Crystal structure and vibrational properties of new luminescent hosts K3YF6 and K3GdF6

The luminescence hosts K₃YF₆ and K₃GdF₆ were obtained in a single-crystal form. Their crystal structure was determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Both crystals adopt monoclinic system with space group P2₁/n, Z=2. Lattice parameters for K₃YF₆ are refined to the following values , , , β=90.65(3) and for K₃GdF₆, , , β=90.80(3). The vibrational analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy at room temperature, was applied to these compounds in order to study the site symmetry of Y³⁺ and Gd³⁺ ions.     

Laser-excited luminescence and absorption study of mixed valence for K2Pt(CN)4—K2Pt(CN)6 crystals

Crystals of K₂Pt(CN)₆ doped with Pt(CN)^2?₄ show an absorption band at 337 nm which is assigned as a mixed-valence (MV) transition from Pt (II) to Pt(IV). From a Hush model analysis, the absorption band is interpreted to be class II in the Day—Robin scheme. When the MV band is laser excited at 337 nm, emmision is observed from Pt(CN)^2?₄ clusters.     

The crystal structure of synthetic simmonsite, Na2LiAlF6

The structure of the synthetic fluoroperovskite, Na₂LiAlF₆ (simmonsite), has been determined by powder X-ray diffraction using the Rietveld method of structure refinement. The compound adopts space group P2₁/n [#14; a=5.2842(1); b=5.3698(1); c=7.5063(2)Å; β=89.98(1)°; Z=4), and is a member of the cryolite (Na₂NaAlF₆) structural group characterized by ordering of the B-site cations (Li, Al) and tilting of the BF₆ octahedra according to the tilt scheme a⁻b⁻c⁺. Rotations of the B-site polyhedra are less (Φ_Li=14.9°; Φ_Al=17.0°) than those found in cryolite (Φ_Na=18.6; Φ_Al=23.5°) because of the larger difference in the ionic radii of the B-site cations in cryolite as compared to those in simmonsite. Na at the A-site is displaced from the special position resulting in 10- and 8-fold coordination in simmonsite and cryolite, respectively. By analogy with the synthetic compound, naturally occurring simmonsite is considered to adopt space group P2₁/n (#14) and not the P2₁(#4) or P2₁/m(#11) space groups.     

Shape-selected synthesis, characterization and optical properties of KMnF3 micropolyhedra, microspheres and hollow microspheres

Micropolyhedra, microspheres and hollow microspheres of the cubic KMnF₃ were selectively prepared by controllable, hydrothermal method at 120 °C. Manganese acetate and potassium fluoride were employed as the starting materials in the reaction, and variety of polyethylene glycol and dosage of citric acid were demonstrated to be responsible for the shape evolution. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectra, UV-vis absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence spectra. A possible mechanism for the growth of KMnF₃ microcrystal was proposed.     

Hydrothermal syntheses, structures, and magnetic properties of (NH4)2NaVF6 and Na3VF6

The single crystals of perovskite fluorides (NH₄)₂NaVF₆ and Na₃VF₆ were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The structures of the compounds were determined by means of single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction analyses, respectively. (NH₄)₂NaVF₆ has a cubic elpasolite-type structure and crystallizes in the space group with lattice constant a=8.495(0) Å. Rietveld refinement indicates that Na₃VF₆ has a monoclinic structure and is in space group P2₁/n. The compounds were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, and variable temperature magnetic susceptibility. With the temperature decreasing, the magnetic studies of the compounds showed the magnetic ordering was related to the crystallographic features and isolated magnetic units.     

Overhauser shift in single crystals of FA2PF6

The shift ΔB_ov of the ESR line due to the saturation of the NMR of hyperfine-coupled nuclei (Overhauser shift) was measured for single crystals of the organic conductor (FA₂)^±PF₆^?. ΔB_ov is proportional to AP, where A is the average hyperfine interaction between the conduction electrons and the nuclei in resonance and P is the dynamic nuclear polarization. The proton spin relaxation times were measured from the time dependence of the Overhauser shift, ΔB_ov(t), after rf pulses.     

Optical spectroscopy of chromium doped (CH3)2NH2X(SO4)2·6H2O (X=Al, Ga) single crystals

Chromium doped (CH₃)₂NH₂Al(SO₄)₂·6H₂O (DMAAlS) and (CH₃)₂NH₂Ga(SO₄)₂·6H₂O (DMAGaS) single crystals were grown and investigated using the methods of optical spectroscopy. It was found that the Cr³⁺ ions in the two crystals are situated in a strong crystal field in which the ²E state is the lowest. The single narrow R-line associated with the ²E–⁴A₂ phosphorescence of Cr³⁺ in DMAAlS in a ferroelectric phase indicates an undistorted octahedral site, whereas important distortion of O_h symmetry and structural disorder was inferred from spectral data obtained with DMAGaS:Cr³⁺ in a low temperature phase. Results of optical investigation are discussed taking into account the structural data.     

New synthesis of K2[TcF6]

A new high yield synthesis of K₂[⁹⁹TcF₆] is given. It is based on eqn (1) and uses 40% aqueous HF as solvent. [⁹⁹TcBr₆]^2? + 6F^? + 6Ag⁺ → [⁹⁹TcF₆]^2? + 6AgBr (1)     

The optical absorption and emission spectra of Cs2NaSmCl6

Optical absorption and emission spectra are reported for single crystals of the cubic elpasolite Cs₂NaSmCl₆. The variable temperature spectra obtained at high resolution are assigned using energies and relative intensities. Transitions from the ground level, ⁶H_{$\text{5}\text{2}$} to cystal fi levels of ⁶H_{$\text{7}\text{2}$-$\text{15}\text{2}$}, ⁶F_{$\text{1}\text{2}$-$\text{11}\text{2}$}, ⁴G_{$\text{5}\text{2}$-$\text{9}\text{2}$}, ⁴F_{$\text{3}\text{2}$,$\text{5}\text{2}$}, ⁴I_{$\text{9}\text{2}$}, and ⁶P_{$\text{3}\text{2}$, $\text{5}\text{2}$} are located and characterized. Intensity calculations are reported for magnetic dipole allowed transitions. The dominance of vibronic intensity in ⁶H_{$\text{5}\text{2}$}→⁶F _{$\text{1}\text{2}$-$\text{9}\text{2}$} and ⁶P_{$\text{3}\text{2}$, $\text{5}\text{2}$} transitions is accounted for qualitatively through the ligand polarization model involving quadrupole metal (Sm³⁺)-ligand (Cl^?) interaction mechanisms. The E_u″(⁶H_{$\text{5}\text{2}$})→E′(⁶H_{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) E_u′(⁶F_{$\text{1}\text{2}$}) no-phonon transition is postulated to be pure electric quadrupole allowed. The ground state magnetic moment is determined to be very small from magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) spectra.This study has led to the assignment of nearly all of the crystal field levels in the visible and IR region for Cs₂NaSmCl₆. A total of 27 such levels were identified, 17 from no-phonon transitions and the rest from vibronic transitions. The magnetic dipole intensity calculated using intermediate coupling O_h wavefunctions along with a crystal field analysis of the splitting pattern was used in the assignment of the levels. Vibronic bands were observed for all transitions and their vibrational symmetries were tentatively assigned. MCD data were used to determine the magnet moment of the ground state.     

Low-temperature luminescence of Eu3+ in K2EuCl5

The luminescence associated with the Eu³⁺ ion in K₂EuCl₅ has been studied at cryogenic temperatures under conditions of high resolution. Emission was observed to originate from both the ⁵D₀ and ⁵D₁ excited states, and transitions to the ${}^7\text{F}{}_0\text{,}{}^7\text{F}{}_1\text{,}{}^7\text{F}{}_2\text{,}{}^7\text{F}{}_3$, and ⁷F₄ ground levels were observed. The fine structure observed within these emission bands was found to be consistent with the existence of an effective C₄ site symmetry for the emitting Eu(III) species, even though the crystal structure does not indicate the presence of a true or pseudo C₄ axis.     

Syntheses and structures of Li3ScF6 and high pressure LiScF4−, luminescence properties of LiScF4, a new phase in the system LiF-ScF3

Colorless single crystals of Li₃ScF₆ have been prepared by reacting the binary components LiF and ScF₃ at 820 °C for 16 h in argon atmosphere. This complex fluoride is the only stable phase in the system LiF-ScF₃ under ambient pressure. According to a structure refinement based on single crystal X-ray diffraction data it crystallizes in the centrosymmetric space group with and . The new structure of Li₃ScF₆ is a filled variant of the Na₂GeF₆ type structure and can be described in terms of a hexagonal close packing of fluorine in which 2/3 of the octahedral holes are occupied by Sc and Li.High pressure/high temperature studies of the system LiF-ScF₃ show that the new phase LiScF₄ is formed at around 5.5 GPa and 575 °C. According to Rietveld refinements of powder X-ray diffraction data LiScF₄ adopts the Scheelite type structure (space group I4₁/a) with and . A sample of LiScF₄ doped with 1% Er exhibits an intense luminescence in the far IR region.     

Sol-gel synthesis of K3InF6 and structural characterization of K2InC10O10H6F9, K3InC12O14H4F18 and K3InC12O12F18

K₃InF₆ is synthesized by a sol-gel route starting from indium and potassium acetates dissolved in isopropanol in the stoichiometry 1:3, with trifluoroacetic acid as fluorinating agent. The crystal structures of the organic precursors were solved by X-ray diffraction methods on single crystals. Three organic compounds were isolated and identified: K₂InC₁₀O₁₀H₆F₉, K₃InC₁₂O₁₄H₄F₁₈ and K₃InC₁₂O₁₂F₁₈. The first one, deficient in potassium in comparison with the initial stoichiometry, is unstable. In its crystal structure, acetate as well as trifluoroacetate anions are coordinated to the indium atom. The two other precursors are obtained, respectively, by quick and slow evaporation of the solution. They correspond to the final organic compounds, which give K₃InF₆ by decomposition at high temperature. The crystal structure of K₃InC₁₂O₁₄H₄F₁₈ is characterized by complex anions [In(CF₃COO)₄(OH_x)₂]^(5−2x)− and isolated [CF₃COOH_2−x]^(x−1)− molecules with x=2 or 1, surrounded by K⁺ cations. The crystal structure of K₃InC₁₂O₁₂F₁₈ is only constituted by complex anions [In(CF₃COO)₆]³⁻ and K⁺ cations. For all these compounds, potassium cations ensure only the electroneutrality of the structure. IR spectra of K₂InC₁₀O₁₀H₆F₉ and K₃InC₁₂O₁₂F₁₈ were also performed at room temperature on pulverized crystals.     

Syntheses, crystal and electronic structures of three new potassium cadmium(II)/zinc(II) tellurides: K2Cd2Te3, K6CdTe4 and K2ZnTe2

Three new ternary potassium(I) zinc(II) or cadmium(II) tellurides, namely, K₂Cd₂Te₃, K₆CdTe₄ and K₂ZnTe₂, were synthesized by solid-state reactions of the mixture of pure elements of K, Cd (or Zn) and Te in Nb tubes at high temperature. K₂Cd₂Te₃ belongs to a new structure type and its structure contains a novel two-dimensional [Cd₂Te₃]²⁻ layers perpendicular to the b-axis. K(5) cation is located at the center of five member rings of the 2D [Cd₂Te₃]²⁻ layer, whereas other K⁺ cations occupy the interlayer space. K₆CdTe₄ with a K₆HgS₄ type structure features a “zero-dimensional” structure composed of isolated CdTe₄ tetrahedra separated by the K⁺ ions. K₂ZnTe₂ in the K₂ZnO₂ structural type displays 1D [ZnTe₂]²⁻ anionic chains of edge sharing [ZnTe₄] tetrahedra separated by the potassium(I) ions. K₂Cd₂Te₃, K₆CdTe₄ and K₂ZnTe₂ revealed a band gap of 1.93, 2.51 and 3.0 eV, respectively.     

Raman spectroscopic study of K3H(SO4)2 (phases I and II) single crystals

A Raman study of K₃H(SO₄)₂ as a function of temperature reveals that this compound undergoes a phase transition at T_c = 483 K prior to the decomposition at 508 K.     

Controlled synthesis of bismuth oxo nanoscale crystals (BiOCl, Bi12O17Cl2, α-Bi2O3, and (BiO)2CO3) by solution-phase methods

We present the controlled solution-phase synthesis of several sheet- or rod-like bismuth oxides, BiOCl, Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂, α-Bi₂O₃ and (BiO)₂CO₃, by adjusting growth parameters such as reaction temperature, mole ratios of reactants, and the base used. BiOCl, Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂, and α-Bi₂O₃ could be prepared from BiCl₃ and NaOH, whereas (BiO)₂CO₃ was prepared from BiCl₃ and urea. BiOCl and Bi₁₂O₁₇Cl₂ could also be prepared from BiCl₃ and ammonia. The α-Bi₂O₃ sample exhibited strong emission at room temperature.     

Growth and characterization of n-WS2 and niobium-doped p-WS2 single crystals

Single crystals of n- and p-WS₂ were obtained by chemical vapor transport using chlorine and bromine as transporting agents. The best niobium-doped WS₂ crystals were obtained when the concentration of the charge (formulated (1 ? x)WS₂ · (x)NbS₂) was ? 37 mg charge/ml of tube, and x = 0.01 to 0.03. A thermodynamic analysis of the crystal growth process is consistent with the observed doping concentration and other properties of the crystals obtained by this process. The crystals grown are characterized by electrical transport and surface photovoltage measured capacitance techniques.     

Growth Mechanism and Characterization of Single-crystalline Ga-doped SnO2 Nanowires and Self-organized SnO2/Ga2O3 Heterogeneous Microcomb Structures

Single-crystalline Ga-doped SnO2 nanowires and SnO2:Ga2O3 heterogeneous microcombs were synthesized by a simple one-step thermal evaporation and condensation method. They were characterized by means of X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected-area electron diffraction (SAED). FE-SEM images showed that the products consisted of nanowires and microcombs that represent a novel morphology. XRD, SAED and EDS indicated that they were single-crystalline tetragonal SnO2. The influence of experimental conditions on the morphologies of the products is discussed. The morphology of the product showed a ribbon-like stem and nanoribbon array aligned evenly along one or both side of the nanoribbon. It was found that many Ga2O3 nanoparticles deposited on the surface of the microcombs. The major core nanoribbon grew mainly along the 110 direction and the self-organized branching nanoribbons grew epitaxially along 1110 or 1110 orientation from the (110) plane of the stem. A growth process was proposed for interpreting the growth of these remarkable SnO2:Ga2O3 heterogeneous microcombs. Due to the heavy doping of Ga, the emission peak in photoluminescence spectra has red-shifted as well as broadened significantly.     

Linear polarized absorption spectra of ReX2−6 in trigonal crystals

Low-temperature single-crystal absorption spectra of ReX^2?₆ (X = F, Cl, Br) in different Sn host crystals of trigonal symmetry are recorded using polarized light. From symmetry selection rules band assignments are obtained. Ligand-field calculations can explain the type and degree of trigonal-field splitting. Low-symmetry ligand-field parameters obtained indicate that trigonally compressed or expanded ReX^2?₆ octahedra are present in different host lattices.     

Electrical properties of K2FeCl5·H2O and K2AlF5

The electrical conductivity of nominally pure K₂FeCl₅·H₂O and anhydrous K₂AlF₅ has been studied from 300 to 690°K. K₂FeCl₅·H₂O exhibits mixed ionic and electronic conduction, whereas K₂AlF₅ is a pure ionic conductor. The mass and charge transport processes in K₂FeCl₅·H₂O seem to be governed by deviations from both molecularity and stoichiometry. At elevated temperatures both potassium and chloride ions are mobile in K₂FeCl₅·H₂O.     

Electrical and optical properties of high-purity p-type single crystals of GeFe2O4

Single crystals of the spinel GeFe₂O₄, grown by the chemical vapor transport technique, are p-type semiconductors with an acceptor ionization energy of 0.39 eV. The material is a heavily compensated band-type semiconductor, with a typical hole concentration of 10¹⁴ cm^?3 near room temperature, and a temperature-independent Hall mobility of 2 cm²/V·sec. Optical absorption measurements show the optical band gap to be ?2.3 eV; the octahedral field splitting of the Fe²⁺d-levels is 10 200 cm^?1. Magnetic measurements show that n_eff is 5.26, from which a trigonal field splitting of 950 cm^?1 is derived.