Exchange interactions in R2Fe17−xGax (R=Y, Sm, Gd, Tb, Ho and Tm) compounds

We calculated the molecular field coefficients, n_FeFe and n_RFe (R=Sm, Gd, Tb, Ho and Tm), for R₂Fe_17−xGa_x and the values of n_FeFe and n_SmFe for R₂Fe_17−xT_x (T=Al and Si) using the experimental values of the Curie temperature. The values of n_FeFe increase in spite of the decrease of μ_Fe for 0?x?5. The values of n_SmFe have large values when the magnetic anisotropy is axial. For 6?x?8, the values of n_FeFe, n_HoFe and n_TmFe increase largely, which is related to the change of the easy magnetization direction. For Y₂Fe_17−xT_x (T=Ga and Al), the values of n_FeFe have a maximum value with increasing those of μ_Fe. With increasing V⁻¹, the values of n_FeFe have a maximum value around the same value of V⁻¹ for Y₂Fe_17−xT_x (T=Ga and Al). For Y₂Fe_17−xSi_x, the values of n_FeFe increase with increasing V⁻¹.     

Magnetic study of Cr ion in M2CrV3O11−x (MZn, Mg) compounds

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and magnetic susceptibility measurements on the recently synthesized vanadates M₂CrV₃O_11−x (M=Zn, Mg) have been analyzed. Two absorption lines with g≈2.0 (type I) and g≈1.98 (type II) were recorded in the EPR spectra, which can be attributed to V⁴⁺ ions and Cr³⁺ ion clusters (pairs), respectively. The exchange constant J between Cr³⁺ ions has been calculated, using both EPR and magnetic susceptibility data. Fitting of the EPR and magnetic susceptibility data has been carried out. The sign of J is a negative one for all samples and indicates antiferromagnetic interactions. Some difference in the J constant value among samples has been obtained. Volumetric titration confirms distinctly the presence of vanadium V⁴⁺ ions in the investigated compounds.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and characterization of new 12H hexagonal perovskite-related oxides Ba6M2Na2X2O17 (M=Ru, Nb, Ta, Sb; X=V, Cr, Mn, P, As)

The new Ba₆Ru₂Na₂X₂O₁₇ (X=V, Mn) compounds have been prepared by electrosynthesis in molten NaOH and their crystal structures have been refined from single crystals X-ray diffraction, space group P6₃/mmc, Z=2, for X=V: , , R₁=4.76%, for X=Mn : , , R₁=3.48%. The crystal structure is a 12H-type perovskite with a (c′cchcc)₂ stacking sequence of [BaO₃]_c, [BaO₃]_h and [BaO₂]_c′ layers. The tridimensional edifice is formed by blocks of Ru₂O₉ dimers that share corners with NaO₆ octahedra. These blocks sandwich double sheets of X⁵⁺O₄ tetrahedra. Several isotypic Ba₆M⁵⁺₂Na₂X⁵⁺₂O₁₇ materials (X=V, Cr, Mn, P, As) and (M=Ru, Nb, Ta, Sb) have been prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by Rietveld analysis. The magnetic and electric properties have been investigated and show besides the Ru⁵⁺₂O₉ typical intradimer antiferromagnetic couplings, discrepancies of both χ and ρ versus T at 50 and 100 K for Ba₆Ru₂Na₂X₂O₁₇ (X=V, As). In this work, a review of the identified Ru-hexagonal perovskite materials is also reported in order to overview the wide variety of possibilities in the field of new compounds synthesis.     

Structure and physical properties of ternary W5Si3-type antimonides and bismuthides Zr5M1-xPn2+x (M=Cr, Mn; Pn=Sb, Bi)

Four new ternary compounds Zr₅M_1-xPn_2+x (M=Cr, Mn; Pn=Sb, Bi) were synthesized by arc-melting and annealing at 800 °C. They crystallize in the tetragonal W₅Si₃-type structure. The crystal structure of Zr₅Cr_0.49(2)Sb_2.51(2) was refined from powder X-ray diffraction data by the Rietveld method (Pearson symbol tI32, tetragonal, space group I4/mcm, Z=4, a=11.1027(6) Å, c=5.5600(3) Å). Four-probe electrical resistivity measurements on sintered polycrystalline samples indicated metallic behavior. Magnetic susceptibility measurements between 2 and 300 K revealed temperature-independent Pauli paramagnetism for Zr₅Cr_1-xSb_2+x and Zr₅Cr_1-xBi_2+x, but a strong temperature dependence for Zr₅Mn_1-xSb_2+x and Zr₅Mn_1-xBi_2+x which was fit to the Curie-Weiss law for the latter with θ=-11.3 K and μ_eff=1.81(1) μ_B. Band structure calculations for Zr₅Cr_0.5Sb_2.5 support a structural model in which Cr and Sb atoms alternate within the chain of interstitial sites formed at the centers of square antiprismatic Zr₈ clusters.     

Site preference and vibrational properties of R3T4+xAl12−x (R=Y, Ce, Gd, U, Th; T=Fe, Ru)

The crystal structures and phase stability of the ternary alloys R₃T_4+xAl_12−x (R=Y, Ce, Gd, U, Th; T=Fe, Ru) have been investigated using the interatomic potentials obtained by the lattice inversion method. These compounds crystallize in the hexagonal Gd₃Ru₄Al₁₂-type structure and the calculated lattice constants correspond well with the experiments. Among the four different kinds of Al sites in the structure, the most preferential sites for Fe atoms or Ru atoms are 6h sites. The properties related to lattice vibration, such as the phonon density of states (DOS) and Debye temperature of R₃Fe₄Al_12, have been evaluated. A qualitative analysis is carried out with the relevant potentials for the vibrational modes, which makes it possible to predict some thermodynamic properties.     

Percolative small-polarons conduction regime in Ce1−xGdxO2−x/2, probed by the EPR spectral intensity of Gd

EPR analysis is carried out with Ce_1−xGd_xO_(4−x)/2 (x=0.1; 0.2) nanopowders aiming at obtaining information about their oxidation and reduction properties. The EPR spectrum of these systems is composed of a single feature. The first derivative peak-to-peak spectral intensity decreases at higher temperatures, but this trend deviates from that of Curie's law with the x=0.1 sample, at difference with the x=0.2 sample. This unexpected result is related to oxygen deficiency, due to gas-solid equilibrium, present in the former sample only. As a consequence, some Ce³⁺ ions would form providing it with conduction electrons propagating as small polarons in a percolative way. This would result in a thinner skin depth at higher temperatures, able to explain the deviation of the spectral intensity from its expected value. Indeed, this deviation from Curie's law is reduced or disappears at all after thermal treatment of the x=0.1 sample with O₂.     

Layered ruthenium hexagonal perovskites: The new series [Ba2Br2−2x(CO3)x][Ban+1RunO3n+3] with n=2, 3, 4, 5

Single crystals of the title compounds were prepared by solid state reactions from barium carbonate and ruthenium metal using a BaBr₂ flux and investigated by X-ray diffraction method using Mo(Kα) radiation and a Charge Coupled Device (CCD) detector. A structural model for the term n=2, Ba₅Ru₂Br₂O₉ (1) was established in the hexagonal symmetry, space group P6₃/mmc, a=5.8344(2) Å, c=25.637(2) Å, Z=2. Combined refinement and maximum-entropy method (MEM) unambiguously show the presence of CO₃²⁻ ions in the three other compounds (2, 3, 4). Their crystal structures were solved and refined in the trigonal symmetry, space group , a=5.8381(1) Å, c=15.3083(6) Å for the term n=3, Ba₆Ru₃Br_1.54(CO₃)_0.23O₁₂ (2), and space group , a=5.7992(1) Å, c=52.866(2) Å and a=5.7900(1) Å, c=59.819(2) Å for the terms n=4, Ba₇Ru₄Br_1.46(CO₃)_0.27O₁₅ (3), and n=5, Ba₈Ru₅Br_1.64(CO₃)_0.18O₁₈ (4), respectively. The structures are formed by the periodic stacking along [0 0 1] of (n+1) hexagonal close-packed [BaO₃] layers separated by a double layer of composition [Ba₂Br_2−2x(CO₃)_x]. The ruthenium atoms occupy the n octahedral interstices created in the hexagonal perovskite slabs and constitute isolated dimers Ru₂O₉ of face-shared octahedra (FSO) in 1 and isolated trimers Ru₃O₁₂ of FSO in 2. In 3 and 4, the Ru₂O₉ units are connected by corners either directly (3) or through a slab of isolated RuO₆ octahedra (4) to form a bidimensional arrangement of RuO₆ octahedra. These four oxybromocarbonates belong to the family of compounds formulated [Ba₂Br_2−2x(CO₃)_x][Ba_n+1Ru_nO_3n+3] where n represents the thickness of the octahedral string in hexagonal perovskite slabs. These compounds are compared to the oxychloride series.     

Syntheses, structure, magnetism, and optical properties of the interlanthanide sulfides δ-Ln2−xLuxS3 (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd)

δ-Ln_2−xLu_xS₃ (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd; x=0.67-0.71) compounds have been synthesized through the reaction of elemental rare-earth metals and S using a Sb₂S₃ flux at 1000 °C. These compounds are isotypic with CeTmS₃, which has a complex three-dimensional structure. It includes four larger Ln³⁺ sites in eight- and nine-coordinate environments, two disordered seven-coordinate Ln³⁺/Lu³⁺ positions, and two six-coordinate Lu³⁺ ions. The structure is constructed from one-dimensional chains of LnS_n (n=6-9) polyhedra that extend along the b-axis. These polyhedra share faces or edges with two neighbors within the chains, while in the [ac] plane they share edges and corners with other chains. Least square refinements gave rise to the formulas of δ-Ce_1.30Lu_0.70S₃, δ-Pr_1.29Lu_0.71S₃ and δ-Nd_1.33Lu_0.67S₃, which are consistent with the EDX analysis and magnetic susceptibility data. δ-Ln_2−xLu_xS₃ (Ln=Ce, Pr, Nd; x=0.67-0.71) show no evidence of magnetic ordering down to 5 K. Optical properties measurements show that the band gaps for δ-Ce_1.30Lu_0.70S₃, δ-Pr_1.29Lu_0.71S₃, and δ-Nd_1.33Lu_0.67S₃ are 1.25, 1.38, and 1.50 eV, respectively. Crystallographic data: δ-Ce_1.30Lu_0.70S₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, a=11.0186(7), b=3.9796(3), c=21.6562(15) Å, β=101.6860(10), V=929.93(11), Z=8; δ-Pr_1.29Lu_0.71S₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, a=10.9623(10), b=3.9497(4), c=21.5165(19) Å, β=101.579(2), V=912.66(15), Z=8; δ-Nd_1.33Lu_0.67S₃, monoclinic, space group P2₁/m, a=10.9553(7), b=3.9419(3), c=21.4920(15) Å, β=101.5080(10), V=909.47(11), Z=8.     

Three-layer Aurivillius phases containing magnetic transition metal cations: Bi2−xSr2+x(Nb,Ta)2+xM1−xO12, M=Ru, Ir, Mn, x≈0.5

We report the synthesis of Aurivillius-type phases incorporating magnetic M⁴⁺ cations (M=Mn, Ru, Ir), based on the substitution of M⁴⁺ for Ti⁴⁺ in Bi₂Sr₂(Nb,Ta)₂TiO₁₂. The key to incorporating these magnetic transition metal cations appears to be the partial substitution of Sr²⁺ for Bi³⁺ in the α-PbO-type layer of the Aurivillius phase, leading to a concomitant decrease in the M⁴⁺ content; i.e., the composition of the prepared compounds was Bi_2−xSr_2+x(Nb,Ta)_2+xM_1−xO₁₂, x≈0.5. These compounds only exist over a narrow range of x, between an apparent minimum (x≈0.4) Sr²⁺ content in the α-PbO-type [Bi₂O₂] layer required for Aurivillius phases to form with magnetic M⁴⁺ cations, and an apparent maximum (x≈0.6) Sr²⁺ substitution in this [Bi₂O₂] layer. Rietveld-refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data making use of anomalous dispersion at the Nb and Ru K edges show that the overwhelming majority of the incorporated M cations occupy the central of the three MO₆ octahedral layers in the perovskite-type block. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are presented and discussed in the context of the potential for multiferroic (magnetoelectric) properties in these materials.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Zn1−xSbxCr2−x/3Se4 (x=0.11, 0.16 and 0.20) single crystals

Single crystals of Zn_1−xSb_xCr_2−x/3Se₄ based on the ZnCr₂Se₄ spinel, which is known to exhibit interesting magnetic and electronic transport properties, have been prepared by solid state reaction from the appropriate selenides. Three compounds of different Sb content (x=0.11, 0.16, and 0.20) were studied by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron scattering technique and macroscopic magnetic measurements with the aim to determine (i) stability of the cubic symmetry and (ii) influence of the Sb admixture on the magnetic properties. The results show that the Sb³⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions share the tetrahedral sites in the spinel structure, while the Cr³⁺ions carrying magnetic moments, are located in the octahedral sites. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) data indicate that in this series of compounds the chromium ions have a 3d³ electronic configuration. The three samples studied order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures, with the magnetic characteristics being hardly altered with respect to those reported for the parent ZnCr₂Se₄ compound.     

Stoichiometry and physical properties of ternary molybdenum chalcogenides MxMo6X8 (X = S,Se; M = Li,Sn, Pb)

Chemical and electrochemical insertion of Li at room temperature, as well as insertion of lead and tin at moderate temperatures (500°C), into the binary phase Mo₆X₈ forms ternary molybdenum chalcogenides M_xMo₆X₈ (X = S, Se). Crystallographic parameters, superconducting properties, and magnetic susceptibility are reported. The stoichiometry x for lead and tin is shown not to exceed x = 1, while for Li, x can reach approximately 4.0. For the lead and tin sulfide series, the hexagonal lattice parameters and superconducting critical temperatures (T_c) are invariant to changes in the nominal composition of 0.8 < x < 1.2, while both an increase in T_c and a small decrease in c_h is observed for the selenides; a narrow homogeneity range exists near x = 1 below 500°C for both these sulfides and selenides, the single-phase region being somewhat larger in the selenides. In contrast, several single-phase regions and large unit cell changes are observed in Li_xMo₆X₈ (0 < x < 3.2). Magnetic susceptibility measurements of the lithiated compounds at x ～ 3.2 reveals a structural phase transition at 140 and 185 K for the sulfide and selenide, respectively; but neither superconducts down to 1.5 K. At lower lithium concentration near x ～ 1.0, the T_c of the sulfide is raised from that of Mo₆S₈ (1.8 K) to 5.2 K but the T_c of Mo₆Se₈ (6.5 K) is depressed to 3.9 K.     

Crystal structures of the La3AgSnSe7 and R3Ag1−δSnS7 (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18−0.19) compounds

The crystal structures of new quaternary compounds La₃AgSnSe₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP24, a=1.0805(4) nm, c=0.6245(1) nm, R1=0.0315), La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.64, a=1.0399(1) nm, c=0.6016(1) nm, R1=0.0149) and Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.62, a=1.0300(1) nm, c=0.6002(1) nm, R1=0.0151) were determined by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction. Structural investigations of the R₃Ag_1−δSnS₇ (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18-0.19(1)) compounds at 450 and 530 K were performed. Low temperature data (12 K) for Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ were also collected. The nearest neighbours of the La(Ce), Ag and Sn atoms are exclusively Se(S) atoms. The latter form distorted trigonal prisms around the La(Ce) atoms, and distorted tetrahedrons around the Sn atoms. The Ag (Ag1) atoms have triangular surroundings: they are located very close to the planes built of three Se(S) atoms. The Ag2 atoms in the structures of the La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇, Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ compounds are located practically in the centres of trigonal antiprisms. The pseudo-potentials determined through the Ag atoms show relatively low barrier between two nearest positions which decreases when temperature rises.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of SrMn1−xGaxO3−δ (x=0-0.5) perovskites

We report the synthesis of SrMn_1−xGa_xO_3−δ perovskite compounds and describe the dependence of their phase stability and structural and physical properties over extended cation and oxygen composition ranges. Using special synthesis techniques derived from thermogravimetric measurements, we have extended the solubility limit of random substitution of Ga³⁺ for Mn in the cubic perovskite phase to x=0.5. In the cubic perovskite phase the maximum oxygen content is close to 3−x/2, which corresponds to 100% Mn⁴⁺. Maximally oxygenated solid solution compounds are found to order antiferromagnetically for x=0-0.4, with the transition temperature linearly decreasing as Ga content increases. Increasing the Ga content introduces frustration into the magnetic system and a spin-glass state is observed for SrMn_0.5Ga_0.5O_2.67(3) below 12 K. These properties are markedly different from the long-range antiferromagnetic order below 180 K observed for the layer-ordered compound Sr₂MnGaO_5.50 with nominally identical chemical composition.     

Expanded polycationic mercury-chalcogen networks in the layered compounds Hg3E2[MX6] (E=S, Se; M=Zr, Hf; X=Cl, Br)

The reactions of HgE (E=S, Se) with HgX₂ and MX₄ (M=Zr, Hf; X=Cl, Br) in evacuated glass ampoules lead to a series of isotypic compounds of the general formula Hg₃E₂[MX₆] in the form of colorless (X=Cl) and light-yellow (X=Br) air-sensitive crystals. The crystal structures of Hg₃S₂[ZrCl₆] (I), Hg₃S₂[HfCl₆] (II), Hg₃Se₂[ZrCl₆] (III), Hg₃Se₂[HfCl₆] (IV), Hg₃S₂[ZrBr₆] (V), and Hg₃Se₂[ZrBr₆] (VI) were refined based on single-crystal data. All compounds crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with the lattice parameters a=662.18(2) pm, b=734.97(3) pm, c=1290.83(5) pm, β=91.755(2)° for (I) and and a=701.97(3) pm, b=756.79(3) pm, c=1350.99(6) pm, β=92.164(3)° for (VI). The structures are built of (Hg₃E₂)²⁺ layers stacked perpendicular to the c-axis. The polycationic layers consist of two-dimensionally linked 12-membered Hg₆E₆ rings in the chair conformation with linear coordinated Hg and trigonal pyramidal coordinated chalcogen atoms. Almost regular octahedral [MX₆]²⁻ ions are embedded between the layers. This arrangement is closely related to the structure of Hg₃S₂[SiF₆], which represents a higher symmetric congener. The structure relation is discussed using the supergroup-subgroup relation between space groups.     

Formation of apatite oxynitrides by the reaction between apatite-type oxide ion conductors, La8+xSr2−x(Si/Ge)6O26+x/2, and ammonia

Following growing interest in the use of ammonia as a fuel in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), we have investigated the possible reaction between the apatite silicate/germanate electrolytes, La_8+xSr_2−x(Si/Ge)₆O_26+x/2, and NH₃ gas. We examine how the composition of the apatite phase affects the reaction with ammonia. For the silicate series, the results showed a small degree of N incorporation at 600 °C, while at higher temperatures (800 °C), substantial N incorporation was observed. For the germanate series, partial decomposition was observed after heating in ammonia at 800 °C, while at the lower temperature (600 °C), significant N incorporation was observed. For both series, the N content in the resulting apatite oxynitride was shown to increase with increasing interstitial oxide ion content (x/2) in the starting oxide. The results suggest that the driving force for the nitridation process is to remove the interstitial anion content, such that for the silicates the total anion (O+N) content in the oxynitrides approximates to 26.0, the value for an anion stoichiometric apatite. For the germanates, lower total anion contents are observed in some cases, consistent with the ability of the germanates to accommodate anion vacancies. The removal of the mobile interstitial oxide ions on nitridation suggests problems with the use of apatite-type electrolytes in SOFCs utilising NH₃ at elevated temperatures.     

Structure and physical properties of nonstoichiometric rare-earth cadmium antimonides, RECd1−xSb2 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm)

The ternary rare-earth cadmium antimonides RECd_1−xSb₂ (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were prepared by reaction of the elements at 1000 °C. The presence of Cd defects, previously found for LaCd_0.700(5)Sb₂ and CeCd_0.660(4)Sb₂, has been confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies for the isotypic compounds PrCd_0.665(3)Sb₂, ), NdCd_0.659(3)Sb₂, ), and SmCd_0.648(3)Sb₂, ). These compounds adopt the HfCuSi₂-type structure (Pearson symbol tP8, space group P4/nmm, Z=2). The electrical and magnetic properties of samples with nominal composition RECd_0.7Sb₂ were investigated. All exhibit metallic behaviour, but CeCd_0.7Sb₂ undergoes an abrupt drop in its electrical resistivity below 3 K. LaCd_0.7Sb₂ exhibits temperature-independent Pauli paramagnetism and SmCd_0.7Sb₂ displays van Vleck paramagnetism. The remaining compounds obey the modified Curie-Weiss law at high temperatures. CeCd_0.7Sb₂ undergoes ferromagnetic ordering below 3 K, reaching a saturation magnetization of ∼1.0 μ_B, whereas PrCd_0.7Sb₂ and NdCd_0.7Sb₂ remain paramagnetic down to 2 K.     

Structural and magnetic properties of Pr18Li8Fe5−xMxO39 (M=Ru, Mn, Co)

A polycrystalline sample of Pr₁₈Li₈Fe₄RuO₃₉ has been synthesized by a solid state method and characterized by neutron powder diffraction, magnetometry and Mössbauer spectroscopy; samples of Pr₁₈Li₈Fe_5−xMn_xO₃₉ and Pr₁₈Li₈Fe_5−xCo_xO₃₉ (x=1, 2) have been studied by magnetometry. All these compounds adopt a cubic structure (space group , a₀∼11.97 Å) based on intersecting 〈111〉 chains made up of alternating octahedral and trigonal-prismatic coordination sites. These chains occupy channels within a Pr-O framework. The trigonal-prismatic site in Pr₁₈Li₈Fe₄RuO₃₉ is occupied by Li⁺ and high-spin Fe³⁺. The remaining transition-metal cations occupy the two crystallographically-distinct octahedral sites in a disordered manner. All five compositions adopt a spin-glass-like state at 7 K (Pr₁₈Li₈Fe₄RuO₃₉) or below.     

Oxygen permeability, thermal expansion and mixed conductivity of GdxCe0.8−xPr0.2O2−δ, x=0, 0.15, 0.2

The non-linear thermal expansion behaviour observed in Ce_1−yPr_yO_2−δ materials can be substantially controlled by Gd substitution. Coulometric titration shows that the charge compensation mechanism changes with increasing x, in the system Gd_xCe_0.8−xPr_0.2O_2−δ. For x=0.15, charge compensation is by vacancy formation and destabilises the presence of Pr⁴⁺. At x=0.2, further Gd substitution is charge compensated by additionally raising the oxidation state of Pr rather than solely the creation of further oxygen ion vacancies. Oxygen concentration cell e.m.f. measurements in an oxygen/air potential gradient show that increasing Gd content decreases ionic and electronic conductivities. Ion transference numbers measured under these conditions show a positive temperature dependence, with typical values t_o=0.90,0.98 and 0.80 for x=0,0.15 and 0.2, respectively, at 950 °C. These observations are discussed in terms of defect association. Oxygen permeation fluxes are limited by both bulk ambipolar conductivity and surface exchange. However, the composition dependent trends in permeability are shown to be dominated by ambipolar conductivities, and limited by the level of electronic conductivity. At the highest temperatures, oxygen permeability of composition x=0.2 approaches that of composition x=0, Ce_0.8Pr_0.2O_2−δ, with specific oxygen permeability values approximately 2×10⁻⁹ mol s⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 950 °C, but offering much better thermal expansion properties.     

Three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymer [M2(C3H2O4)2(H2O)2(μ2-hmt)]n with 46 topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine)

Two novel three-dimensional five-connected coordination polymers [M₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n with 4⁴6⁶ topologies (M=Zn, Cu; hmt=hexamethylenetetramine) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, crystal structure, IR, thermal gravimetric analyses. Both [Zn₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n and [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n all crystallize in the orthorhombic system, space group Imm2, and with Z=2. Metal ions have all octahedral geometry coordinated by four oxygen atoms from three malonates, one oxygen atom from a water molecule and one nitrogen atom of hmt ligand. Each malonate binds a metal ion with its two oxygen atoms in a chelating mode and connects to adjacent two metal ions with another two oxygen atoms to form an infinite wavy layer. The layers are bridged by μ₂-hmt molecules to form a three-dimensional framework with channels. The magnetic susceptibility data show there is a weak antiferromagnetic exchange interaction in the complex [Cu₂(C₃H₂O₄)₂(H₂O)₂(μ₂-hmt)]_n.     

Magnetic structures of the α-Li3Fe2(PO4)3−x(AsO4)x (x=1, 1.5, 2, 3) solid solution

Mössbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction studies have been carried out for the α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)_3−x(AsO₄)_x (x=1, 1.5, 2, 3) solid solution, potential candidate for the cathode material of the lithium secondary batteries. The crystal and magnetic structures of all these phases are based on the structural and magnetic model corresponding to the α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)₃ phosphate parent, but with some differences promoted by the arsenate substitution. The PO₄ and AsO₄ groups have a random distribution in the structure. In all compounds the coupling of the magnetic moments takes place in the (001) plane, but the value of the angle between the moments and the x direction decreases from 38.3° (α-Li₃Fe₂(AsO₄)₃) to 4.7° (α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)₂(AsO₄)₁). This rotation arises from the change in the tilt angle between the Fe(1)O₆ and Fe(2)O₆ crystallographically and magnetically independent octahedra in the structures, and affects the effectiveness of the magnetic exchange pathways. The ordering temperature T_N decreases with the increase of phosphate amount in the compounds. The existence of a phenomenon of canting and the evolution of the ferrimagnetic behavior in this solid solution is also discussed.