Une nouvelle famille structurale: Les titanoniobates et titanotantalates A2Nb6TiO18 et A2Ta6TiO18

New ternary oxides A₂M₆TiO₁₈ (A = Rb, Cs; M = Ta, Nb) have been synthesized by reaction between M₂O₅ and TiO₂ oxides and A₂CO₃ carbonates. They crystallize in the hexagonal system in a cell of dimensions a and c near 7.5 and 8.2 Å, respectively. There is one formula unit in the cell, in good agreement with the observed densities 4.38 and 4.78 for A₂Nb₆TiO₁₈, 6.62 and 6.93 for A₂Ta₆TiO₁₈. The structure has been determined from powder diffraction patterns, from the 64 first reflections (i.e., 190 hkl), and refined to R₁ values ranging from 0.06 and 0.08. It can be described from a basic unit of composition (M₆O₂₄) formed of 3 × 2 octahedra of oxygen atoms, sharing edges and corners, with MO distances ranging from 1.8 and 2.2 Å. Relations with the hexagonal tungsten bronze and pyrochlore-type structures are discussed.     

Détermination de la structure cristalline du ferrite de baryum Ba2Fe6O11

The crystal structure of dibarium triferrite Ba₂Fe₆O₁₁ has been solved by direct methods, using intensity data collected by means of an automated diffractometer (MoKα radiation) and corrected for absorption. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnnm: a = 23.024(10)Å, b = 5.181(3) Å, c = 8.900(4) Å, Z = 4. Program MULTAN was successfully used for locating Ba²⁺ and most of the Fe³⁺ ions. The structure was further refined by conventional Fourier and least-squares methods (full-matrix program) to a final R value of 0.045 for 1448 observed reflections. Fe³⁺ ions occur in both octahedral (FeO mean distance: 2.02 Å) and tetrahedral (FeO mean distance: 1.865 Å) coordination. Two types of Ba²⁺ ions are found, with six and seven neighboring oxygen atoms. The structure consists of sheets of edge-shared FeO₆ octahedra which are connected by means of corner-shared tetrahedra.     

Pyrochlore and Perovskite Potassium Tantalate: Enthalpies of Formation and Phase Transformation

Alkali niobates and tantalates are currently important lead‐free functional oxides. The formation and decomposition energetics of potassium tantalum oxide compounds (K₂O?Ta₂O₅) were measured by high‐temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry. The enthalpies of formation from oxides of KTaO₃ perovskite and defect pyrochlores with K/Ta ratio of less than 1 stoichiometry—K_0.873Ta_2.226O₆, K_1.128Ta_2.175O₆, and K_1.291Ta_2.142O₆—were experimentally determined, and the values are (?203.63±2.92) kJ mol^?1 for KTaO₃ perovskite, and (?339.54±5.03) kJ mol^?1, (?369.71±4.84) kJ mol^?1, and (?364.78±4.24) kJ mol^?1, respectively, for non‐stoichiometric pyrochlores. That of stoichiometric defect K₂Ta₂O₆ pyrochlore, by extrapolation, is (?409.87±6.89) kJ mol^?1. Thus, the enthalpy of the stoichiometric pyrochlore and perovskite at K/Ta=1 stoichiometry are equal in energy within experimental error. By providing data on the thermodynamic stability of each phase, this work supplies knowledge on the phase‐formation process and phase stability within the K₂O?Ta₂O₅ system, thus assisting in the synthesis of materials with reproducible properties based on controlled processing. Additionally, the relation of stoichiometric and non‐stoichiometric pyrochlore with perovskite structure in potassium tantalum oxide system is discussed.     

Phase evolution of lead titanate from its amorphous precursor synthesized by the OPM wet-chemical route

Lead titanate was synthesized by the OPM wet-chemical route by the dissolution of Ti metal in H₂O₂ followed by the addition of Pb²⁺ at high pH, resulting in a reactive and amorphous precipitate with (Pb:Ti=1:1) mole ratio, which was heat treated between 400°C and 700°C. The amorphous precipitate was characterized by DSC, and all of the powders were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman and XAS (EXAFS and XANES) spectroscopy at the Ti K edge. A metastable, stoichiometric and cubic pyrochlore phase (Pb₂Ti₂O₆, Fd3m) was identified by XRD and Raman spectroscopy up to approx. 450°C. Only tetragonal PbTiO₃ was identified at higher temperatures. XAS spectra showed that the local structure around the absorbing Ti atom of the intermediate pyrochlore phase is similar to that observed in the amorphous precursor. This fact indicates that the metastable intermediate pyrochlore (Pb₂Ti₂O₆) is kinetically favored to be formed because of its similarity to the amorphous precipitate, instead of the slightly different and thermodynamically favored tetragonal (PbTiO₃, P4/mmm) perovskite structure that is only formed at higher temperatures, after the crystallization of the metastable intermediate pyrochlore.     

Electronic structure and photocatalytic properties of ABi2Ta2O9 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba)

A new series of layered perovskite photocatalysts, ABi₂Ta₂O₉ (A=Ca, Sr, Ba), were synthesized by the conventional solid-state reaction method and the crystal structures were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The results showed that the structure of ABi₂Ta₂O₉ (A=Ca, Sr) is orthorhombic, while that of BaBi₂Ta₂O₉ is tetragonal. First-principles calculations of the electronic band structures and density of states (DOS) revealed that the conduction bands of these photocatalysts are mainly attributable to the Ta 5d+Bi 6p+O 2p orbitals, while their valence bands are composed of hybridization with O 2p+Ta 5d+Bi 6s orbitals. Photocatalytic activities for water splitting were investigated under UV light irradiation and indicated that these photocatalysts are highly active even without co-catalysts. The formation rate of H₂ evolution from an aqueous methanol solution is about 2.26 mmol h^-1 for the photocatalyst SrBi₂Ta₂O₉, which is much higher than that of CaBi₂Ta₂O₉ and BaBi₂Ta₂O₉. The photocatalytic properties are discussed in close connection with the crystal structure and the electronic structure in details.     

Crystal chemistry of lithium in octahedrally coordinated structures. I. Synthesis of Ba8(Me6Li2)O24 (Me = Nb or Ta) and Ba10(W6Li4)O30. II. The tetragonal bronze phase in the system BaONb2O5Li2O

The preparation, single crystal growth, and crystallographic properties of a close-packed, eight-layer, hexagonal (a = 5.803 Å, c = 19.076 Å) modification having the stoichiometry Ba₈Nb₆Li₂O₂₄ and of a close-packed, ten-layer, hexagonal (a = 5.760 Å, c = 23.742 Å) phase with Ba₁₀W₆Li₄O₃₀ stoichiometry are discussed. The isostructural Ba₈Ta₆Li₄O₂₄ form of the eight-layer phase was also prepared (a = 5.802 Å, c = 19.085 Å). Proposed crystal structures involve the pairing of lithium and metal (Nb, Ta, or W) octahedra to yield face-sharing units. The relationship of this phenomenon to other known close-packed phases containing Li is demonstrated. An investigation of the Ba₈Nb₆Li₂O₂₄Ba₁₀W₆Li₄O₃₀ system is reported.A tetragonal bronze phase homogeneity region was delimited at 1200°C in the BaONb₂O₅Li₂O system. A new orthorhombic phase (a = 10.197 Å, b = 14.882 Å, c = 7.942 Å) was prepared with the stoichiometry Ba₄Li₂Nb₁₀O₃₀.     

Vibrational spectra of 1:2 ordered perovskites

The infrared and Raman spectra of some perovskites with general formula A₃BB′₂O₉ are reported, viz. Sr₃MgNb₂O₉, Sr₃CaNb₂O₉, Pb₃MgNb₂O₉, and Ba₃Gd₂WO₉. The interpretation is by far not as simple as for 1:1 ordered perovskites. Only a rough assignment of the internal modes of the niobate and tungstate octahedra can be made. The spectra of the niobates are very sensitive to the degree of order between the divalent metal ions and the Nb⁵⁺ ions among the smaller cation sublattice. This is evaluated qualitatively.     

Ionenaustauschexperimente an ternären Tantalaten und Niobaten mittels Halogenidschmelzen — ein Zugang zu neuen Bleitantalaten

Exchange Reactions of Ternary Tantalates and Niobates with Halide Melts — a Way to New Lead Tantalates Ternary tantalates and niobates of the hexagonal structure-type A_(n+1)/m^m+M_3n+1O_8n+3 (A^m+ = Na⁺, Cu⁺, Ag⁺,…; M = Ta, Nb) were heated with surplus CuCl, PbCl₂, LaCl₃ or BiCl₃ (for example T = 700°C in case of PbCl₂). In some of these cases it was possible to exchange the A^m+-ions for the cations of the halide melts by maintaining the basic structure (for example: Cu₃Ta₇O₁₉ + BiCl₃ = BiTa₇O₁₉ + 3 CuCl). In different reactions the stack along the crystallographic c-axis and furthermore the proportion O/M (for example: 7 Cu₅Ta₁₁O₃₀ + 35/2 PbCl₂ = 11 Pb_1,5Ta₇O₁₉ + PbO + 35 CuCl) changed. Nevertheless, it was not possible to substitute cations of the halide melt for A^m+-ions in every direction (not possible for example: LaTa₇O₁₉ + BiCl₃). When CuCl? and PbCl₂-melt were added to Ag₂Ta₄O₁₁ and Na₂Nb₄O₁₁, these niobates showed exange reactions by changing their structure completely. If BiCl₃-melt was added, these niobates decayed while forming B? Nb₂O₅. The new hexagonal tantalates Pb_1,5Ta₇O₁₉ (a = 6,2411(7) Å; c = 19,977(3) Å) and PbTa₄O₁₁ (low-temperature modification; a = 6,2364(3) Å; c = 36,851(3) Å) were the first representatives of the structure-type A_(n+1)/m^m+M_3n+1O_8n+3 with A^m+ = Pb²⁺, which were found in a reaction with PbCl₂ (Cu₃Ta₇O₁₉ + 3/2 PbCl₂ = Pb_1,5Ta₇O₁₉ + 3 CuCl; Ag₂Ta₄O₁₁ + PbCl₂ = PbTa₄O₁₁ + 2 AgCl). These two compounds, which are probably metastable, could only be achieved by exange reactions of ions.     

Pyrochlore-related phases in the lead oxide-tantalum oxide system

Pyrochlore-related phases in the PbOTa₂O₅ system were reinvestigated. Three such phases are described: cubic Pb_1.5Ta₂O_6.5 with a narrow range of composition, rhombohedral Pb₂₂Ta₁₈O₆₇, and orthorhombic Pb₁₄Ta₁₀O₃₉. A new pyrochlore-related structure is proposed for the orthorhombic phase. There is also a range of rhombohedral solid solution, which may be metastable only. The existence of the previously reported Pb₂Ta₂O₇ is not confirmed.     

Fluorooxoperoxo complexes of vanadium(V)

Substances crystallizing under various conditions from the MVO₃(MF, HF)H₂O₂H₂O (M = NH₄, K) systems have been characterized by elemental analysis, infrared and Raman spectra and X-ray powder patterns. Besides the known M₂[VO(O₂)₂F] complexes, complexes of two new types have been obtained: M₃[HV₂O₂(O₂)₃F₄·2H₂O and (NH₄)₃[V₂O₂(O₂)₄F]·nH₂O (n≈2). Vibrational spectra of new complexes are consistent with the presence of dimeric anions containing V(μ₂O₂)V and VFV bridges, respectively.     

Local environment of tungsten in mixed valence tungsten phosphate glasses: An EXAFS study

The local order around tungsten atoms in some phosphotungstate glasses of the K₂OP₂O₅WO_3−x system was studied by EXAFS and X-ray diffusion techniques. From a previous work by EPR and optical spectra, an axially distorted octahedral environment was deduced around tungsten in these glasses. In agreement with this result, EXAFS shows that the structure of the phosphotungstate glasses is built up of distorted WO₆ octahedra joined by corners with PO₄ tetrahedra: long WO distances can be associated with WOP bonds and short WO distances with WOW bonds as was already observed in crystallized phosphotungstates. X-Ray diffusion shows that even for large WO₃ contents, WO₆ octahedra are predominantly joined by corners.     

The structure of the dithionite ion

The Raman spectra of aqueous and solid sodium dithionite have been recorded. Differences in the location, intensity, and number of observed bands are attributed to conformational changes in the dithionite ion. The structure of the aqueous ion is non-planar with a C_2h symmetry with an SS bond distance estimated to be 0.220–0.226 nm, as opposed to the dithionite structure in the Na₂S₂O₄·2H₂O salt which is known to have C_2ν structure with a bond distance of 0.2389 nm. The Raman spectra of aqueous dithionite are assigned to A_g (SO) = 997 cm^?1; B_g (SO) at 912 cm^?1, B_g SO₂ twist at 324 cm^?1. The remaining bands are a strong A_g, the SO₂ wag, the SO₂ scissor, and the SS stretch at 584, 461, and 232 cm^?1, respectively, but due to coupling all three motions are expected to exhibit substantial SS character. The variation of the spectra of the solid and aqueous sodium dithionite indicate strong environmental effect on the structure of the anion.     

Composes isomorphes MeX2O4E2: I. Etude vibrationnelle de MnSb2O4 entre 4 et 300 K: champ de force et tenseur élastique

A vibrational study of the tetragonal antimony oxides (Mn, Ni, Zn) Sb₂O₄E₂ in which E is a lone pair has been carried out using Raman and infrared spectroscopy between 4 and 300 K. A force field calculation has been performed using previous results (J. P. Vigouroux et al., Spectrochimi. Acta A 38, 393, 1982) and a new structural evolution approach using models and results of X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments (R. Chater and J. R. Gavarri, J. Solid State Chem. 59, 123, 1985). This approach delivers mean force constants F_a, F_c, elastic constants C_ij, and Grüneisen parameters. Using these results it has been possible to propose initial force constants which have been refined. For MnSb₂O₄ the following results are obtained: (1) In MnO₆ octahedra, the six MnO bond force constants are about 60 N m⁻¹. (2) In SbO₃E tetrahedra, the three SbO force constants are about 200 N m⁻¹ while OSbO angle force constants are in the range 50–70 N m⁻¹. (3) SbE · · · SbE interactions are evaluated in the three Mn, Zn, Ni isomorphous compounds: the interaction is strongly connected with the SbSb distances found in these structures. It is shown that the force field calculation is in agreement with the results of the structural evolution approach: the values F_a = 49 N m⁻¹, F_c = 70 N m⁻¹ can be compared qualitatively with the various averaged force constants.     

Magnetic and charge transport properties of the Na-based Os oxide pyrochlore

The Na-based osmium oxide pyrochlore was synthesized for the first time by an ion-exchange method using KOs₂O₆ as a host. The composition was identified as Na_1.4Os₂O₆·H₂O by electron probe micro-analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and structural analysis using synchrotron X-ray diffraction. Na_1.4Os₂O₆·H₂O crystallizes in a regular pyrochlore structure with some defects (space group: Fd-3m, a=10.16851(1) Å). Electrical resistivity, heat capacity, and magnetization measurements clearly showed absence of superconductivity down to 2 K, being in large contrast to what was found for the β-type pyrochlore superconductor AOs₂O₆ (A=Cs, Rb, and K). The Sommerfeld coefficient is 22 mJ K⁻² mol⁻¹, being the smallest among AOs₂O₆. A magnetic anomaly at ∼57 K and associated magneto-resistance (+3.7% at 2 K in 70 kOe) were found.     

Rubidium‐ und Caesium‐Verbindungen mit dem Isopolyanion [Ta6O19]8– – Synthesen,Kristallstrukturen, thermische und schwingungsspektroskopische Untersuchungen der Oxotantalate A8[Ta6O19] · n H2O (A = Rb,Cs; n = 0, 4, 14)

Rubidium und Caesium Compounds with the Isopolyanion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8– – Synthesis, Crystal Structures, Thermogravimetric and Vibrational Spectrocopic Analysis of the Oxotantalates A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) The compounds A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · n H₂O (A = Rb, Cs; n = 0, 4, 14) contain the isopoly anion [Ta₆O₁₉]^8–, which consists of six [TaO₆] octahedra connected via corners to form a large octahedron. They transform into each other by reversible hydratation/dehydratation processes, as shown from thermoanalytic measurements (TG/DSC), and show also structural similarities. Cs₈[Ta₆O₁₉] (tetragonal, I4/m, a = 985.9(1) pm, c = 1403.3(1) pm, Z = 2), the isotypic phases A₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 14 H₂O (A = Rb/Cs; monoclinic, P2₁/n, a = 1031.30(6)/1055.4(1) pm, b = 1590.72(9)/1614.9(6) pm, c = 1150.43(6)/1171.4(1) pm, β = 100.060(1)/99.97(2)°, Z = 2) and Rb₈[Ta₆O₁₉] · 4 H₂O (monoclinic, C2/c, a = 1216.9(4) pm, b = 1459.2(5) pm, c = 1414.7(4) pm, β = 90.734(6)°, Z = 4) have been characterised on the basis of single crystal x‐ray data. Furthermore the RAMAN spectra allow a detailled comparison of the hexatantalate ions in the four compounds.     

Crystallographic shear in the Nb2O5WO3 and Ta2O5WO3 systems

Crystallographic shear (CS) phases occurring in the Nb₂O₅WO₃ and Ta₂O₅WO₃ systems near to WO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Nb₂O₅WO₃ samples were heated at 1600K. They contained ordered {104} and {001} CS planes and wavy CS which were composed of intergrowths of {104} and {001} CS segments. The composition range over which the {104} CS series extended was from (Nb,W)O_2.954 i.e., (Nb,W)₆₅O₁₉₂, to (Nb,W)O_2.942, i.e., (Nb,W)₅₂O₁₅₃. The composition range over which the {001} CS series extended was from (Nb,W)O_2.9375, i.e., (Nb,W)₁₆O₄₇ to (Nb,W)O_2.875, i.e., (Nb,W)₈O₂₃. The Ta₂O₅WO₃ samples were prepared at 1593, 1623, and 1672K. At lower temperatures ordered {103} CS phases were found, with a composition range extending between (Ta,W)O_2.960, i.e., (Ta,W)₅₀O₁₄₈, to (Ta,W)O_2.944, i.e., (Ta,W)₃₆O₁₀₆. At 1673K ordered {103} CS phases occurred, as did wavy CS composed of intergrowths of {103} and {104} CS segments.     

Oxydes de plomb. I. Structure cristalline du minium Pb3O4, à température ambiante (293 K)

The structure of Pb₃O₄ at 293 K has been refined to an R value of 0.06, using 29 neutron diffraction data obtained from a powdered sample.Oxygen atoms are displaced in the quadratic cell (space group $\text{P4}{}_2\text{mbc}\text{; a = 8.811}$ Å and c = 6.563 Å) with respect to previous results obtained by several authors. The interatomic Pb^IVO and Pb^IIO distances are compared with those found in other lead oxides. While the oxygen octahedra around Pb^IV atoms are characterized by bondings a little too long, the divalent lead coordination is characterized by bondings a little too short.     

Synthesis,X-ray diffraction and vibrational study of silicates and germanates isostructural with kentrolite Pb2Mn2Si2O9

New germanates Pb₂M^III₂Ge₂O₉ (M^III = Fe, Mn, Sc, In) and silicates Pb₂M^IIM^IVSi₂O₉ (M^II = Mg, Ni, Co, Cu for M^IV = Sn; M^II = Co, Ni for M^IV = Ti) have been synthesized by solid state reaction. Their X-ray powder diagrams may be indexed in the orthorhombic system and show that these compounds are isostructural with kentrolite Pb₂Mn₂Si₂O₉. Doubts are expressed about the published structure of kentrolite and it is shown that some aspects of the structure should be re-examined.The I.R. and Raman spectra of these compounds are fairly complicated, and their discussion is restricted to the region of SiO or GeO stretching frequencies. These spectra show the existence of a pyro-silicate or -germanate group. The symmetric and antisymmetric frequencies of the SiOSi bridge have been identified with the help of ²⁸Si³⁰Si isotopic shifts. Their difference ν_as?ν_sym depends on the ionic radius of the cations, and points to a non-linear bridge of the pyrosilicate group.     

Na0.74Ta3O6, ein niedervalentes Oxotantalat mit einer Ta–Ta‐Mehrfachbindung

Na_0.74Ta₃O₆, a Low‐Valent Oxotantalate with Multiple Ta–Ta Bonds The title compound was prepared in a sealed tantalum tube through the reaction of Ta₂O₅, tantalum and Na₂CO₃ in a NaCl flux at 1570 K within 5 d. The crystal structure of Na_0.74Ta₃O₆ (a = 713.5(1), b = 1027.4(2), c = 639.9(1) pm, Immm, Z = 4) was determined by single crystal X‐ray means. The structure is isomorphous with NaNb₃O₅F [1]. The characteristic structural units are triply bonded Ta1₂ dumb‐bells with eight square‐prismatically co‐ordinated O ligands. Four Ta2, each octahedrally surrounded by O atoms, are side‐on bonded weakly to the binuclear Ta₂O₈ complex, thus forming a Ta₆ propellane‐like cluster. The lattice parameters of three additional M_xTa₃O₆ phases, M = Li, Mn, and Yb, are reported.     

Application de la spectrometrie vibrationnelle à un probleme de non-stoechiométrie par insertion dans les tunnels pentagonaux des réseaux (M6X4O26) (M = Nb,Ta; X = Si,Ge)

The ir spectra of A₃M₆Si₄O₂₆ (A = Ba, Sr; M = Nb, Ta) and K₆M₆Si₄O₂₆ oxides, whose structure contains linear Si₂O₇ groups, are discussed with particular emphasis on the peculiar behavior of the antisymmetric stretching frequency of the linear SiOSi bridge. In accord with previous data, this frequency is the highest of the spectrum (near 1200 cm^?1), but it is significantly lowered (by about 75 cm^?1) when passing from the A₃M₆Si₂₄O₂₆ to the K₆M₆Si₄O₂₆ compounds. This is readily explained by the peculiar structure of the K₆ compounds, in which three (out of the six) K⁺ cations are located near the bridge oxygen (A₂ sites), these sites remaining empty in the A₃M₆Si₄O₂₆ compounds. The resulting KO bonding weakens the SiO bond, thus leading to a lowering of the corresponding bridge frequency. The same type of explanation holds for the presence of a new band at an intermediate frequency (about 1150 cm^?1) in phases of intermediate composition K_6?2xBa_xM₆Si₄O₂₆, this new band being correlated with a partial occupancy of the A₂ sites. This has been applied to, and is a sensitive means of, detecting nonstoichiometry in the A₂ sites of other compounds with (M₆X₄O₂₆) layers (X = Si, Ge) such as Ba_6+xNb₁₄Si₄O₄₇, K₈M₁₄Si₄O₄₇, and K₁₀M₂₂X₄O₆₈ (M = Nb, Ta).