. It is observed that conductivity decreases with increasing temperature as well as dopants concentration. Metallic behavior of these compositions decreases with increasing dopants concentration (x). The microstructures of these samples have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Resistance and inductance studies of Bi2−xPbxCa2Sr2Cu3Oy superconducting compounds

Bi_2−xPb_xCa₂Sr₂Cu₃O_y compounds with (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4) were prepared by solid state reaction. The resistance and inductance results showed that transition temperature increases with increase in lead concentration. The highest value of T_c(0) observed is 109 K for Bi_1.70Pb_0.30Ca₂Sr₂ · Cu₃O_y. The change of inductance per unit volume at liquid nitrogen temperature as a function of composition showed maximum change in x = 0.30 Pb-doped sample. The results showed that the inductance change is maximum in samples which also showed highest T_c.     

The Phase Formation,Solid Solution Range and Substitution of La for Ba in La1+zBa2‐zCu3Oy

The phase formation, solid solution range and the substitution of La for Ba in La_1+zBa_2‐zCu₃O_y (La123) system are investigated systematically for obtaining and understanding the optimum condition to prepare La123 superconductors with higher Tc. The solid solution ranges of La_1+zBa_2‐zCu₃O_y are z=0.20‐0.70 in air and z=0 in N₂. Atmosphere of air or O₂ is favourable for the substitution of La for Ba. The substitution is suppressed when La_1+zBa_2‐zCu₃O_y are sintered and cooled in N₂ . It is found that sintering and cooling procedure in N₂ atmosphere is one key procedure to prepare single phase high‐quality LaBa₂Cu₃O_y superconductor with higher Tc.     

Optical properties of non‐centrosymmetric mixed crystals K2(La1‐x Cex)(NO3)5 · 2 H2O (x = 0.0 – 1.0)

Large single crystals of optical quality of the non‐centrosymmetric orthorhombic potassium rare earth nitrate mixed crystals K₂(La_1–x Ce_x)(NO₃)₅ · 2 H₂O were grown at 38 °C from diluted HNO₃. For crystals with x = 0.0, 0.19, 0.38 and 0.66 refractive indices and their dispersion were determined with an error less than 1 · 10^–4 in the wavelength range 0.404 – 1.083 μm by the prism method. Phase matching conditions for collinear SHG frequency conversion were analysed in detail, including calculation of the effective nonlinear optical susceptibility. By an appropriate choice of the fraction x of cerium the mixed crystals K₂(La_1–x Ce_x)(NO₃)₅ · 2 H₂O allow an adjustment of non‐critical type I phase matching conditions to a desired wavelength of the fundamental wave within the range 1.055(4) – 1.107(6) μm. Non‐critical type II phase matching can be tuned in the wavelength range 0.949(2) – 0.931(2) μm. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

On the (MgxNi1–x)SeO4 · 6 H2O and (MgxCu1–x)SeO4 · 5 H2O mixed crystal formation

Mixed crystals (Mg_xNi_1–x)SeO₄ · 6 H₂O and (Mg_xCu_1–x)SeO₄ · 5 H₂O have been prepared studying the solubility in the MgSeO₄–NiSeO₄–H₂O and MgSeO₄–CuSeO₄–H_2O systems at 25 °C. It has been shown that the monoclinic structure of MgSeO₄ · 6 H₂O is unstable and undergoes a change into tetragonal structure due to the included nickel ions (about 4 at %). The lattice parameters of (Mg_{xNi 1–x})SeO₄ 6 H₂O have been calculated. It has been established that the magnesium ions incorporate isodimorphously in the crystal structure of CuSeO₄ · 5 H₂O which could be an indication of the existence of MgSeO₄ · 5 H₂O isostructural with the triclinic CuSeO₄ 5 H₂O. The distribution coefficients of the salt components between the liquid and solid phases have been calculated.     

Phase Formation and Structure of (RE,M)2Ca0.5Sr0.5Cu2O6+δ (RE=La,Pr, M=Ca,Sr)

The samples of (RE,M)₂Ca_0.5Sr_0.5Cu₂O_6+d are prepared by solid state reaction method. The single phase boundary of RE and M in (RE,M)₂Ca_0.5Sr_0.5Cu₂O_6+d is 1.0 ∼2.0 and 0 ∼1.0 respectively. In (Pr,M)₂Ca_0.5Sr_0.5Cu₂O_6+d, the phase boundary of Sr is 0 ∼1.0. The structure of (RE,M)₂Ca_0.5Sr_0.5Cu₂O_6+d belongs to the structure type of 212 cuprate superconductors with space group I4/mmm.     

Crystallization of PbxSr1‐x(NO3)2 Solid Solutions from Aqueous Solutions

A series of Pb_xSr_1‐x(NO₃)₂ crystals have been grown from aqueous solutions and characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction. All diffraction data were well indexed according to the simple cubic structure. The variation of lattice constants with the concentrations of Pb²⁺ in the crystals accorded quite well to the Vegard's Law. The composition of the Sr(NO₃)₂ crystal doped with Pb²⁺ was studied by electron microprobe and it was found that Pb²⁺ was enriched in the 111 sectors. Equilibrium behavior in the Pb(NO₃)₂‐Sr(NO₃)₂‐H₂O system was analyzed by Lippmann's phase diagram and the equilibrium distribution coefficient D_Pb=133.6. This large value of D indicates that Pb²⁺ ion is preferentially distributed to the solid phase.     

Growth and characterization of large La1‐xPbxMnO3+δ (x=0.32–0.35) crystals

Large crystals of La_0.63Pb_0.37Mn O_3+δ with small La(Pb)‐ deficiency of about 0.005‐0.01 at.% were grown by high temperature solution growth method. The structure of the grown crystals was determined as rhombohedral with R‐3 space group by single‐crystal X‐ray diffractometry. The surface morphology of the crystals and the exact chemical composition was examined by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis methods, respectively. The IR‐transmission spectrum reveals the presence of Mn³⁺O₆‐ and Mn⁴⁺O₆‐ octahedra in the lattice of La_0.63Pb_0.37Mn O_3+δ crystals. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

The relations of sintering conditions and microstructures of [Bi0.5(Na1‐x‐yKxLiy)0.5]TiO3 piezoelectric ceramics

Bismuth sodium titanate (abbreviated as BNT) based solid solution, [Bi_0.5(Na_1‐x‐yK_xLi_y)_0.5]TiO₃ (0 < x + y < 1) ceramics, was invented in our group. These ceramics, which are considered as new candidates for lead‐free piezoelectric materials, were prepared by conventional ceramic sintering technique. The results of X‐ray diffraction show that the ceramics possess a single perovskite phase. The relations of the sintering conditions and the microstructures of the ceramics were studied. It was found that the optimized sintering condition is at 1100‐1150 °C for 2‐3 h, the grains of the ceramics have very regular shape, and the grain size of the ceramics is in the range of 1.3‐2.2 μm. These ceramics with the compositions of high amount of K⁺ and low amount of Li⁺ have relatively large piezoelectric charge constant (d₃₃), and can be put into practical applications. (© 2004 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Kinetics and Trapping Parameters of Thermoluminecence of Sr1−xEuxF2+x Mixed Crystrals

The kinetics and trapping parameters of thermoluminescence of Sr_1−xEu_xF_2+x mixed crystals have been calculated by using different methods. The trap depths, frequency factors, and order of kinetics of glow curve pattern in several compositions of the system revealed variations with composition.     

Thermoluminescence of Sr1–xEuxF2 + x Solid Electrolytes

Thermoluminescence (TL) studies have been carried out in different compositions of Sr_1–xEuxF_{2 + x} mixed crystals as a function of X-irradiation time. Three groups of TL glow peaks in the temperature ranges (340, 360 ∼ 370 K), (460 ∼ 475, 540 ∼ 575 K) and (615 ∼ 635, 680 ∼ 720 K) are identified. The growth rates of different glow peaks have been compared with each other to estimate the growth kinetics. The three groups of TL glow peaks are attributed to thermal ionization of radiative impurity centers, different stages of F-centers and other kinds of defect centers such as F-interstitials. The shift in the glow peak maxima is perhaps due to unassociated impurities surrounding F-centers causing a change in configuration. The concentration quenching of TL output due to increased europium is pertinent in Sr_1–xEuxF_{2 + x} mixed system.     

Growth and characterization of pure and Co2+‐doped Li2B4O7 single crystals

Pure and Co‐doped Li₂B₄O₇ (LBO) single crystals were grown by the Czochralski method. Starting concentrations of Co₂O₃ in the melt were: 0.5, 0.85 and 1 mol% relative to Li₂CO₃. Technological factors affecting the quality of both crystals were discussed. Optical absorption and EPR spectra were analyzed to define the oxidation states and lattice sites of cobalt ions. It was shown that Co²⁺ ions enter LBO crystal at octahedral Li⁺ site positions. Low‐temperature EPR measurements revealed that two types of Co²⁺ complexes can be distinguished in the Li₂B₄O₇:Co crystals. Additional absorption calculated for γ‐irradiated crystals showed V_k type defects suggesting the creation of cation vacancies during growth. The concentration of the defects decreases with an increase of intentional Co concentration. Introduction of cobalt ions to LBO crystal is limited probably by the formation of cobalt ion pairs or by the entrance of cobalt as Co⁺. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Composition and morphology control of Fex(PO4)y(OH)z·nH2O microcrystals

A series of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were prepared by the hydrothermal reaction at 150 °C. The ratio of Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ in Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals can be adjusted by using Na₂S₂O₃·5H₂O as a reducing agent. The morphology control of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals was realized through regulating the molar ratio of LiAc·2H₂O/FeCl₃. Further, the morphology, structure and composition of Fe_x(PO₄)_y(OH)_z·nH₂O microcrystals were also investigated by x‐ray diffraction (XRD), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Growth of R 1 − y Sr y F3 − y crystals with rare earth elements of the cerium subgroup (R = La, Ce, Pr, or Nd; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.16) and the dependence of their density and optical characteristics on composition

Crystals of the R _{1 ? y} Sr _y F_{3 ? y} phases (R = La, Ce, Pr, or Nd; 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.16) with tysonite (LaF₃) structure are grown by the Bridgman method. A linear dependence of the crystal density on the SrF₂ concentration has been revealed for each series of solid solutions. A scheme of heterovalent isomorphous substitution in the tysonite structure, R ³⁺ + F^1? → M ²⁺ + V _F, with compensation of the difference in the cation charges due to the formation of anion vacancies, is confirmed experimentally. The optical transmission spectra are measured in the wavelength range λ = 2.18–22.22 μm. It is shown that the 50%-transmission edge in the IR range is 10.5 μm for all crystals. The refractive index and the polarizability of crystals decrease with decreasing SrF₂ content according to a linear law. The melting curves of the R _{1 ? y} Sr _y F_{3 ? y} phases studied have a maximum; therefore, these phases can be recommended for use as crystals with a high homogeneity and different optical properties in comparison with the corresponding RF₃ crystals.     

Neutron powder diffraction studies in CaMn1‐xCuxO3 (x = 0, 0.2)

Neutron powder diffraction patterns were recorded on CaMn_1‐xCu_xO₃ (x = 0 and 0.20) compounds at different temperatures down to 11K. All the patterns were analyzed by employing Rietveld refinement technique and using the Fullprof program. The observed crystallographic peaks could be refined by using Pbnm space group and no structural transition has been observed down to 11K. An additional peak at 2θ = 16.7° has been observed with decrease in temperature below T_N and its intensity was found to increase with decrease in temperature. It could be indexed to magnetic (101) plane. The magnetic ordering is found to be G‐type antiferromagnetic behaviour. The magnetic moment at 11K for the samples x = 0.0 and 0.20 are found to be 2.69 and 2.42μ_B. The doped Cu ions are found to be in Cu²⁺ state and take part antiferromagnetic interactions with Mn ions. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Phase Formation,Crystal Structure and Electrical Properties of La212 Type Compound Substituted by Silver or Praseodymium

The La212 type compounds substituted by silver or praseodymium are prepared by solid state reaction method. It is found that compounds La_2‐xSr_xCa_0.5Pr_0.5Cu₂O₆, La_1.6Pr_0.4Ca_1‐xSr_xCu₂O₆ and La_2‐xPr_xCa_0.5Sr_0.5Cu₂O₆ can be formed for x=0.4‐1.1, 0‐0.5 and 0‐1.5, respectively. A new member of La212 type compounds, La_2‐xAg_xCaCu₂O₆ is also prepared. Their structures are verified by Rietveld structure refinement to belong to the structure type of La212 cuprate oxide with space group I4/mmm. Their electrical properties are investigated. La_1.65Ag_0.35CaCu₂O₆ displays metal‐like behavior and its resistivity decreases with the decrease of temperature from 300K to 4.2K.