Chemical and Phase Transformations during the Synthesis of Cs[MgR<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>P<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>6</Subscript>] (R = B,Al, Fe) Complex Oxides from Metal Nitrates

Cesium-containing complex oxides Cs[MgR_0.5P_1.5O₆], where R = B, Al, or Fe, were prepared from solutions containing H₃BO₃, metal nitrates, and H₃PO₄/NH₄H₂PO₄. The chemical and phase transformations occurring during the synthesis of these oxides were elucidated by differential thermal analysis (DTA) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD. Optimal synthesis parameters were found. The boron compound was found to be formed at 800°C, and the aluminum and iron compounds, at 1200°C. All compounds have the pollucite structure (cubic system, space group I4₁32). A comparative analysis of the synthesis of complex oxides under study from various precursors that differed from one another in metal and phosphorus chemical species was carried out.     

Phase formation in the ZrO(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>-H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-CsF-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system at low concentration of the phosphorus-containing component

The ZrO(NO₃)₂-H₃PO₄-CsF-H₂O system was studied at 20°C along the section at a molar ratio of PO₄³⁻/Zr = 0.5 (which is of the greatest interest in the context of phase formation) at ZrO₂ concentrations in the initial solutions of 2–14 wt % and molar ratios of CsF: Zr = 1−6. The following compounds were isolated for the first time: crystalline fluorophosphates CsZrF₂PO₄ · H₂O, amorphous oxofluorophosphate Cs₂Zr₃O₂F₄(PO₄)₂ · 3H₂O, and amorphous oxofluorophosphate nitrate CsZr₃O_1.25F₄(PO₄)₂(NO₃)_0.5 · 4.5H₂O. The compound Cs₃Zr₃O_1.5F₆(PO₄)₂ · 3H₂O was also isolated, which forms in a crystalline or glassy form, depending on conditions. The formation of the following new compounds was established: Cs₂Zr₃O_1.5F₅(PO₄)₂ · 2H₂O, Cs₂Zr₃F₂(PO₄)₄ · 4.5H₂O, and Zr₃O₄(PO₄)_1.33 · 6H₂O, which crystallize only in a mixture with known phases. All the compounds were studied by X-ray powder diffraction, crystal-optical, thermal, and IR spectroscopic analyses.     

Monolithic FeO<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>/Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> catalysts for ammonia oxidation and nitrous oxide decomposition

(1.2–8.3)%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ monolith catalysts have been prepared by impregnating alumina with aqueous solutions of iron(III) nitrate and oxalate and have been tested in NH₃ oxidation and in the selective decomposition of N₂O in mixtures resulting from ammonia oxidation over a Pt–Rh gauze pack under conditions of nitric acid synthesis (800–900°C). In the case of the support calcined at 1200°C, the catalyst is dominated by bulk Fe₂O₃ particles localized on the Al₂O₃ surface. The activity of these samples in both reactions decreases with a decreasing active component content, thus limiting the potential of Fe₂(C₂O₄)₃ · 5H₂O, an environmentally friendlier but poorly soluble compound, as a substitute for Fe(NO₃)₃ · 9H₂O. Decreasing the support calcination temperature to 1000°C or below leads to the formation of a highly defective Fe–Al–O solid solution in the (1.2–2.7)%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ catalysts. The surface layers of the solid solution are enriched with iron ions or stabilize ultrafine FeO_х particles. The catalytic activity of these samples in both reactions is close to the activities measured for ~8%FeO_х/Al₂O₃ samples prepared using iron nitrate.     

Thermodynamic characterization of the amphoteric oxides M<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> (M = Cr,Fe, Co) and their hydrates in aqueous media

The molar solubilities of solid oxides M₂O₃ and their hydrates at 25°C as functions of pH of aqueous media, as well as the acid-base equilibrium constants were calculated for crystalline oxides and dissolved M(OH)₃ hydroxides, where M = Cr, Fe, Co, by the thermodynamic method, taking into account the formation of mono- and polynuclear hydroxo complexes.     

Freeze-drying synthesis and characterisation of Na composites of ZnO,TiO<Subscript>2</Subscript> and ZnTiO<Subscript>3</Subscript> semiconductor oxides

The freeze-drying method of metal oxides synthesis has a number of advantages such as high homogeneity, varying porous structures, morphologies and uniform particle size distribution, etc. Because of these advantages, the binary metal oxides ZnO, TiO₂ and ternary metal oxide ZnTiO₃ were synthesised by the freeze-drying method. The synthesised materials were characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform-infra red spectroscopy (FT-IR), UV-VIS spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX). The as-synthesised metal oxides were calcined at different temperatures to study the phase evolution and morphological changes. The crystalline cubic-phase ZnTiO₃ (a = 8.3948 Å) was obtained on calcination of the precursor at 600°C, and decomposed to the cubic phase Zn₂TiO₄ (a = 8.4580 Å) and rutile TiO₂ (a = 4.5955 Å and c = 2.9593 Å) at 1000°C. The band gap of ZnO (3.28?3.10 eV), TiO₂ (3.37?2.97 eV) and ZnTiO₃ (3.92?3.80 eV) calculated using Tauc’s relation was found to vary inversely with calcination temperature and phase transition.     

Synthesis,phase formation,and thermal expansion of sulfate phosphates with the NaZr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> structure

The NaFeZr(PO₄)₂SO₄ and Pb_2/3FeZr(PO₄)_7/3(SO₄)_2/3 sulfate phosphates with the NaZr₂(PO₄)₃ (NZP) structure were synthesized and studied using X-ray diffraction, electron microprobe analysis, IR spectroscopy, and simultaneous differential thermal and thermogravimetric analysis. The phase formation and thermal stability of the compounds were studied by powder X-ray diffraction and DTA–TG. The Pb_2/3FeZr(PO₄)_7/3(SO₄)_2/3 structure was refined by full-profile analysis. The structure framework is composed of randomly occupied (Fe,Zr)O₆ octahedra and (P,S)O₄ tetrahedra; the Pb²⁺ ions occupy extra-framework sites. The thermal expansion of Pb_2/3FeZr(PO₄)_7/3(SO₄)_2/3 in the temperature range from–120 to 200°C was studied by temperature X-ray diffraction. In terms of the average linear coefficient of thermal expansion (α_av = 1.7 × 10^–6°C^–1), this compound can be classified as having low expansion. The combination of different tetrahedral anions (a phosphorus and a smaller sulfur one) in the NZP resulted in a decrease in the framework size and cavities and enabled the preparation of low-expansion sulfate phosphate with a smaller extra-framework cation (cheap Pb) instead of larger cations (Cs, Ba, Sr) used most often in the monoanionic phosphates.     

Electrochemical Synthesis of Co-intercalation Compounds in the Graphite-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-H<Subscript>3</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>System

Anodic oxidation of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite in an electrolyte containing concentrated sulfuric and anhydrous phosphoric acids is studied for the first time. The synthesis was carried out under galvanostatic conditions at a current I = 0.5 mA and an elevated temperature (t = 80°C). Intercalation compounds of graphite (ICG) are shown to form at all concentration ratios of H₂SO₄ and H³PO⁴ acids. The intercalation compound of step I forms in solutions containing more than 80 wt % H₂SO₄, a mixture of compounds of intercalation steps I and II forms in 60% H²SO⁴, intercalation step II is realized in the sulfuric acid concentration range from 10 to 40%, and a mixture of compounds of intercalation steps III and II is formed in 5% H₂SO₄ solutions. The threshold concentration of H₂SO₄ intercalation is ∼2%. With the decrease in active intercalate (H₂SO₄) concentration, the charging curves are gradually smoothed, the intercalation step number increases, and the potentials of ICG formation also increase. As the sulfuric acid concentration in the electrolyte changes from 96 to 40 wt %, the filled-layer thickness d _i in ICG monotonously increases from 0.803 to 0.820 nm, which apparently is associated with the greater size of phosphoric acid molecules. With further increase in H₃PO₄ concentration in solution, d _i remains unchanged. According to the results of chemical analysis, both acids are simultaneously incorporated into the graphite interplanar spacing and their ratio in ICG is determined by the electrolyte composition.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 651–655.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Leshin, Sorokina, Avdeev.     

Synthesis,structure formation,and thermal expansion of A<Superscript>+</Superscript>M<Superscript>2+</Superscript>MgE<Superscript>4+</Superscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The compounds AMMgE(PO₄)₃ (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs; M = Sr, Pb, Ba; E = Ti, Zr) were synthesized by the sol–gel procedure followed by heat treatment and studied by X-ray diffraction, differential thermal and electron microprobe analysis, and IR spectroscopy. The phosphates crystallize in the kosnarite (KZr₂(PO₄)₃, space group \(R\bar 3\)) and langbeinite (K₂Mg₂(SO₄)₃, space group P2₁3) structural types. The structure of KPbMgTi(PO₄)₃ was refined by full-profile analysis (space group P2₁3, Z = 4, a = 9.8540(3) Å, V = 956.83(4) ų). The structure is formed by a framework of vertex-sharing MgO₆ and TiO₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra. The K and Pb atoms fully occupy the extra-framework cavities and are coordinated to nine oxygen atoms. A variable-temperature X-ray diffraction study of KPbMgTi(PO₄)₃ showed that the compound expands isotropically and refer to medium-expansion class (linear thermal expansion coefficients α _a = α _b = α _c = 8 × 10^–6°C^–1). The number of stretching and bending modes of the PO₄ tetrahedron observed in the IR spectra is in agreement with that predicted by the factor group analysis of vibrations for space groups \(R\bar 3\) and P2₁3. A structural transition from the cubic langbeinite to the rhombohedral kosnarite was found for CsSrMgZr(PO₄)₃. In the morphotropic series of ASrMgZr(PO₄)₃ (A = Na, K, Rb, Cs) the kosnarite–langbeinite transition occurs upon the Na → K replacement. The effect of the sizes and electronegativities of cations combined in AMMgE(PO₄)₃ on the change of the structural type was analyzed.     

Crystal structures of polyphosphates MCs<Subscript>5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>8</Subscript> (M = Pr,Eu, and Gd)

Crystals of double polyphosphates EuCs₅(PO₃)₈ (I) and GdCs₅(PO₃)₈ (II) have been studied by X-ray diffraction. The isostructural crystals of I and II are monoclinic, space group C2. Only unit cell parameters have been determined for the crystals of double Pr and Cs polyphosphate (III). This crystal is isostructural with earlier studied La₃Cs₁₅P₂₄O₇₂ · 6H₂O (IV). The crystals of compounds III and IV are triclinic, space group P1, Z = 1; a = 11.987(2) and 12.178(5) Å, b = 14.754(8) and 14.740(8) Å, c = 14.692(8) and 14.847(9) Å, α = 60.15(4)° and 60.87(5)°, β = 67.04(4)° and 66.35(4)°, γ = 78.76(3)° and 77.54(4)°, respectively. In compounds I and II, the polyphosphate anions exist as infinite chains. The M^IIIO₈ polyhedra are isolated from each other but share edges and faces with the CsO _n polyhedra.     

Nanostructured VOx/VO(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>n</Subscript> Using Solid-State Vanadium Containing Phosphazene Precursors: A Useful Potential Bi-Catalyst System

Pyrolysis of molecular precursors containing vanadium organometallic and cyclic phosphazene affords mixtures of nanostructured vanadium oxides and pyrophosphates. The products from the molecular precursor [N₃P₃(OC₆H₅)₅OC₅H₄N·Cp₂VCl][PF₆], and of the mixtures Cp₂VCl₂/N₃P₃(OC₆H₄CHO)₆ and Cp₂VCl₂/[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]₃ in several relationships 1:1, 1:3, 1:5 and 1:10, pyrolyzed under air and at 400 °C and 600 °C, give mixtures mainly V₂O₅ and VO(PO₃)₂. Varied morphologies depending on the molecular or mixture precursors and of the temperature used were observed. Nanowires with diameters of approximate 40 nm were observed for the 1:5 Cp₂VCl₂/[NP(O₂C₁₂H₈)]₃ mixture pyrolyzed at 400 °C, while the same mixture pyrolyzed at 600 °C, affords xerogels of V₂O₅. The products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infra-red (IR) spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The preparation method constitutes a novel one-pot solid-state way to nanostructured materials with potential applications both in oxidative dehydrogenation of light hydrocarbons with V₂O₅, as well as alkenes oxidations with VO(PO₃)₂.     

High-temperature X-ray study of the formation and delamination of manganese-alumina spinel Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Al<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The behavior of the manganese-alumina system with Mn:Al = 1:1 on heating in air and vacuum was studied. The starting samples were mixtures of β-Mn₃O₄, α-Mn₂O₃, and γ-Al₂O₃. On heating to 950°C in air, the samples were partially oxidized into α-Mn₂O₃, and corundum α-Al₂O₃ formed along with mixed manganese-alumina cubic spinel, whose composition was close to Mn₂AlO₄. In vacuum at 1200°C, the starting sample with a ratio of Mn:Al = 1:1 transformed into the manganese-alumina spinel Mn_1.5Al_1.5O₄, which retained its cubic structure after slow cooling in vacuum. When cooled in air, this solid solution delaminated, and a nanocrystalline Mn_2.8Al_0.2O₄ phase formed, whose structure was β-Mn₃O₄ type tetragonal spinel.     

NH<Subscript>4</Subscript>V<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>7</Subscript>: Synthesis,morphology, and optical properties

The effect of the method used for the synthesis of NH₄V₃O₇ on its morphology, textural parameters, and optical properties was studied. Ammonium vanadate NH₄V₃O₇ was prepared by treating NH₄VO₃ in the presence of citric acid under hydrothermal (4.0 ≤ pH ≤ 5.5, T = 180–200°C, 48 h) and microwave–hydrothermal (3.5 ≤ pH ≤ 5.0, T = 180–220°C, 20 min) conditions. Self-assembled NH₄V₃O₇ microcrystals crystallizing in monoclinic system with unit cell parameters a = 12.247(5) Å, b = 3.4233(1) Å, c = 13.899(4) Å, β = 89.72(3)°, and V = 582.3(4) ų (space group P2₁) were shown to be formed independently of the method used to treat the reaction mixture. The morphology of NH₄V₃O₇ particles was shown to depend on рН of the reaction mass and the method of synthesis. The structural features of NH₄V₃O₇ were studied by IR, UV, and Vis spectroscopy, and the optical bandgap was determined.     

Indium strontium hydrogen phosphate SrIn<Subscript>2</Subscript>[PO<Subscript>3</Subscript>(OH)]<Subscript>4</Subscript>: Synthesis and crystal structure

Indium strontium hydrogen nitrate SrIn₂[PO₃(OH)]₄ was synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions (T = 180 or 200°C) and characterized using IR spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and thermal analysis. A structure model obtained ab initio was refined by the Rietveld method: a= 9.6412(1) Å, b = 13.763(1) Å, c = 9.3579(1) Å, R _obs = 0.0183, R _p = 0.0493 (space group B22₁2, Z = 4). The acentricity of the structure was confirmed by SHG tests (I _2ω/I _2ω(SiO2) ≈ 2.0). In the SrIn₂[PO₃(OH)]₄ structure, indium atoms reside in distorted InO₆ octahedra and form, together with PO₃(OH) tetrahedra, a mixed 3D structure {In₂[PO₃(OH)]₄} _3∞ ^2? whose voids are occupied by Sr²⁺ cations (CN = 8). The block-dimer In₂(HPO₄)₁₀ is the most informative unit of the framework. Blocks are condensed into infinite columns running in the [101] direction. The compound is thermally stable up to 400°C.     

Solubility of YF<Subscript>3</Subscript>, CeF<Subscript>3</Subscript>, PrF<Subscript>3</Subscript>, NdF<Subscript>3</Subscript>, and DyF<Subscript>3</Subscript> in solutions containing sulfuric and phosphoric acids

The solubility of YF₃, CeF₃, PrF₃, NdF₃, and DyF₃ in solutions containing 0–4.496% mol/L (0–35 wt %) of H₂SO₄ and 0–27.6 g/L of H₃PO₄ (0–20 g/L of P₂O₅) at 20 °C was determined. Higher solubility in sulfuric acid solutions compared to that in hydrochloric and phosphoric acid solutions was attributed to the formation of fluorosulfate complexes M₂(SO₄)F₄(M = Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Dy). The effect of minor concentrations of the phosphate ions on the solubility of YF₃, CeF₃, PrF₃, NdF₃, and DyF₃ in sulfuric acid solutions and the effect of fluoride ions on the recovery of lanthanides during sulfuric acid leaching from the phosphohemihydrate were discussed.     

Synthesis,structural, spectral,thermal and comparative biological activity studies of [V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

The hydrothermal reaction of a mixture of V₂O₅, VCl₃, 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and diluted H₂SO₄ for 68 h at 180°C gives a blue colored solution which yields prismatic blue crystals of IV ₂ ^IV O₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₆] (1) in 32% yield (based on V). Complex 1 was investigated by means of elemental analysis (C, H and S), TGA, FT-IR, manganometric titration, Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction Methods and also comparative antimicrobial activities. Crystal data for the compound: monoclinic space group P2₁/c and unit cell parameters are a = 7.3850(12) Å, b = 7.3990(7) Å, c = 12.229(2) Å, β = 108.976(12)° and Z = 2. Although structure of 1 as a natural mineral has been previously determined, this work covers new preparation method and full characterization of 1 along with comparison of antibacterial activity between 1 and the commercial vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate compounds, VOSO₄ · xH₂O (Riedel-de Haën and Alfa Aesar brand names). 1 was evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and mould compared with the commercial VOSO₄ · xH₂O compounds. 1 showed weak activity against bacteria Bacillus cereus, Nocardia asteroides and yeast Candida albicans. A good antimicrobial activity was recorded against Cirtobacter freundii (15 mm). There are only a few reproducible well-defined vanadium(IV) starting materials to use for exploring the synthesis of new materials. VCl₄, VO(acac)₂, VOSO₄ · xH₂O and [V(IV)OSO₄(H₂O)₄] · SO₄ · [H₂N(C₂H₄)₂NH₂] are common starting materials for such applications. In addition to these compounds, 1 can be used as an oxovanadium precursor.     

Moderate-temperature protonic conductors based on CsH<Subscript>2</Subscript>PO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and modified silicon dioxide

With the aim of creating an inert matrix for composite in the (1 ? x) CsH₂PO₄ ? xSiO₂ system, the surface of finely divided dioxide is modified and matrices with more acid centers are produced. Physicochemical properties of composite systems on the basis of these are studied. The role played by acid centers in the formation of more stable and better conductive composite systems in the temperature interval 150 to 250°C is demonstrated. The conductivity of composites based on silicon dioxide modified with CsHSO₄ or H₃PO₄ at 130–230°C is shown to exceed that of the initial phase CsH₂PO₄ and the composite systems based on uniformly porous silicon dioxide with the surface acidity pH ～7 studied previously. The composites are of interest for further research. Compositions of phases under formation and conditions for their existence are determined.     

Synthesis and study of the phosphate Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The new phosphate Cs₂Mn_0.5Zr_1.5(PO₄)₃ was synthesized for the first time and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Its crystal structure was refined in space group P2₁3, Z = 4 at 25°C (a = 10.3163(1) Å, V = 1097.93(1) ų), by the Rietveld method using the powder X-ray diffraction data. The structure is built of an octahedral-tetrahedral framework {[Mn_0.5Zr_1.5(PO₄)₃]^2?}_3∞ with cesium atoms being located in large cavities. The hydrolytic stability of the powdered phosphate containing ¹³⁷Cs radionuclide was studied. The minimum achieved ¹³⁷Cs leaching rate was 4 × 10^?8 g/cm₂ day.     

Effect of phosphate doping on electric properties and chemical stability of Ba<Subscript>4</Subscript>Ca<Subscript>2</Subscript>Nb<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>11</Subscript> protonic conductor

Conductivity of perovskite phosphate–substituted solid solutions of Ba₄Ca₂Nb_{2 –x} P _x O₁₁ (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) was studied as a function of temperature, partial pressure of oxygen and water vapors. It is proved that the studied systems are protonic conductors at the temperatures below 600°C in the atmosphere with elevated content of water vapors (pH₂O = 1.92 × 10^–2 atm). Introduction of the tetrahedral [PO₄] group in the complex oxide matrix of Ba₄Ca₂Nb₂O₁₁ results in an increase in the oxygen–ionic (dry air, pH₂O = 1.91 × 10^–4 atm) and protonic conductivities (wet air, pH₂O = 1.92 × 10^–2 atm). Is it found that the doping causes a considerable increase in chemical stability of phases with respect to carbon dioxide.     

Coordination Chemistry of the Magic Inorganic Building Block {Fe<Superscript>II</Superscript>[Mo<Subscript>6</Subscript>P<Subscript>4</Subscript>O<Subscript>31</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript>}: Hydrothermal Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Reduced Ferrous Molybdophosphate

A new reduced ferrous molybdophosphate composite solid of the formula, [(C₁₀H₁₄N₂)H]₄[Fe^II ₁₀Mo^V ₂₄(H₂PO₄)₄(HPO₄)₁₂(PO₄)₄(H₂O)₁₆(OH)₁₆O₄₄]·12H₂O, has been synthesized from a reaction mixture of MoO₃, FeSO₄·7H₂O, C₂H₂O₄·2H₂O, nicotine, H₃PO₄, and H₂O under hydrothermal conditions. The crystal data: monoclinic, space group C2/m, a = 24.4349(124), b = 12.9935(66), c = 14.7281(74) Å, β = 104.87(1) Å, V = 4520(4) Å³, Z = 2, R ₁  = 0.0874, wR ₂  = 0.2179. The structure is built from the building blocks of the formula, {Fe^II[Mo₆P₄O₃₁]₂}, consisting of a network of MO₆ (M = Fe, Mo) octahedral and PO₄ tetrahedral linked through their vertices. The connectivity of the building blocks with two pairs of face-sharing dinuclear Fe(II) clusters of the formula of [Fe^II ₂(H₂O)₄O₅] on which a phosphate group is hanging gives rise to one-dimensional chains with eight-membered apertures. The remarkable hydrogen bonded interactions between the chains form a unique and interesting framework with three-dimensional intersecting tunnels where the protonated nicotine molecules as structuring templates and crystallization water molecules are situated.     

Electrochemical and magnetic characterization of LiFePO<Subscript>4</Subscript> and Li<Subscript>0.95</Subscript>Mg<Subscript>0.05</Subscript>FePO<Subscript>4</Subscript> cathode materials

A series of lithium iron phosphates was synthesized via the sol–gel route. Iron phosphides, which are electronic conductors, were formed when sintered at 850°C. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on the samples show antiferromagnetic behaviour with T _N=50±2 K for LiFePO₄ and Li_0.95Mg_0.05PO₄ sintered at temperatures below 850°C. The LiFePO₄ and Li_0.95Mg_0.05FePO4 cathodes show a stable electrochemical capacity in the range of 150–160 mA h/g on cycling. The cyclability deteriorates with increasing sample sintering temperature due to the increased crystal size and impurities.