Structure, bonding, and magnetic response in two complex borides: Zr2Fe1−δRu5+δB2 and Zr2Fe1−δ(Ru1−xRhx)5+δB2

Polycrystalline samples of two complex intermetallic borides Zr₂Fe_1−δRu_5+δB₂ and Zr₂Fe_1−δ(Ru_1−xRh_x)_5+δB₂ (δ=ca. 0.10; x=0.20) were synthesized by high-temperature methods and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and magnetization measurements. Both structures are variants of Sc₂Fe(Ru_1−xRh_x)₅B₂ and crystallize in the space group P4/mbm (no. 127) with the Ti₃Co₅B₂-type structure. These structures contain single-atom, Fe-rich Fe/Ru or Fe/Ru/Rh chains along the c-axis with an interatomic metal-metal distance of 3.078(1) Å, a feature which makes them viable for possible low-dimensional temperature-dependent magnetic behavior. Magnetization measurements indicated weak ferrimagnetic ordering with ordering temperatures ca. 230 K for both specimens. Tight-binding electronic structure calculations on a model “Zr₂FeRu₅B₂” using LDA yielded a narrow peak at the Fermi level assigned to Fe-Fe antibonding interactions along the c-axis, a result that indicates an electronic instability toward ferromagnetic coupling along these chains. Spin-polarized calculations of various magnetic models were examined to identify possible magnetic ordering within and between the single-atom, Fe-rich chains.     

The synthesis, crystal chemistry and structures of Y-doped brannerite (U1−xYxTi2O6) and thorutite (Th1−xYxTi2O6−δ) phases

Yttrium-doped uranium brannerite (U_1−xY_xTi₂O₆) and thorutite (Th_1−xY_xTi₂O_6−δ) phases were synthesized in air at 1400°C. Powder X-ray diffraction revealed that these phases crystallized to form monoclinic (C2/m) structures. Crystal structures of U_0.54Y_0.46Ti₂O₆ (1) (a=9.8008(2); b=3.7276(1); c=6.8745(1); β=118.38(1); V=220.97(1); Z=2; R_P=7.3%; R_B=4.6%) and Th_0.91Y_0.09Ti₂O_6−δ (2) (a=9.8002(7); b=3.7510(3); c=6.9990(5); β=118.37(4); V=226.40(3); Z=2; R_P=4.5%; R_B=2.9%) were refined from powder neutron diffraction data. These two phases were isostructural, revealing planes of corner and edge-sharing TiO₆ octahedra separated by irregular eight-fold coordinate U/Y or Th/Y atoms. The oxygen sites within the structure of 1 were found to be fully occupied, confirming that the doping of lower valence Y atoms occurs in conjunction with the oxidation of U(IV) to U(V). Y doping of the thorutite phase 2 does not lead to oxidation but rather the formation of oxygen vacancies within the structure.     

Synthesis and characterization of La1+xSr2−xCoMnO7−δ (x=0,0.2; δ=0,1)

The n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper phases LaSr₂CoMnO₇ and La_1.2Sr_1.8CoMnO₇ have been synthesized by a sol-gel method. The O6-type phases LaSr₂CoMnO₆ and La_1.2Sr_1.8CoMnO₆ were produced by reduction of the O7 phases under a hydrogen atmosphere. The materials crystallize in the tetragonal I4/mmm space group with no evidence of long-range cation order in the neutron and electron diffraction data. Oxygen vacancies in the reduced materials are located primarily at the common apex of the double perovskite layers giving rise to square pyramidal coordination around cobalt and manganese ions. The oxidation states Co³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ and Co²⁺/Mn³⁺ predominate in the as-prepared and reduced materials, respectively. The materials are spin glasses at low temperature and the dominant magnetic interactions change from ferro- to antiferromagnetic following reduction.     

Local crystal chemistry, induced strain and short range order in the cubic pyrochlore (Bi1.5−αZn0.5−β)(Zn0.5−γNb1.5−δ)O(7−1.5α−β−γ−2.5δ) (BZN)

Clear evidence (in the form of structured diffuse scattering) is found for short range ordering of metal ions and associated induced structural relaxation in two members of the cubic BZN pyrochlore (Bi_1.5−αZn_0.5−β)(Zn_0.5−γNb_1.5−δ)O_{(7−1.5α−β−γ−2.5δ)} solid solution. An average neutron powder diffraction structure refinement is carried out for one of these. Electron probe micro-analysis suggests that the primary mechanism for non-stoichiometry in cubic BZN is the removal of ZnO from the nominally fully occupied (Bi_1.5Zn_0.5)(Zn_0.5Nb_1.5)O₇ end-member. A detailed bond valence sum analysis of a recently reported average crystal structure is used to suggest possible local cation ordering schemes along with the induced displacive relaxation that is likely to accompany such local cation ordering. The observed diffuse distribution is qualitatively interpreted via Monte Carlo modelling.     

Crystal, electronic structure and electronic transport properties of the Ti1−xVxNiSn (х=0-0.10) solid solutions

The n-TiNiSn ternary intermetallic semiconductor is doped by the V donor impurity and the crystalline structure of the obtained Ti_1−xV_xNiSn solid solutions (х=0-0.10) is determined by X-ray diffraction. Temperature and concentration dependences of the resistivity and thermopower are investigated in 80-380 K range. As main results, the TiNiSn conductivity type is revealed insensitive to V doping and the thermopower factor substantially increases versus V content. First principle calculations based on DFT using FPLO and KKR-CPA methods are performed as well. Experimental data and electronic structure calculations are compared and discussed in terms of thermopower improvements.     

Novel rare-earth borosilicide RE1−xB12Si3.3−δ (RE=Y, Gd-Lu) (0?x?0.5, δ≈0.3): synthesis, crystal growth, structure analysis and properties

New rare-earth boron-rich compounds with the formula of RE_1−xB₁₂Si_3.3−δ (RE=Y, Gd-Lu) (0?x?0.5,δ≈0.3) have been synthesized. They belong to a new type of rhombohedral structure with the space group of R-3m (No. 166) and z=9. The lattice constants were measured from powder XRD data. Crystal structure solved from powder XRD data for Tb_0.68B₁₂Si₃ as a representative has been compared with that of YB_17.6Si_4.6 (or Y_0.68B₁₂Si_3.01), whose structure was solved from single-crystal reflection data. The structure model is confirmed by high-resolution transmission microscope analysis. The vibrational modes of the new crystals were measured by Raman spectroscopy. Temperature dependence of magnetic susceptibility which was measured for RE_1−xB₁₂Si_3.3−δ single crystals by SQUID revealed that they are paramagnetic materials down to 2.0 K.     

Ni7−δSnTe2: Modulated crystal structure refinement, electronic structure and anisotropy of electroconductivity

Single crystals of Ni_7−δSnTe₂ were grown during re-crystallization of the presynthesized powder in a two zone furnace. The modulated structure was solved and refined in the (3+2)-dimensional superspace group I4/mmm(0-α0, α00)0.ss.mm with lattice parameters a=3.759(1) and c=19.410(2) Å (measured at 153 K) and Z=2. Satellite reflections observed in the diffraction images can be assigned to the incommensurate modulation vectors q₁=da* and q₂=db* with d=0.410(1). The composition resulting from X-ray structure refinement is Ni_5.81SnTe₂. The structure model has been also developed in the orthorhombic (3+1)-dimensional superspace group Immm(α00)00s assuming twinning according to [110], giving thus the composition Ni_5.79SnTe₂. The origin of the modulation can be attributed to a variation of the occupancy of the Ni(3) site in Ni/Te slabs of the structure. Band structure calculations on a commensurate approximant and single crystal electrical resistivity measurements reveal anisotropic metallic conductivity for this compound.     

Conductivity and carrier traps in La1−xSrxCo1−zMnzO3−δ (x=0.3; z=0 and 0.25)

Measurements of the equilibrium oxygen content, electrical conductivity and thermopower in the perovskite-like solid solution La_0.7Sr_0.3Co_1-zMn_zO_3−δ (z=0 and 0.25) as a function of the temperature and oxygen partial pressure are used to determine the temperature dependence of the conductivity and thermopower at different values of the oxygen deficiency. A model for a hopping conductor with screened charge disproportionation is applied for the data analysis in combination with trapping reactions of n- and p-type carriers on local oxygen vacancy clusters and manganese cations, respectively. Changes in the ratio of n-type to p-type mobility are due to variations in oxygen vacancy concentration and manganese content, while the energetic parameters governing charge disproportionation of the trivalent cobalt cations and formation of vacancy associates are shown to be essentially invariable. These calculated charge carrier site occupancies are used to model temperature variations of the electrical properties in La_0.7Sr_0.3Co_1−zMn_zO_3−δ in favorable correspondence with experimental observations.     

Synthesis of a phosphotyrosyl analogue having χ1, χ2 and φ angles constrained to values observed for an SH2 domain-bound phosphotyrosyl residue

Src homology 2 (SH2) domains provide connectivity in protein-tyrosine kinase (PTK)-dependent signaling through their high affinity association with phosphotyrosyl (pTyr)-containing peptide sequences. Because recognition of pTyr residues is central to SH2 domain-binding affinity, design of pTyr-mimicking residues has been one component of SH2 domain signaling antagonist development. Reported herein is the synthesis of (±)-(rel-1R,2R,5S)-3-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-8-O-phosphoryl-1,5-methano-3-benzazocine-2-carboxylic acid methyl ester (3c) as a monomeric pTyr-mimicking analogue that constrains three torsion angles (χ₁=168°; χ₂=−85°; φ₁=−113°) to values approximating those observed for a pTyr residue bound to the Grb2 SH2 domain (χ₁=182°; χ₂=−89°; φ₁=−132°). Compound 3c differs from our previously reported analogue, (±)-(rel-1R,2R,5S)-3-acetyl-1,2,3,4,5,6-hexahydro-1-methyl-1,5-methano-3-benzazocin-8-ol, in lacking a methyl substituent at the bridgehead 1-position. Molecular modeling studies had indicated that this methyl group could potentially hinder SH2 domain binding. Synthesis of the desmethyl derivative was achieved by formation of the methanobenzazocine ring system using an intramolecular electrophilic cyclization that proceeds through an activated acyliminium intermediate. Importantly, the correct relative (2R) stereochemistry at the ‘α-carboxyl’-bearing carbon is obtained through base-catalyzed equilibration of a (2S/2R) diastereomeric mixture that results from intramolecular ring closure. Comparison of Grb2 SH2 domain-binding affinity of 3c (IC₅₀=1167 μM) with conformationally flexible phosphorylated (±)-N-acetyl-tyrosine methyl ester (15; IC₅₀=1469 μM) revealed no apparent enhancement in affinity. This apparent ineffectiveness of ‘local conformational constraint’ on SH2 domain-binding affinity of the monomeric pTyr mimetic is consistent with previous reports obtained by conformationally constraining pTyr-mimicking residues that were contained within peptide platforms. Although not providing high binding affinity in its current form, the novel 1,5-methano-3-benzazocine ring system may afford a novel platform for further elaboration and development of small molecule SH2 domain signaling antagonists.     

Electronic, Magnetic, and Magnetoresistance Properties of the n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper Phases Sr3Fe2−xCoxO7−δ (0.25≤x≤1.75)

A series of oxygen-deficient n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper phases, Sr₃Fe_2−xCo_xO_7−δ (0.25≤x≤1.75), were prepared by solid-state reactions. Temperature-dependent susceptibility and field-dependent magnetization data indicate that for x≥0.25 the dominant magnetic interactions are ferromagnetic. The onset of strong ferromagnetic interactions is evident at ∼200 K, and a transition to a cluster-glass state is observed for all compositions below ∼45 K. The temperature variation of resistivity for all the compounds shows variable-range hopping behavior with two different localization energy scales: one for T<40 K and another for T>80 K. Large negative magnetoresistance (the largest MR ∼−65% for x=0.25) is observed for all phases. The magnetic susceptibility, Mössbauer and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy data indicate that the formal oxidation state of Fe is close to 4+. The key role of d delocalization in the Sr₃Fe_2−xCo_xO_7−δ system is compared to the Sr₃Fe_2−xMn_xO_7−δ series, where d localization dominates the properties.     

High-pressure synthesis, crystal structures, and characterization of CdVO3−δ and solid solutions CdVO3-NaVO3

CdVO_3−δ and solid solutions of Cd_1−xNa_xVO₃ with the GdFeO₃-type perovskite structure were prepared using a high-pressure (6 GPa) and high-temperature technique. No significant oxygen and cation deficiency was found in CdVO₃. Cd_1−xNa_xVO₃ are formed in the compositional range of 0?x?0.2. CdVO₃ and Cd_1−xNa_xVO₃ demonstrate metallic conductivity and Pauli paramagnetism between 2 and 300 K. A large electronic contribution to the specific heat (γ=13.4 and ) for CdVO₃ and Cd_0.8Na_0.2VO₃, respectively) was observed at low temperatures due to the strongly correlated electrons. Crystal structures of CdVO₃ and Cd_0.8Na_0.2VO₃ were refined by X-ray powder diffraction: space group Pnma; Z=4; , , and for CdVO₃ and , , and for Cd_0.8Na_0.2VO₃.     

Synthesis and structural studies of Sr2Co2−xGaxO5, 0.3?x?0.8

The novel oxide Sr₂Co_2−xGa_xO₅ with brownmillerite-type structure has been synthesized in the compositional range 0.3?x?0.8. Rietveld refinements using neutron powder diffraction data have been performed for the end compositions, x=0.3 and 0.8. The structure is best described in the space-group Icmm (no. 74) with unit cell parameters a=5.5678(6), 5.6126(7) Å, b=15.749(2), 15.733(2) Å and c=5.4599(6), 5.4559(7) Å for the x=0.3 and 0.8 compositions, respectively. The compounds were found to be G-type antiferromagnetic with the magnetic moments parallel to the c-axis. High-temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements confirmed the samples to be antiferromagnetic with Néel temperatures T_N=505, 468 and 423 K for the x=0.3, 0.5 and 0.8 samples, respectively. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction studies confirmed the I-centred structure and revealed the presence of disorder.     

p(O2)-stability of LaFe1−xNixO3−δ solid solutions at 1100 °C

LaFe_1−xNi_xO_3−δ (x=0.1−1.0) perovskites were synthesized via citrate route. The p(O₂)-stability of the perovskite phases LaFe_1−xNi_xO_3−δ has been evaluated at 1100 °C based on the results of XRD analysis of powder samples annealed at various p(O₂) and quenched to room temperature. The isothermal LaFeO_3−δ-“LaNiO_3−δ” cross-section of the phase diagram of the La-Fe-Ni-O system has been proposed in the range of oxygen partial pressure −15<log p(O₂)/atm≤0.68. The unit cell parameters of orthorhombic perovskites O-LaFe_1−xNi_xO_3−δ increase with decrease in p(O₂) at fixed composition x. This behavior is explained on the basis of size factor. The decomposition temperatures of rhombohedral phases R-LaFe_1−xNi_xO_3−δ for x=0.7, 0.8, 0.9 and 1.0 in air were determined as 1137, 1086, 1060 and 995 °C, respectively.     

Effects of temperature and Nd composition on non-linear transport properties in substituted Ce1−xNdxO2−δ cerium dioxides

Cerium dioxides doped or substituted by neodymium have been prepared using low- (320°C) and high-temperature (1600°C) processes. The Nd substituted ceria phase obtained at high temperature is a solid solution Ce_1−xNd_xO_2−δ 0?x?0.30. Electrical impedance spectroscopy analyses have been performed in the temperature range 40-700°C. At temperatures above 400°C, Nyquist representations allow to separate three signals corresponding to bulk, grain boundary and electrode responses. Non-linear variations of the resistance and the capacitance as functions of temperature and composition x are observed. In the case of grain boundary and electrode interface signals, constant phase elements with non-integer exponent n have been used to represent the equivalent circuits. For each contribution, the conductance strongly increases then reaches a limit value, above x=0.10. When composition x increases, the condensation of Nd-vacancy defect clusters might be at the origin of the non-linear evolution of the conductance. Bulk and grain boundary conductions present different activation energies (0.7 and 1.3 eV).     

Synthesis, crystal chemistry and physical properties of the Ruddlesden-Popper phases Sr3Fe2−xNixO7−δ (0?x?1.0)

The crystal chemistry, electronic structure, and electrical and magnetic properties of the novel perovskite-related nickel oxides Sr₃Fe_2−xNi_xO_7−δ with 0?x?1.0 have been studied. X-ray diffraction and selected area electron diffraction (ED) data indicate that the samples have a tetragonal (Space group I4/mmm) structure. ED patterns and high-resolution images reveal the presence of a regular stacking along the c-axis for the x=1.0 sample. The lattice parameters, oxygen content, and average oxidation state of iron and nickel decrease with increasing Ni content. The electronic structure of the x=1.0 sample was studied by M 2p X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An analysis of the spectra using the cluster model indicates that this material is in the negative charge-transfer regime and the ground state is dominated by the 3dⁿ⁺¹L configuration with 2p holes (L) in the oxygen band. The insulator states are stabilized due to a p-p type band gap that arises because the p-d transfer integral T_σ dominates over the O 2p bandwith. Although magnetic measurements reveal the presence of ferromagnetic interactions that lead to magnetic frustration at , no long-range magnetic order was observed for the samples with x?0.3. The electrical resistivity decreases with increasing Ni content as the p-p band gap tend to close due to the reduction of the T_σ value. Negative magnetoresistance (∼−24% for x=0.6 and −7% for x=1.0 at 20 K and 9 T) was observed for the Ni containing samples.     

Stability and oxygen ionic conductivity of zircon-type Ce1−xAxVO4+δ (A=Ca, Sr)

Zircon-type Ce_1−xA_xVO_4+δ (A=Ca, Sr; x=0-0.2) are stable in air up to approximately 1300 K, whilst further heating or reducing oxygen partial pressure leads to formation of A-site deficient zircon and CeO_2−δ phases. The stability boundaries of Ce_1−xA_xVO_4+δ are comparable to those of vanadium dioxide and calcium orthovanadate. At oxygen pressures lower than 10⁻¹⁵ atm, perovskite-type CeVO_3−δ is formed. The oxygen ion transference numbers of Ce_1−xA_xVO_4+δ, determined by faradaic efficiency measurements in air, vary in the range from 2×10⁻⁴ to 6×10⁻³ at 973-1223 K, increasing with temperature. The oxygen ionic conductivity has activation energy of 87-112 kJ/mol and is essentially independent of A-site dopant content. Contrary to the ionic transport, p-type electronic conductivity and Seebeck coefficient of Ce_1−xA_xVO_4+δ are influenced by the divalent cation concentration. The average thermal expansion coefficients of Ce_1−xA_xVO_4+δ, calculated from high-temperature XRD and dilatometric data in air, are (4.7-6.1)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹.     

Oxygen Nonstoichiometry, Conductivity, and Seebeck Coefficient of La0.3Sr0.7Fe1−xGaxO2.65+δ Perovskites

The total electrical conductivity and the Seebeck coefficient of perovskite phases La_0.3Sr_0.7Fe_1−xGa_xO_2.65+δ (x=0-0.4) were determined as functions of oxygen nonstoichiometry in the temperature range 650-950°C at oxygen partial pressures varying from 10⁻⁴ to 0.5 atm. Doping with gallium was found to decrease oxygen content, p-type electronic conduction and mobility of electron holes. The results on the oxygen nonstoichiometry and electrical properties clearly show that the role of gallium cations in the lattice is not passive, as it could be expected from the constant oxidation state of Ga³⁺. The nonstoichiometry dependencies of the partial molar enthalpy and entropy of oxygen in La_0.3Sr_0.7(Fe,Ga)O_2.65+δ are indicative of local inhomogeneities, such as local lattice distortions or defect clusters, induced by gallium incorporation. Due to B-site cation disorder, this effect may be responsible for suppressing long-range ordering of oxygen vacancies and for enhanced stability of the perovskite phases at low oxygen pressures, confirmed by high-temperature X-ray diffraction and Seebeck coefficient data. The values of the electron-hole mobility in La_0.3Sr_0.7(Fe,Ga)O_2.65+δ, which increases with temperature, suggest a small-polaron conduction mechanism.     

Order-Disorder Enhanced Oxygen Conductivity and Electron Transport in Ruddlesden-Popper Ferrite-Titanate Sr3Fe2−xTixO6+δ

The Ruddlesden-Popper ferrite Sr₃Fe₂O_6+δ and its titania-doped derivatives Sr₃Fe_2−xTi_xO_6+δ, where 0<x≤2, have been characterized by X-ray powder diffraction and thermogravimetry. The changes in oxygen content and crystal lattice parameters are consistent with titanium ions entering the solid solution in 4+ oxidation state with octahedral oxygen coordination. Electronic conductivity measurements on polycrystalline Sr₃Fe₂O_6+δ and Sr₃Fe_0.8Ti_1.2O_6+δ in the temperature range 750-1000°C and oxygen partial pressures (pO₂) varying between 10⁻²⁰ and 0.5 atm revealed that the predominant partial conductivity of electrons is proportional to pO₂^−1/4 in the low pO₂ region, while the predominant partial contribution of holes to the conductivity is proportional to pO₂^+1/4 in the high pO₂ range. The pressure-independent oxygen ion conductivity is found to decrease with the increase in titanium content. A possible pathway for oxygen ion migration is discussed in relation to disorder in the oxygen sublattice and titanium doping.     

Phase relations and structural properties of the ternary narrow gap semiconductors Zn5Sb4In2−δ (δ=0.15) and Zn9Sb6In2

A systematic study of the Zn-rich corner of the ternary system Zn-Sb-In revealed the presence of two ternary compounds: stable Zn₅Sb₄In_2−δ (δ=0.15) and metastable Zn₉Sb₆In₂ with closely related crystal structures. Their common motif is a tetragonal basic structure of 3²434 nets formed by the Sb atoms. The nets are stacked in antiposition to yield layers of square antiprisms sharing edges plus intervening tetracapped tetrahedra (tetreadersterns). The majority of Zn atoms occupy peripheral tetrahedra of such tetraedersterns, which produces frameworks with a composition “ZnSb”. These frameworks represent orthorhombic superstructures: (2×1×1) for Zn₅Sb₄In_2−δ (Z=4) and (2×3×1) for Zn₉Sb₆In₂ (Z=8) with respect to the tetragonal arrangement of Sb atoms. The In and remaining Zn atoms are distributed in the channels formed by the square antiprisms. Phase relations in the Zn-Sb-In system are complex. Crystals of metastable Zn₉Sb₆In₂ are regularly intergrown with various amounts of Zn₅Sb₄In_2−δ. Additionally, a monoclinic variant to orthorhombic Zn₉Sb₆In₂ could be identified. Zn₉Sb₆In₂ decomposes exothermically into a mixture of Zn₅Sb₄In_2−δ, Zn₄Sb₃ and elemental Zn at around 480 K. Both Zn₅Sb₄In_2−δ and Zn₉Sb₆In₂ are poor metals with resistivity values that are characteristic of heavily doped or degenerate semiconductors (0.2−3 m Ω cm at room temperature).     

Structural properties of LaxSr2−xFeO4±δ at high temperature and under reducing conditions

A series of materials, La_xSr_2−xFeO_4±δ (x=0.6-1.0), have been investigated structurally using neutron and X-ray diffraction techniques as well as Mössbauer spectroscopy as a function of temperature and composition. These materials adopt the I4/mmm K₂NiF₄-type structure over a wide range of temperatures (25-1200°C) and oxygen stoichiometries. In particular, it was observed that at a critical composition of x>0.8 there was a significant shift in the lattice parameters. This was attributed to changes in the Fe³⁺ content and the resultant effect of this on the d_z² orbitals giving a lengthening of the Fe-O bonds. On heating, completely linear behavior in both the a and c cell constants was observed, masking underlying bond length changes.