Comparative XANES study on the two electron-doped high-Tc superconductor systems, (Sr,La)CuO2 and (Nd,Ce)2CuO4

Here we employ high-quality samples of (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ and (Nd_2−xCe_x)CuO₄ and XANES spectroscopy at O-K, Cu-L_2,3 and Ce-M_4,5 edges to gain comprehensive understanding of the electronic structure and doping in n-type high-T_c superconductors. Not only common but also slightly different features are revealed for the two systems. From O-K-edge spectra, the UHB is found essentially independent of the electron-doping level for both the systems, in line with our understanding that the doped electrons do not go to the O site in n-type copper-oxide superconductors. Another common observation is that the main Cu^II peak at the Cu-L₃ edge (due to transitions to the Cu^II-3d orbitals) systematically decreases in intensity upon electron doping, hence verifying the fact that the doped electrons go to the Cu site. The difference then between the two systems is that in (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ the weaker Cu^II peak due to transitions to the Cu^II-4s orbital depends on the degree of doping. Moreover, it was found that with increasing x, electron density increases much faster in (Sr_1−xLa_x)CuO₂ than in (Nd_2−xCe_x)CuO₄. This is a consequence of two phenomena: a tiny increase in oxygen content concomitant to the Ce^IV-for-Nd^III substitution and the somewhat lower Ce-valence value of +3.8 compared to the nominal tetravalent state.     

A structure, conductivity and dielectric properties investigation of A3CoNb2O9 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba) triple perovskites

The room temperature structures as well as the temperature-dependent conductivity and dielectric properties of the A₃CoNb₂O₉ (A=Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺) triple perovskites have been carefully investigated. A constrained modulation wave approach to Rietveld structure refinement is used to determine their room temperature crystal structures. Correlations between these crystal structures and their physical properties are found. All three compounds undergo insulator to semiconductor phase transitions as a function of increasing temperature. The hexagonal Ba₃CoNb₂O₉ compound acts as an insulator at room temperature, while the monoclinic Ca₃CoNb₂O₉ compound is already a semiconductor at room temperature. The measured dielectric frequency characteristics of the A=Ba compound are excellent.     

Crystal growth and structural investigation of A2BReO6 (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na)

Single crystals of the double perovskite rhenates A₂BReO₆ (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na) were grown out of molten hydroxide fluxes. Single crystals of orange/yellow Ba₂LiReO₆, Ba₂NaReO₆ and Sr₂LiReO₆ were solved in the cubic, Fm-3m space group with a=8.1214(11) Å, 8.2975(3) Å, and 7.9071(15) Å, respectively, while Sr₂NaReO₆ was determined to be monoclinic P2₁/n with a=5.6737(6) Å, b=5.7988(6) Å, c=8.0431(8) Å, and β=90.02(6) °. The cubic structure consists of a rock salt lattice of corner-shared ReO₆ and MO₆ (M=Li, Na) octahedra which, in the monoclinic structure, are both tilted and rotated. A discrepancy exists between the symmetry of Sr₂LiReO₆ indicated by the single-crystal refinement of flux-grown crystals (cubic, Fm-3m) and the symmetry indicated by the powder diffraction data collected on polycrystalline samples prepared by the ceramic method (tetragonal, I4/m). It is possible that the cubic crystals are a kinetic product that forms in small quantities at low temperatures, while the powder represents the more stable polymorph that forms at higher reaction temperature.     

XANES Study on the Generation and Distribution of Holes via Ca Substitution and O Doping in Cu(Ba0.8Sr0.2)2(Yb1−xCax)Cu2O6+z

Generation of holes is facilitated in the Cu(Ba_0.8Sr_0.2)₂ (Yb_1−xCa_x)Cu₂O_6+z (Cu-1212) system by two independent ways, i.e., by Ca substitution (0≤x≤0.35) and O doping (0<z<1). The distribution of holes between the CuO₂-(Yb_1−xCa_x)-CuO₂ block containing two identical superconductive CuO₂ planes and the “charge-reservoir” block consisting of a single CuO_z chain has been quantitatively investigated by means of O K-edge and Cu L_2,3-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The resultant values for the CuO₂-plane hole concentration are compared with those calculated employing the bond-valence-sum (BVS) method from the neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data previously reported for the same samples. The results of the two methods are in good agreement. The two independent hole-doping ways are found to result in different distributions of holes over the crystal, i.e., different ratios of hole numbers at the CuO₂ plane and the CuO_z chain. With Ca substitution holes are directed efficiently into the CuO₂ plane, while for O doping holes are more homogeneously distributed between the CuO₂ plane and the CuO_z chain. Moreover, the value of T_c at a fixed CuO₂-plane hole concentration is shown to be higher for Ca-substituted than for O-doped samples.     

Crystal chemistry and crystallography of the SrR2CuO5 (R=lanthanides) phases

The crystal chemistry and crystallography of the compounds SrR₂CuO₅ (Sr-121, R=lanthanides) were investigated using the powder X-ray Rietveld refinement technique. Among the 11 compositions studied, only R=Dy and Ho formed the stable SrR₂CuO₅ phase. SrR₂CuO₅ was found to be isostructural with the “green phase”, BaR₂CuO₅. The basic structure is orthorhombic with space group Pnma. The lattice parameters for SrDyCuO₅ are a=12.08080(6) Å, b=5.60421(2) Å, c=7.12971(3) Å, V=482.705(4) Å³, and Z=8; and for the Ho analog are a=12.03727(12) Å, b=5.58947(7) Å, c=7.10169(7) Å, V=477.816(9) Å³, and Z=8. In the SrR₂CuO₅ structure, each R is surrounded by seven oxygen atoms, forming a monocapped trigonal prism (RO₇). The isolated CuO₅ group forms a distorted square pyramid. Consecutive layers of prisms are stacked in the b-direction. Bond valence calculations imply that residual strain is largely responsible for the narrow stability of the SrR₂CuO₅ phases with R=Dy and Ho only. X-ray powder reference diffraction patterns for SrDy₂CuO₅ and SrHo₂CuO₅ were determined.     

Single-Crystal Growth and Classification of EuAlF5 and Solid Solutions M(II)1−xEuxAlF5 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) within the Structural Family of Tetragonal M(II)M(III)F5 Compounds

The compound EuAlF₅, as well as the solid solutions Ca_0.19(1)Eu_0.81(1)AlF₅, Sr_0.15(1)Eu_0.85(1)AlF₅, Sr_0.55(1)Eu_0.45(1)AlF₅, Sr_0.77(1)Eu_0.23(1)AlF₅, and Ba_0.62(1)Eu_0.38(1)AlF₅, crystallize in colorless tetragonal columns. These have been prepared by solid state reactions at 900°C, starting from mixtures of the binary fluorides. According to Vegard's rule the solid solution Sr_1−xEu_xAlF₅ shows a linear dependence of the crystal volume on the molar ratio Eu/Sr. All crystal structures have been refined from single-crystal diffractometer data. EuAlF₅ and the M_1−xEu_xAlF₅ (M=Ca, Sr) compounds obtained are isotypic with β-SrAlF₅. They crystallize in a superstructure in space group I4₁/a (no. 88) with 64 formula units and lattice parameters a≈19.9 Å, c≈14.3 Å. The structure is characterized by chains of trans-corner-sharing [AlF_4/2F_2/1] and branched [AlF_5/1F_1/2] octahedra forming a channel structure. Inside the channels isolated ordered dimeric units [AlF_4/1F_2/2]₂ are located. The divalent metal atoms show coordination numbers 8 and 9; they connect the [AlF₆] octahedra into a three-dimensional structure. Ba_0.62(1)Eu_0.38(1)AlF₅ is isotypic with the corresponding Sr compound Ba_0.43(1)Sr_0.57(1)AlF₅, and it crystallizes with 16 formula units and lattice parameters a=14.3860(7) Å, c=7.2778(3) Å in space group I4/m (no. 87). The network structure is identical with that of EuAlF₅. Instead of the dimeric units, infinite chains [AlF_4/1F_2/2]_∞ of trans-corner-sharing [AlF₆] octahedra extending along the c- axis are located inside the channels. The bridging fluorine atoms of this chain show large anisotropic displacement parameters, but no superstructure reflections have been observed for this compound.     

La doping of the Sr2CoWO6 double perovskite: A structural and magnetic study

La-doped Sr₂CoWO₆ double perovskites have been prepared in air in polycrystalline form by solid-state reaction. These materials have been studied by X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and magnetic susceptibility. The structural refinement was performed from combined XRPD and NPD data (D2B instrument, λ=1.594 Å). At room temperature, the replacement of Sr²⁺ by La³⁺ induces a change of the tetragonal structure, space group I4/m of the undoped Sr₂CoWO₆ into the distorted monoclinic crystal structure, space group P2₁/n, Z=2. The structure of La-doped phases contains alternating CoO₆ and (Co/W)O₆ octahedra, almost fully ordered. On the other hand, the replacement of Sr²⁺ by La³⁺ induces a partial replacement of W⁶⁺ by Co²⁺ into the B sites, i.e. Sr_2−xLa_xCoW_1−yCo_yO₆ (y=x/4) with segregation of SrWO₄. Magnetic and neutron diffraction measurements indicate an antiferromagnetic ordering below T_N=24 K independently of the La-substitution.     

(Ca,Me)La4Si3O13:Eu3+(Me=Sr,Ba)荧光粉的结构和发光特性

采用高温固相法制备了(Ca,Me)La4Si3O13∶Eu3+(Me=Sr,Ba)系列红色荧光体,考察了Eu3+掺杂浓度和Sr2+,Ba2+置换对荧光体结构和发光特性的影响。Eu3+最佳掺杂浓度为nEu3+∶nLa3+=1∶7,5D0-7F2与5D0-7F1跃迁发射强度比为2.55。Eu3+掺杂使晶胞参数a和c呈线性变小,对c的影响大于a,使a/c比增大。Sr2+和Ba2+分别置换基质中的Ca2+可以形成完全固溶体,晶胞参数随Sr2+或Ba2+的置换量增加呈线性增大,使a/c比减小。各发射峰强度在Sr2+置换量为0.4 mol时出现极大值,但随Ba2+置换量的增加而不断增强,全置换后荧光强度最大。荧光体的色坐标为(0.638 5,0.353 0)。     

Magnesium substitution in Nd0.7Sr0.3MnO3

Magnesium substitution in Nd_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ has been studied by neutron powder diffraction. Polycrystalline samples of nominal compositions Nd_0.7Sr_0.3Mn_1−yMg_yO₃ with y=0.0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3 were synthesized by the standard solid-state reaction method. Rietveld refinements of the neutron powder diffraction data showed that all samples had distorted perovskite structure of orthorhombic symmetry. Mg initially preferred to substitute for Nd and only at Mg concentration greater than 0.1, a substantial substitution for Mn occurred. Our study also showed that Mg-substitution did not change the crystal structure of Nd_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃.     

Room temperature photoluminescence of amorphous BaxSr1−xTiO3 doped with chromium

ABO₃ amorphous materials, such as BaTiO₃ (BT), SrTiO₃ (ST), PbTiO₃ (PT), and Ba_xSr_1−xTiO₃ (BST) have recently attracted a good deal of attention due to their ferroelectric and electro-optical properties. Intense photoluminescence at room temperature was observed in amorphous titanate doped with chromium (Ba_xSr_1−xTi_1−yCr_yO₃) prepared by the polymeric precursor method. Results indicated that substantial luminescence at room temperature was achieved with the addition of small Cr contents to amorphous Ba_xSr_1−xTi_1−yCr_yO₃. Further addition of Cr or crystallization were deleterious to the intensity of the luminescent peak obtained for excitation using λ=488.0 nm.     

Characterization of quasi-one-dimensional S=1/2 Heisenberg antiferromagnets Sr2Cu(PO4)2 and Ba2Cu(PO4)2 with magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and thermal analysis

Properties of Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ having [Cu(PO₄)₂]_∞ linear chains in their structures with Cu-O-P-O-Cu linkages were studied by magnetic susceptibility (T=2-400 K, H=100 Oe) and specific heat measurements (T=0.45-21 K). Magnetic susceptibility versus temperature curves, χ(T), showed broad maxima at T_M=92 K for Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and T_M=82 K for Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ characteristic of quasi-one-dimensional systems. The χ(T) data were excellently fitted by the spin susceptibility curve for the uniform S=1/2 chain (plus temperature-independent and Curie-Weiss terms) with g=2.153(4) and J/k_B=143.6(2) K for Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and g=2.073(4) and J/k_B=132.16(9) K for Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ (Hamiltonian H=JΣS_iS_i+1). The similar J/k_B values were obtained from the specific heat data. No anomaly was observed on the specific heat from 0.45 to 21 K for both compounds indicating that the temperatures of long-range magnetic ordering, T_N, were below 0.45 K. Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ are an excellent physical realization of the S=1/2 linear chain Heisenberg antiferromagnet with k_BT_N/J<0.34% together with Sr₂CuO₃ (k_BT_N/J≈0.25%) and γ-LiV₂O₅ (k_BT_N/J<0.16%). Sr₂Cu(PO₄)₂ and Ba₂Cu(PO₄)₂ were stable in air up to 1280 and 1150 K, respectively.     

Hole concentration in the three-CuO2-plane copper-oxide superconductor Cu-1223

Strongly overdoped samples of the three-CuO₂-plane copper-oxide superconductor, CuBa₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8+z or Cu-1223, were obtained through high-pressure synthesis and post-annealed to various hole-doping levels so as to have the value of T_c range from 65 to 118 K. A concomitant decrease in the average valence of copper from ∼2.20 to ∼2.05 was evidenced by means of wet-chemical and thermogravimetric analyses and Cu L-edge X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The valence value as low as ∼2.05 that corresponds to the highest T_c (=118 K) may be understood by taking into account multiple ways for holes to be distributed among the different Cu-O layers. In terms of actual chemical composition of the Cu-1223 phase, both Cu L-edge and O K-edge XANES results suggest that some portion of charge-reservoir copper atoms may have been replaced by CO, i.e., (Cu_1−xC_x)Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O_8+x+z. The variation range of excess oxygen was estimated at Δz≈0.3.     

空气中合成固溶体荧光粉Ba2(Zn, Mg)Si2O7:Ce3+,Eu2+,Eu3+及其发光特性

采用高温固相法在空气中合成了Ba_1.97-yZn_1-xMg_xSi₂O₇:0.03Eu,yCe³⁺系列荧光粉。分别采用X-射线衍射和荧光光谱对所合成荧光粉的物相和发光性质进行了表征。在紫外光330~360 nm激发下,固溶体荧光粉Ba_1.97-yZn_1-xMg_xSi₂O₇:0.03Eu的发射光谱在350~725 nm范围内呈现多谱峰发射,360和500 nm处有强的宽带发射属于Eu²⁺离子的4f⁶5d¹-4f⁷跃迁,590~725 nm红光区窄带谱源于Eu³⁺的⁵D₀-⁷F_J (J=1,2,3,4)跃迁,这表明,在空气气氛中,部分Eu³⁺在Ba_1.97-yZn_1-xMg_xSi₂O₇基质中被还原成了Eu²⁺;当x=0.1时,荧光粉Ba_1.97Zn_0.9Mg_0.1Si₂O₇:0.03Eu的绿色发光最强,表明Eu³⁺被还原成Eu²⁺离子的程度最大。当共掺入Ce³⁺离子后,形成Ba_1.97-yZn_0.9Mg_0.1Si₂O₇:0.03Eu,yCe³⁺荧光粉体系,其发光随着Ce³⁺离子浓度的增大由蓝绿区经白光区到达橙红区;发现名义组成为Ba_1.96Zn_0.9Mg_0.1Si₂O₇:0.01Ce³⁺,0.03Eu的荧光粉的色坐标为(0.323,0.311),接近理想白光,是一种有潜在应用价值的白光荧光粉。讨论了稀土离子在Ba₂Zn_0.9Mg_0.1Si₂O₇基质中的能量传递与发光机理。     

Photolumineszenz im System A2II B1/4II Gd1/2−x Eux □1/4 WO6 ≙ A8II BII Gd2−x Eux □ W4O24 (AII,BII = Sr,Ba)

Photoluminescence in the System A₂^II B_1/4^IIGd_1/2?xEu_x□_1/4WO₆ ? A₈^IIB^IIGd_2?xEu_xW₄O₂₄ (A^II, B^II = Sr, Ba) The emission and excitation spectra for the series Sr₈SrGd_2?xEu_x□W₄O₂₄ (HT- and LT-modifications) and Sr_9?yBa_yEu₂□W₄O₂₄ are reported and discussed. HT- and LT-Sr₈SrEu₂□W₄O₂₄ show an intense red emission, no concentration quenching is present.     

空气中合成固溶体荧光粉Ba_2(Zn,Mg)Si_2O_7∶Eu~(2+),Eu~(3+),Ce~(3+)及其发光特性

采用高温固相法在空气中合成了Ba1.97-yZn1-xMgxSi2O7∶0.03Eu,y Ce3+系列荧光粉。分别采用X-射线衍射和荧光光谱对所合成荧光粉的物相和发光性质进行了表征。在紫外光330~360 nm激发下,固溶体荧光粉Ba1.97-yZn1-xMgxSi2O7∶0.03Eu的发射光谱在350~725 nm范围内呈现多谱峰发射,360和500 nm处有强的宽带发射属于Eu2+离子的4f 65d1-4f 7跃迁,590~725 nm红光区窄带谱源于Eu3+的5D0-7FJ(J=1,2,3,4)跃迁,这表明,在空气气氛中,部分Eu3+在Ba1.97-yZn1-xMgxSi2O7基质中被还原成了Eu2+;当x=0.1时,荧光粉Ba1.97Zn0.9Mg0.1Si2O7∶0.03Eu的绿色发光最强,表明Eu3+被还原成Eu2+离子的程度最大。当共掺入Ce3+离子后,形成Ba1.97-yZn0.9Mg0.1Si2O7∶0.03Eu,y Ce3+荧光粉体系,其发光随着Ce3+离子浓度的增大由蓝绿区经白光区到达橙红区;发现名义组成为Ba1.96Zn0.9Mg0.1Si2O7∶0.03Eu,0.01Ce3+的荧光粉的色坐标为(0.323,0.311),接近理想白光,是一种有潜在应用价值的白光荧光粉。讨论了稀土离子在Ba2Zn0.9Mg0.1Si2O7基质中的能量传递与发光机理。     

Synthesis, crystal structure, infrared and Raman spectra of Sr5(As2O7)2(AsO3OH)

The new compound Sr₅(As₂O₇)₂(AsO₃OH) was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. It represents a previously unknown structure type and belongs to a group of a few compounds in the system SrO-As₂O₅-H₂O; (As₂O₇)⁴⁻ besides (AsO₃OH)²⁻ groups have not been described yet. The crystal structure of Sr₅(As₂O₇)₂(AsO₃OH) was determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (space group P2₁/n, a=7.146(1), b=7.142(1), , β=93.67(3)°, , Z=4). One of the five symmetrically unique Sr atoms is in a trigonal antiprismatic (Inorg. Chem. 35 (1996) 4708)—coordination, whereas the other Sr atoms adopt the commonly observed (“Collect” data collection software, Delft, The Netherlands, 1999; Methods Enzymol. 276 (1997) 307)—coordination. The position of the hydrogen atom was located in a difference Fourier map and subsequently refined with an isotropic displacement parameter. Worth mentioning is the very short hydrogen bond length O_h-H?O(1) of 2.494(4) Å; it belongs to the shortest known examples where the donor and acceptor atoms are crystallographically different. This hydrogen bond was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. In addition, Raman spectra were collected in order to study the arsenate groups.     

Synthesis and characterization of n=5, 6 members of the La4Srn−4TinO3n+2 series with layered structure based upon perovskite

Layered compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized for the n=5 and 6 members of the perovskite-related family La₄Sr_n−4Ti_nO_3n+2 by combining X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Their structure can be regarded as comprising [(La,Sr)₅Ti₅O₁₇] and [(La,Sr)₆Ti₆O₂₀] perovskite blocks joined by crystallographic shears along the a-axis, with consecutive blocks shifted by 1/2 [100]_p. The n=5 member is similar to the previously reported n=5 member of other A_nB_nO_3n+2-related series. The n=6 member, which has only been briefly reported in other systems previously, is also a well-behaved member of this A_nB_nO_3n+2 series.     

(La0.8A0.2)MnO3 (A = Sr,K) perovskite catalysts for NO and C10H22 oxidation and selective reduction of NO by C10H22

In this work, we studied the catalytic activity of LaMnO₃ and (La_0.8A_0.2)MnO₃ (A = Sr, K) perovskite catalysts for oxidation of NO and C₁₀H₂₂ and selective reduction of NO by C₁₀H₂₂. The catalytic performances of these perovskites were compared with that of a 2 wt% Pt/SiO₂ catalyst. The La site substitution increased the catalytic properties for NO or C₁₀H₂₂ oxidation compared with the non-substituted LaMnO₃ sample. For the most efficient perovskite catalyst, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃, the results showed the presence of two temperature domains for NO adsorption: (1) a domain corresponding to weakly adsorbed NO, desorbing at temperatures lower than 270 ℃ and (2) a second domain corresponding to NO adsorbed on the surface as nitrate species, desorbing at temperatures higher than 330 ℃. For the Sr-substituted perovskite, the maximum NO₂ yield of 80% was observed in the intermediate temperature domain (around 285 ℃). In the reactant mixture of NO/C₁₀H₂₂/O₂/H₂O/He, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃ perovskite showed better performance than the 2 wt% Pt/SiO₂ catalyst： NO₂ yields reaching 50% and 36% at 290 and 370 ℃, respectively. This activity improvement was found to be because of atomic scale interactions between the A and B active sites, Sr²⁺ cation and Mn⁴⁺/Mn³⁺ redox couple. Thus, (La_0.8Sr_0.2)MnO₃ perovskite could be an alternative free noble metal catalyst for exhaust gas after treatment.     

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.     

Spin dimer analysis of the three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering in the quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn2MnS5 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr)

The quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) consist of (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions separated with short S?S distances slightly longer than the van der Waals distance. Nevertheless, these sulfides are known to undergo a three-dimensional (3D) antiferromagnetic ordering at a reasonably high temperature (i.e., T_N=58.5, 62.0 and 64.5 K for Ln=La, Ce and Pr, respectively). The origin of this observation was probed by studying the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions of BaLn₂MnS₅ on the basis of spin dimer analysis. The non-bonding S?S contacts in the vicinity of the van der Waals distance are found essential in determining the strengths of the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions. The antiferromagnetic spin exchange between adjacent (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions along the c-direction (J₂) is calculated to be stronger than that in the ab-plane (J₁) by a factor of ∼10, so that the strongly interacting spin units of BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) are 1D chains made up of the exchange paths J₂. The relative strengths of the spin exchange interactions for the J₁ and J₂ paths are consistent with the finding that the Néel temperatures of BaLn₂MnS₅ are reasonably high, and they increase in the order BaLa₂MnS₅<BaCe₂MnS₅< BaPr₂MnS₅.