M+M3+2As(HAsO4)6 and α‐ and β‐M+M3+(HAsO4)2 (M+M3+ = RbAl or CsFe): six new compounds crystallizing in three closely related structure types

The crystal structures of hydrothermally synthesized (T = 493 K, 7–9 d) rubidium aluminium bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], RbAl(HAsO₄)₂, caesium iron bis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsFe(HAsO₄)₂, rubidium dialuminium arsenic(V) hexakis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], RbAl₂As(HAsO₄)₆, and caesium diiron arsenic(V) hexakis[hydrogen arsenate(V)], CsFe₂As(HAsO₄)₆, were solved by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The four compounds with the general formula M⁺M³⁺(HAsO₄)₂ adopt the RbFe(HPO₄)₂ structure type (Rc) and a closely related new structure type, which is characterized by a different stacking order of the building units, leading to noncentrosymmetric space‐group symmetry R32. The second new structure type, with the general formula M⁺M³⁺₂As(HAsO₄)₆ (Rc), is also a modification of the RbFe(HPO₄)₂ structure type, in which one third of the M³⁺O₆ octahedra are replaced by AsO₆ octahedra, and two thirds of the voids in the structure, which are usually filled by M⁺ cations, remain empty to achieve charge balance.     

Crystal Chemistry of the M11+,2+–M22+,3+–(H)‐Arsenites: the First Cadmium(II) Arsenite,Na4Cd7(AsO3)6

The crystal structures among M1–M2–(H)‐arsenites (M1 = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺; M2 = Mg²⁺, Mn^2+,3+, Fe^2+,3+, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) are less investigated. Up to now, only the structure of Pb₃Mn(AsO₃)₂(AsO₂OH) was described. The crystal structure of hydrothermally synthesized Na₄Cd₇(AsO₃)₆ was solved from the single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. Its trigonal crystal structure [space group R$\bar{3}$ , a = 9.5229(13), c = 19.258(4) Å, γ = 120°, V = 1512.5(5) ų, Z = 3] represents a new structure type. The As atoms are arranged in monomeric (AsO₃)^3– units. The surroundings of the two crystallographically unique sodium atoms show trigonal antiprismatic coordination, and two mixed Cd/Na sites are remarkably unequal showing tetrahedral and octahedral coordinations. Despite the 3D connection of the AsO₃ pyramids, (Cd,Na)O_x polyhedra and NaO₆ antiprisms, a layer‐like arrangement of the Na atoms positioned in the hexagonal channels formed by CdO₄ deformed tetrahedra and AsO₃ pyramids in z = 0, 1/3, 2/3 is to be mentioned. These pseudo layers are interconnected to the 3D network by (Cd,Na)O₆ octahedra. Raman spectra confirmed the presence of isolated AsO₃ pyramids.     

Thermal expansion and heat capacity measurements on Ba10?xCsx(PO4)6Cl2?δ, (x?=?0, 0.5) chloroapatites synthesized by sonochemical process

Ba_10−x Cs _x (PO₄)₆Cl₂, (x = 0, 0.5) chloroapatite ceramics were prepared by sonochemical method of synthesis. The measured room temperature lattice parameters of Ba₁₀ (PO₄)₆Cl₂ and Ba_9.5Cs_0.5 (PO₄)₆Cl_2−δ are practically the same; that is, a = 10.26 (8), c = 7.65 (7) and a = 10.27 (7), c = 7.65 (5), respectively. Heat capacity measurements were carried out on these materials by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in the temperature range 298–800 K. The heat capacity values of Ba_9.5Cs_0.5(PO₄)₆Cl_2−δ are found to be slightly higher at all temperatures than those of Ba₁₀(PO₄)₆Cl₂. From the heat capacity data, other thermodynamic functions such as enthalpy and entropy increments were computed. The heat capacity values of Ba₁₀(PO₄)₆Cl₂ and Ba_9.5Cs_0.5(PO₄)₆Cl_2−δ at 298 K are 0.3912 and 0.4310 J K⁻¹ g⁻¹, respectively. Thermal expansion property of the doped and undoped barium chloroapatites was measured by using a home built dilatometer which uses LVDT as displacement sensor. The bulk thermal expansion of Ba₁₀(PO₄)Cl₂ and Ba_9.5Cs_0.5(PO₄)Cl_2−δ is observed to be about 0.9% in the temperature range of 298–973 K.     

Mg7(AsO4)2(HAsO4)4: a new magnesium arsenate with a very strong hydrogen bond

A new compound, heptamagnesium bis­(arsenate) tetrakis(hydrogenarsenate), Mg₇(AsO₄)₂(HAsO₄)₄, was synthesized by a hydro­thermal method. The structure is based on a three‐dimensional framework of edge‐ and corner‐sharing MgO₆, MgO₄(OH)₂, MgO₅, AsO₃(OH) and AsO₄ polyhedra. Average Mg—O and As—O bond lengths are in the ranges 2.056–2.154 and 1.680–1.688 Å, respectively. Each of the two non‐equivalent OH groups is bonded to both an Mg and an As atom. One OH group is involved in a very short hydrogen bond [O⋯O = 2.468 (3) Å]. The formula unit is centrosymmetric, with all atoms in general positions except for one Mg atom, which has site symmetry . The compound is isotypic with Mn₇(AsO₄)₂(HAsO₄)₄ and M₇(PO₄)₂(HPO₄)₄, where M is Fe, Co or Mn.     

CsAl(H2AsO4)2(HAsO4): a new monoclinic protonated arsenate with decorated kröhnkite‐like chains

The crystal structure of hydro­thermally synthesized caesium aluminium bis­[dihydrogen arsenate(V)] hydrogen arsen­ate(V), CsAl(H₂AsO₄)₂(HAsO₄), was determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data collected at room temperature. The compound represents a new structure type that is characterized by decorated kröhnkite‐like [100] chains of corner‐sharing AlO₆ octa­hedra and AsO₄ tetra­hedra. Ten‐coordinated Cs atoms are situated between the chains, which are inter­connected by five different hydrogen bonds [O⋯O = 2.569 (4)–2.978 (4) Å]. All atoms are in general positions. CsAl(H₂AsO₄)₂(HAsO₄) is very closely related to CsGa(H_1.5AsO₄)₂(H₂AsO₄) and isotypic CsCr(H_1.5AsO₄)₂(H₂AsO₄).     

Three new acid M+ arsenates and phosphates with multiply protonated As/PO4 groups

The crystal structures of caesium dihydrogen arsenate(V) bis[trihydrogen arsenate(V)], Cs(H₂AsO₄)(H₃AsO₄)₂, ammonium dihydrogen arsenate(V) trihydrogen arsenate(V), NH₄(H₂AsO₄)(H₃AsO₄), and dilithium bis(dihydrogen phosphate), Li₂(H₂PO₄)₂, were solved from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. NH₄(H₂AsO₄)(H₃AsO₄), which was hydrothermally synthesized (T = 493 K), is homeotypic with Rb(H₂AsO₄)(H₃AsO₄), while Cs(H₂AsO₄)(H₃AsO₄)₂ crystallizes in a novel structure type and Li₂(H₂PO₄)₂ represents a new polymorph of this composition. The Cs and Li compounds grew at room temperature from highly acidic aqueous solutions. Li₂(H₂PO₄)₂ forms a three‐dimensional (3D) framework of PO₄ tetrahedra sharing corners with Li₂O₆ dimers built of edge‐sharing LiO₄ groups, which is reinforced by hydrogen bonds. The two arsenate compounds are characterized by a 3D network of AsO₄ groups that are connected solely via multiple strong hydrogen bonds. A statistical evaluation of the As—O bond lengths in singly, doubly and triply protonated AsO₄ groups gave average values of 1.70 (2) Å for 199 As—OH bonds, 1.728 (19) Å for As—OH bonds in HAsO₄ groups, 1.714 (12) Å for As—OH bonds in H₂AsO₄ groups and 1.694 (16) Å for As—OH bonds in H₃AsO₄ groups, and a grand mean value of 1.667 (18) Å for As—O bonds to nonprotonated O atoms.     

M3+(H2AsO4)(H2As2O7) (M3+ = Al,Ga) and In2(H2AsO4)2(H2As2O7)2: a new layer structure type and a new framework structure type containing the rare H2As2O72− group

The crystal structures of hydrothermally synthesized aluminium dihydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrogen diarsenate(V), Al(H₂AsO₄)(H₂As₂O₇), gallium dihydrogen arsenate(V) dihydrogen diarsenate(V), Ga(H₂AsO₄)(H₂As₂O₇), and diindium bis[dihydrogen arsenate(V)] bis[dihydrogen diarsenate(V)], In₂(H₂AsO₄)₂(H₂As₂O₇)₂, were determined from single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data collected at room temperature. The first two compounds are representatives of a novel sheet structure type, whereas the third compound crystallizes in a novel framework structure. In all three structures, the basic building units are M ³⁺O₆ octahedra (M = Al, Ga, In) that are connected via one H₂AsO₄⁻ and two H₂As₂O₇²⁻ groups into chains, and further via H₂As₂O₇²⁻ groups into layers. In Al/Ga(H₂AsO₄)(H₂As₂O₇), these layers are interconnected by weak‐to‐medium–strong hydrogen bonds. In In₂(H₂AsO₄)₂(H₂As₂O₇)₂, the H₂As₂O₇²⁻ groups link the chains in three dimensions, thus creating a framework topology, which is reinforced by weak‐to‐medium–strong hydrogen bonds. The three title arsenates represent the first compounds containing both H₂AsO₄⁻ and H₂As₂O₇²⁻ groups.     

Synthesis,structure, and thermal expansion of sodium zirconium arsenate phosphates

Sodium zirconium arsenate phosphates NaZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_3?x were synthesized by precipitation technique and studied by X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy. In the series of NaZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_3?x , continuous substitution solid solutions are formed (0 ≤ x ≤ 3) with the mineral kosnarite structure. The crystal structure of NaZr₂(AsO₄)_1.5(PO₄)_1.5 was refined by full-profile analysis: space group R \(\bar 3\) c, a = 8.9600(4)Å, c = 22.9770(9) Å, V = 1597.5(1) ų, R _wp = 4.55. The thermal expansion of the arsenate-phosphate NaZr₂(AsO₄)_1.5(PO₄)_1.5 and the arsenate NaZr₂(AsO₄)₃ was studied by thermal X-ray diffraction in the temperature range of 20–800°C. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients (α_av = 2.45 × 10^?6 and 3.91 × 10^?6 K^?1, respectively) indicate that these salts are medium expansion compounds.     

Layered zincoarsenate templated by N,N,N′,N′‐tetra­methyl­ethyl­ene‐di­amine mol­ecules

The title compound, N,N,N′,N′‐tetra­methyl­ethyl­enedi­ammon­ium di­aqua­(arsenate)­(hydrogen arsenate)­dizinc(II), (C₆H₁₈N₂)_0.5[Zn₂(AsO₄)(HAsO₄)(H₂O)₂], is a new zincoarsenate obtained by hydro­thermal synthesis. The structure consists of infinite two‐dimensional anionic layers alternating with planes containing centrosymmetric organic diprotonated template N,N,N′,N′‐tetra­methyl­ethyl­enedi­ammonium cations, [H₃N­C₆H₁₂NH₃]²⁺. The latter are interconnected to the framework through hydrogen bonds.     

Mixed insoluble acidic salts of tetravalent metals

Mixed amorphous, glassy type, zirconium-titanium arsenate (ZrTiAs) and hafniumtitanium arsenate (HfTiAs) have been prepared. The composition and exchange capacity of the prepared samples were investigated in comparison with pure zirconium, titanium and hafnium arsenates, respectively. For the samples the Zr_xTi_(1-x)(HAsO₄)₂·2H₂O and the Hf_xTi_(1-x)(HAsO₄)₂·2H₂O compositions (where 0<x<1) were found. The exchange capacity values were found less than those for pure arsenates, but they do not change their values under the effect of high dose of gamma-radiation.     

Ba5Cl4(H2O)8(VPO5)8: a novel three‐dimensional framework solid

The novel hydrothermally synthesized title compound, pentabarium tetrachloride octahydrate octakis(oxovanadium phosphate), Ba₅Cl₄(H₂O)₈(VPO₅)₈, crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmca with a unit cell containing four formula units. Two Ba²⁺ cations, two Cl⁻ anions and the O atoms of four water molecules are situated on the (100) mirror plane, while the third independent Ba²⁺ cation is on the intersection of the (100) plane and the twofold axis parallel to a. Two phosphate P atoms are on twofold axes, while the remaining independent P atom and both V atoms are in general positions. The structure is characterized by two kinds of layers, namely anionic oxovanadium phosphate (VPO₅), composed of corner‐sharing VO₅ square pyramids and PO₄ tetrahedra, and cationic barium chloride hydrate clusters, Ba₅Cl₄(H₂O)₈, composed of three Ba²⁺ cations linked by bridging chloride anions. The layers are connected by Ba—O bonds to generate a three‐dimensional structure.     

Enthalpie De Formation Et De Melange De Phosphoapatites Calco-Cadmiees Chlorees

Calcium–cadmium chlorapatites solid solutions with the general formula Ca_10–xCd_x(PO₄)₆Cl₂,1≤x≤10, were prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy and chemical analysis. Using an isoperibol calorimeter, their enthalpies of solution in 9 mass% nitric acid were measured. In order to determine the enthalpies of formation and enthalpies of mixing, thermochemical cycles were proposed and complementary experiences were performed. The results obtained show a decrease of the enthalpy of formation with the amount of cadmium introduced in the lattice. The variation of mixing enthalpy vs. x=Cd/(Cd+Ca) shows a maximum at about x=0,4. This could be explained by the existence of two cationic sites in the phosphoapatite structure. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Atmospheric chemistry of n‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3): Kinetics and mechanisms

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure the kinetics of the reaction of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) with Cl atoms and OH radicals: k(CH₃CN + Cl) = (1.04 ± 0.25) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + Cl) = (9.20 ± 3.95) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + Cl) = (2.03 ± 0.23) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + Cl) = (6.70 ± 0.67) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃CN + OH) = (4.07 ± 1.21) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + OH) = (1.24 ± 0.27) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + OH) = (4.63 ± 0.99) × 10⁻¹³, and k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + OH) = (1.58 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at a total pressure of 700 Torr of air or N₂ diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The atmospheric oxidation of alkyl nitriles proceeds through hydrogen abstraction leading to several carbonyl containing primary oxidation products. HC(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, ClC(O)OONO₂, and HCN were identified as the main oxidation products from CH₃CN, whereas CH₃CH₂CN gives the products HC(O)CN, CH₃C(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, and HCN. The oxidation of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 2–3) leads to a range of oxygenated primary products. Based on the measured OH radical rate constants, the atmospheric lifetimes of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) were estimated to be 284, 93, 25, and 7 days for x = 0,1, 2, and 3, respectively.     

Sodium scandium arsenate,Na3Sc2(AsO4)3

Nasicon-type trisodium discandium tris­(arsenate), Na₃Sc₂(AsO₄)₃, contains a polyhedral network of vertex-sharing octahedral ScO₆ and tetrahedral AsO₄ units [d_av(Sc—O) = 2.089 (2) Å and d_av(As—O) = 1.672 (2) Å] encapsulating two types of Na⁺ species. The sodium site occupancies are similar to those of the equivalent species in β-Na₃Sc₂(PO₄)₃.     

Two new barium borate bromides: Ba2BO3Br and Ba3BO3Br3

Two new barium borate bromide crystals, Ba₂BO₃Br and Ba₃BO₃Br₃, have been obtained by spontaneous crystallization. Ba₂BO₃Br crystallizes in P−3m1 space group, with cell parameters of a = 5.5157(10) Å, c = 11.019(4) Å, and Z = 2, its structure is build up by alternately stacking along c-axis of [Ba₂(BO₃)₂]²⁻ layers and bromide [Ba₂Br₂]²⁺ layers. The solved structure is analog to Ba₂(BO₃)_1−x(CO₃)_xCl_1+x except the interstitial halogen atoms at (0, 0, 1/2) is missing and accordingly the partly CO₃ substitution for BO₃ has not been observed. Ba₃BO₃Br₃ crystallizes in a new structure type with P−1 space group and cell parameters of a = 9.280(4) Å, b = 9.349(7) Å, c = 13.025(9) Å, α = 92.71(3)°, β = 98.29(3)°, γ = 116.200(18)° and Z = 4. The basic structural unit in Ba₃BO₃Br₃ is the clusters composed of 4 BO₃ groups and 12 Ba atoms, which in turn are linked by eight Ba–O bonds with other four clusters to form sheets extend in the (001) plane.     

Vibrational spectra of Te(OH)6.2NH4H2AsO4 and Te(OH)6.2(NH4)2HAsO4

IR and Raman spectra of Te(OH)₆.2NH₄H₂AsO₄.(NH₄)₂HAsO₄ (compound I) and Te(OH)₆.2(NH₄)₂HAsO₄ (compound II) are recorded and analysed. The symmetry of different groups and the vibrational interaction between them are discussed. The observed spectra suggest the existence of HAsO²⁻₄ in II and coexistence of HAsO²⁻₄ and H₂AsO⁻₄ in I. The ammonium ion is found to execute hindered rotation in the lattice in both the compounds.     

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.     

Sol-gel synthesis and structure of MZr2(AsO4)3 arsenates and MZr2(AsO4) x (PO4)3 − x arsenate phosphates (M = K,Rb, Cs)

MZr₂(AsO₄)₃ arsenates and MZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_{3 ? x} arsenate phosphates (M = K, Rb, Cs) have been obtained by sol-gel synthesis followed by heat treatment and have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, electron probe microanalysis, and IR spectroscopy. Continuous series of substitutional solid solutions form in the MZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_{3 ? x} systems (0 ≤ x ≤ 3). The solid solutions have a kosnarite structure (KZr₂(PO₄)₃, space group \(R\bar 3c\) ). The crystal structures of MZr₂(AsO₄)₃ and MZr₂(AsO₄)_1.5(PO₄)_1.5 have been refined by full-profile analysis. The structural frameworks of these phases are built from ZrO₆ octahedra and AsO₄ tetrahedra or (As,P)O₄ tetrahedra statistically populated by arsenic and phosphorus atoms. The alkali metal atoms occupy extraframework sites. The effect of the crystal chemical properties of alkali metals on the formation of the structures of MZr₂(AsO₄)₃ arsenates (M = Li-Cs) and MZr₂(AsO₄) _x (PO₄)_{3 ? x} solid solutions is discussed.     

The novel arsenate Na4Co7−xAl2/3x(AsO4)6 (x = 1.37): crystal structure,charge‐distribution and bond‐valence‐sum investigations

The title compound, tetrasodium cobalt aluminium hexaarsenate, Na₄Co_7−xAl_2/3x(AsO₄)₆ (x = 1.37), is isostructural with K₄Ni₇(AsO₄)₆; however, in its crystal structure, some of the Co²⁺ ions are substituted by Al³⁺ in a fully occupied octahedral site (site symmetry 2/m) and a partially occupied tetrahedral site (site symmetry 2). A third octahedral site is fully occupied by Co²⁺ ions only. One of the two independent tetrahedral As atoms and two of its attached O atoms reside on a mirror plane, as do two of the three independent Na⁺ cations, all of which are present at half‐occupancy. The proposed structural model based on a careful investigation of the crystal data is supported by charge‐distribution (CHARDI) analysis and bond‐valence‐sum (BVS) calculations. The correlation between the X‐ray refinement and the validation results is discussed.     

Synthesis,Persistent Luminescence,and Thermoluminescence Properties of Yellow Sr3SiO5:Eu2+,RE3+ (RE=Ce,Nd, Dy,Ho, Er,Tm, Yb) and Orange‐Red Sr3−xBaxSiO5:Eu2+, Dy3+ Phosphor

Sunlight‐excitable orange or red persistent oxide phosphors with excellent performance are still in great need. Herein, an intense orange‐red Sr_3?xBa_xSiO₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ persistent luminescence phosphor was successfully developed by a two‐step design strategy. The XRD patterns, photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra, and the thermoluminescence spectra were investigated in detail. By adding non‐equivalent trivalent rare earth co‐dopants to introduce foreign trapping centers, the persistent luminescence performance of Eu²⁺ in Sr₃SiO₅ was significantly modified. The yellow persistent emission intensity of Eu²⁺ was greatly enhanced by a factor of 4.5 in Sr₃SiO₅:Eu²⁺,Nd³⁺ compared with the previously reported Sr₃SiO₅:Eu²⁺, Dy³⁺. Furthermore, Sr ions were replaced with equivalent Ba to give Sr_3?xBa_xSiO₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ phosphor, which shows yellow‐to‐orange‐red tunable persistent emissions from λ=570 to 591 nm as x is increased from 0 to 0.6. Additionally, the persistent emission intensity of Eu²⁺ is significantly improved by a factor of 2.7 in Sr_3?xBa_xSiO₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺ (x=0.2) compared with Sr₃SiO₅:Eu²⁺,Dy³⁺. A possible mechanism for enhanced and tunable persistent luminescence behavior of Eu²⁺ in Sr_3?xBa_xSiO₅:Eu²⁺,RE³⁺ (RE=rare earth) is also proposed and discussed.