Single-crystal synthesis and structure refinement of the LiCoO2-LiAlO2 solid-solution compounds: LiAl0.32Co0.68O2 and LiAl0.71Co0.29O2

Single crystals of the LiCoO₂-LiAlO₂ solid solution compounds LiAl_0.32Co_0.68O₂ and LiAl_0.71Co_0.29O₂ were synthesized by a flux method using alumina crucibles. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction study confirmed the trigonal space group and the lattice parameters a=2.8056(11) Å, c=14.1079(15) Å, and c/a=5.028 for LiAl_0.32Co_0.68O₂, and a=2.8023(7) Å, c=14.184(4) Å, and c/a=5.061 for LiAl_0.71Co_0.29O₂. The crystal structures have been refined to the conventional values R=3.2% and wR=2.4% for LiAl_0.32Co_0.68O₂, and R=3.6% and wR=3.5% for LiAl_0.71Co_0.29O₂. The evidence of the location of Al atoms in the pseudotetragonal coordination (6c site), reported previously in LiAl_0.2Co_0.8O₂, could not be observed in the present electron density distribution maps in both LiAl_0.32Co_0.68O₂ and LiAl_0.71Co_0.29O₂. The octahedral distortion analysis indicated that the Al-substitution strongly affected the distortion of the LiO₆ octahedron in this solid-solution compound system, but hardly affected that of the (Al.Co)O₆ octahedron.     

Mn environment in layered Li[Mg0.5−xNixMn0.5]O2 oxides monitored by EPR spectroscopy

X-band and high-frequency EPR spectroscopy were used for studying the manganese environment in layered Li[Mg_xNi_0.5−xMn_0.5]O₂, 0?x?0.5. Both layered LiMg_0.5Mn_0.5O₂ and monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂ oxides (containing Mn⁴⁺ ions only) were used as EPR standards. The EPR study was extended to the Ni-substituted analogues, where both Ni²⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ are paramagnetic. For LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂, an EPR response from Mn⁴⁺ ions only was detected, while the Ni²⁺ ions remained EPR silent in the frequency range of 9.23-285 GHz. For the diamagnetically diluted oxides, LiMg_0.25Ni_0.25Mn_0.5O₂ and Li[Li_0.10Ni_0.35Mn_0.55]O₂, two types of Mn⁴⁺ ions located in a mixed (Mn-Ni-Li)-environment and in a Ni-Mn environment, respectively, were registered by high-field experiments. In the X-band, comparative analysis of the EPR line width of Mn⁴⁺ ions permits to extract the composition of the first coordination sphere of Mn in layered LiMg_0.5−xNi_xMn_0.5O₂ (0?x?0.5) and Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ (x>0.2). It was shown that a fraction of Mn⁴⁺ are in an environment resembling the ordered “α,β”-type arrangement in Li_1−δ1Ni_δ1[Li_{(1−2x)/3+δ1}Ni_2x/3−δ1)_α(Mn_(2−x)/3Ni_x/3)_β]O₂ (where and δ₁=0.06 were calculated), while the rest of Mn⁴⁺ are in the Ni,Mn-environment corresponding to the Li_1−δ2Ni_δ2[Ni_1−yMn_y]O₂ () composition with a statistical Ni,Mn distribution. For Li[Li_(1−2x)/3Ni_xMn_(2−x)/3]O₂ with x?0.2, IR spectroscopy indicated that the ordered α,β-type arrangement is retained upon Ni introduction into monoclinic Li[Li_1/3Mn_2/3]O₂.     

Surface properties and performance for VOCs combustion of LaFe1−yNiyO3 perovskite oxides

LaFeO₃, LaNiO₃ and substituted LaFe_1−yNi_yO₃ (y=0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) perovskites were synthesized by the citrate method and used in the catalytic combustion of ethanol and acetyl acetate. Chemical composition was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and specific areas from nitrogen adsorption isotherms. Structural details and surface properties were evaluated by temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), temperature-programmed desorption of oxygen (O₂-TPD) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Characterization data revealed that total insertion of nickel in the LaFeO₃ takes place for substitution y=0.1. However, NiO segregation occurs to some extent, specifically at higher substitutions (y>0.1). The catalytic performance of these perovskites was evaluated in the combustion of acetyl acetate and ethanol. Among these molecules, ethanol exhibited the lowest ignition temperature, and the catalytic activity expressed as intrinsic activity (mol m⁻² h⁻¹) was found to increase substantially with the nickel substitution. These results can be explained in terms of the cooperative effect of a LaFe_1−yNi_yO₃ and NiO phases, whose relative concentration determines the oxygen activation capability and hence their reactivity.     

Mixed conductivity and Mössbauer spectra of (La0.5Sr0.5)1−xFe1−yAlyO3−δ (x=0-0.05, y=0-0.30)

Aluminum incorporation in the rhombohedrally distorted perovskite lattice of (La_0.5Sr_0.5)_1−xFe_1−yAl_yO_3−δ (x=0-0.05, y=0-0.30) decreases the unit cell volume and partial ionic and p-type electronic conductivities, while the oxygen nonstoichiometry and thermal expansion at 900-1200 K increase on doping. The creation of A-site cation vacancies has an opposite effect on the transport properties of Al-substituted ceramics. The maximum A-site deficiency tolerated by the (La,Sr)(Fe,Al)O_3−δ structure is however limited, close to 3-4%. The Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed progressive localization of electron holes and a mixed charge-compensation mechanism, which results in higher average oxidation state of iron when Al³⁺ concentration increases. The average thermal expansion coefficients of (La_0.5Sr_0.5)_1−xFe_1−yAl_yO_3−δ are (12.2-13.0)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 300-900 K and (20.1-30.0)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 900-1200 K in air. The steady-state oxygen permeability (OP) of dense Al-containing membranes is determined mainly by the bulk ionic conductivity. The ion transference numbers at 973-1223 K in air, calculated from the oxygen permeation and faradaic efficiency (FE) data, vary in the range 1×10⁻⁴-3×10⁻³, increasing with temperature.     

Synthesis and characterization of Ti1−2xNbxNixO2−x/2 solid solutions

Doped-rutile has been traditionally used in ceramic pigments for its intense optical properties. In this paper, we compare the classical ceramic synthesis of Ti_1−2xNb_xNi_xO_2−x/2 system with the sol-gel methodology, which allows a reduction of the anatase-rutile transformation temperature. The composition was optimised in order to obtain a unique rutile phase with the minimum amount of pollutant Ni(II) and enhanced chromatic coordinates. Incorporation of the doping ions in the rutile structure was corroborated by XRD and Rietveld refinements. The species responsible for the colour mechanism were studied by different techniques. UV-VIS spectroscopy showed the characteristic features of Ni²⁺ ions, whose existence was corroborated by EPR and magnetic measurements. From these results, (Ni,Nb)doped-TiO₂ powder samples can be now shaped as thin films, monoliths, etc. by using sol-gel methodology without modifying their properties. This study introduces new possibilities of coloured TiO₂-based solid solutions in new combined advanced applications (colouring agent and photocatalyst, etc.).     

Synthesis and characterization of NixMg1−xAl2O4 nano ceramic pigments via a combustion route

MgAl₂O₄ was successfully used as a crystalline host network for the synthesis of nickel-based nano cyan refractory ceramic pigments. Different compositions of Ni_xMg_1−xAl₂O₄ (0.1 ? x ? 0.8) powders have been prepared by using a low temperature combustion reaction (LTCR) of the corresponding metal nitrates with urea (U) as a fuel at 300 °C in an open air furnace. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by thermal analysis (TG-DTG/DTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). UV-Vis and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) using CIE- L^∗a^∗b^∗ parameters methods have been used for color measurements. The results show that the Ni_xMg_1−xAl₂O₄ samples are the crystalline phase with a particle size of 8.85-43.66 nm in the temperature range 500-1200 °C. The density, particle size, shape and color are determined for all the prepared samples with different calcination times and temperatures.     

Synthesis and characterization of a NaSICON series with general formula Na2.8Zr2−ySi1.8−4yP1.2+4yO12 (0?y?0.45)

In this work, we present the synthesis and the characterization of ionic conducting ceramics of NaSICON-type (Natrium super ionic conductor). The properties of this ceramic make it suitable for use in electrochemical devices. These solid electrolytes can be used as sensors for application in the manufacturing of potentiometric gas sensors, for the detection of pollutant emissions and for environment control. The family of NaSICON that we studied has as a general formula Na_2.8Zr_2−ySi_1.8−4yP_1.2+4yO₁₂ with 0?y?0.45. The various compositions were synthesized by produced using the sol-gel method. The electric properties of these compositions were carried out by impedance spectroscopy. The results highlight the good conductivity of the Na_2.8Zr_1.775Si_0.9P_2.1O₁₂ composition.     

Order-disorder transition in Nd2−yGdyZr2O7 pyrochlore solid solution: An X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopic study

Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopic study of order-disorder-phase transition with increase in the content of Gd in Nd_2−yGd_yZr₂O₇ solid solution is being reported. It has been observed from Rietveld analysis that with increase in concentration of Gd in Nd_2−yGd_yZr₂O₇, the value of the x parameter of the 48f oxygen changes from 0.332(1) to 0.343(1) with a sudden change in the slope for y=1.8, which indicates that the structure is transforming from ordered pyrochlore to disordered pyrochlore. In addition to that a sudden and drastic change in the Raman spectra including changes in the position and width of several Raman modes beyond y?1.8 has also been observed which has been correlated with increasing disorder. Based on these studies, it is suggested that there is a discontinuous order-disorder transition from ‘perfect pyrochlore’ to ‘defect pyrochlore’ phase in Nd_2−yGd_yZr₂O₇ solid solution.     

X-ray powder diffraction and electron diffraction studies of the Ni1±yGe1−xPx system

The wide-range of non-stoichiometric NiAs-type solid solution Ni_1±yGe_1−xP_x has been studied by means of X-ray powder and electron diffraction. The incommensurately modulated structure of Ni(Ge, P) has been found to exist over a wide compositional range which is limited by the end points ≈NiGe_0.8P_0.2 and NiGe_0.3P_0.7 so that the general stoichiometry might be referred to as NiGe_1−xP_x with 0.2?x?0.7. The modulation wave vector is of the type and its modulus is strongly composition dependent. A possible interpretation is given as a “soft transition”, via an incommensurately modulated structure, between the MnP and the NiP structure types, based on the almost purely displacive origin of the distortion. Further, the crystal structures of Ni₅Ge₂P₃ and Ni₂GeP seem to be commensurate approximations of the incommensurate modulated structure of Ni(Ge, P).     

Oxygen ionic and electronic transport in apatite-type La10−x(Si,Al)6O26±δ

The main factor governing the oxygen ionic conductivity in apatite-type La_10−xSi_6−yAl_yO_{27−3x/2−y/2} (x=0-0.33; y=0.5-1.5) is the concentration of mobile interstitials determined by the total oxygen content. The ion transference numbers, measured by modified faradaic efficiency technique, vary in the range 0.9949-0.9997 in air and increase on reducing oxygen partial pressure due to decreasing p-type electronic conduction. The activation energies for ionic and hole transport are (56-67)±3 kJ/mol and (57-100)±8 kJ/mol, respectively. Increasing oxygen content leads to higher hole conduction in oxidizing atmospheres and promotes minor oxygen losses from the lattice when the oxygen pressure decreases, although the overall level of ionic conductivity is almost constant in the p(O₂) range from 50 kPa down to 10⁻¹⁶ Pa. Under reducing conditions at temperatures above 1100 K, silicon oxide volatilization from the surface layers of apatite ceramics results in a moderate decrease of the conductivity with time. This suggests that the operation of electrochemical cells with silicate-based solid electrolytes should be limited to the intermediate-temperature range, such as 800-1000 K, where the ionic transport in most-conductive apatite phases containing 26.50-26.75 oxygen atoms per unit formula is higher than that in stabilized zirconia. The average thermal expansion coefficients of apatite ceramics, calculated from dilatometric data in air, are (8.7-10.8)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 300-1300 K.     

The pyrochlore to ‘defect fluorite’ transition in the Y2(ZryTi1−y)2O7 system and its underlying crystal chemistry

A careful investigation of the previously reported single phase, pyrochlore structure type Y₂(Zr_yTi_1−y)₂O₇, 0?y?0.9, (YZT) solid solution has been carried out. Given the known slow rate of diffusion of cations in fluorite-related stabilized zirconia systems and the consequent difficulty in achieving equilibrium, careful attention was paid to synthesis procedures while Guinier XRD and electron diffraction were used to investigate the synthesized materials. As a consequence, a subtle but nonetheless clear two-phase region separating a pyrochlore-type solid solution field (from 0?y?∼0.54) from a “defect fluorite” type solid solution field (from ∼0.68?y?1) has been found. The underlying crystal chemistry of the system has been investigated using the bond valence sum approach. The dielectric properties have also been measured as a function of composition. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss of the lowest y compounds are potentially quite useful but deteriorate rapidly with increasing Zr content.     

Crystal structure and electrical conductivity of lanthanum-calcium chromites-titanates La1−xCaxCr1−yTiyO3−δ (x=0-1, y=0-1)

Five series of perovskite-type compounds in the system La_1−xCa_xCr_1−yTi_yO₃ with the nominal compositions y=0, x=0-0.5; y=0.2, x=0.2-0.8; y=0.5, x=0.5-1.0; y=0.8, x=0.6-1.0 and y=1, x=0.8-1 were synthesized by a ceramic technique in air (final heating 1350 °C). On the basis of the X-ray analysis of the samples with (Ca/Ti)?1, the phase diagram of the CaTiO₃-LaCr^IIIO₃-CaCr^IVO₃ quasi-ternary system was constructed. Extended solid solution with a wide homogeneity range is formed in the quasi-ternary system CaCr^IVO₃-CaTiO₃-LaCr^IIIO₃. The solid solution La_{(1−x′−y)}Ca_(x′+y)Cr^IV_x′Cr^III_{(1−x′−y)}Ti_yO₃ exists by up to 0.6-0.7 mol fractions of CaCr^IVO₃ (x^′<0.6-0.7) at the experimental conditions. The crystal structure of the compounds is orthorhombic in the space group Pbnm at room temperature. The lattice parameters and the average interatomic distances of the samples within the solid solution ranges decrease uniformly with increasing Ca content. Outside the quasi-ternary system, the nominal compositions La_0.1Ca_0.9TiO₃, La_0.2Ca_0.8TiO₃, La_0.4Ca_0.6Cr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ and La_0.3Ca_0.7Cr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ in the system La_1−xCa_xCr_1−yTi_yO₃ were found as single phases with an orthorhombic structure. In the temperature range between 850 and 1000 °C, the synthesized single-phase compositions are stable at pO₂=6×10⁻¹⁶-0.21×10⁵ Pa. Oxygen stoichiometry and electrical conductivity of the separate compounds were investigated as functions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The chemical stability of these oxides with respect to oxygen release during thermal dissociation decreases with increasing Ca-content. At 900 °C and oxygen partial pressure 1×10⁻¹⁵-0.21×10⁵ Pa, the compounds with x>y (acceptor doped) are p-type semiconductors and those with x<y (donor doped) and x=y are n-type semiconductors. The type and level of electrical conductivity are functions of the concentration ratios of cations occupying the B-sites of the perovskite structures: [Cr³⁺]/[Cr⁴⁺] and [Ti⁴⁺]/[Ti³⁺]. The maximum electrical conductivity at 900 °C and pO₂=10⁻¹⁵ Pa was found for the composition La_0.1Ca_0.9TiO₃ (near 50 S/cm) and in air at 900 °C for La_0.5Ca_0.5CrO₃ (close to 100 S/cm).     

Room-temperature synthesis and conductivity of the pyrochlore type Dy2(Ti1−yZry)2O7 (0?y?1) solid solution

Different compositions in a solid solution of general formula Dy₂(Ti_1−yZr_y)₂O₇, showing high oxygen ion conductivity, have been successfully prepared at room temperature via mechanochemical synthesis. Stoichiometric mixtures of the constituent oxides were dry milled together in a planetary ball mill by using zirconia vials and balls. Chemical changes in the powder mixtures as a function of composition and milling time were followed by X-ray diffraction and revealed that, in all cases and after milling for 19 h, the powder mixtures consisted of a single phase. Electrical properties were measured on sintered pellets as a function of frequency, temperature and zirconium content, revealing an increase in conductivity of more than one order of magnitude for y?0.4, which, as observed in the similar Y₂(Ti_1−yZr_y)₂O₇, has been related with the onset of disordering of the anion sublattice. Despite increasing structural disorder with increasing Zr content, conductivity remains almost constant for y>0.6, reaching a maximum value of ∼5×10⁻³ for Dy₂Zr₂O₇ at 900 °C.     

Crystal structure, microstructure and reducibility of LaNixCo1−xO3 and LaFexCo1−xO3 Perovskites (0<x≤0.5)

Nickel and iron substituted LaCoO₃ with rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure were obtained in the temperature range of 600-900 °C by thermal decomposition of freeze-dried citrates and by the Pechini method. The crystal structure, morphology and defective structure of LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ and LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction and neutron powder diffraction, TEM and SEM analyses and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The reducibility was tested by temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen. The products of the partial and complete reduction were determined by ex-situ XRD experiments. The replacement of Co by Ni and Fe led to lattice expansion of the perovskite structure. For perovskites annealed at 900 °C, there was a random Ni, Fe and Co distribution. The morphology of the perovskites does not depend on the Ni and Fe content, nor does it depend on the type of the precursor used. LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ perovskites (x>0.1) annealed at 900 °C are reduced to Co/Ni transition metal and La₂O₃ via the formation of oxygen deficient Brownmillerite-type compositions. For LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ annealed at 600 °C, Co/Ni metal, in addition to oxygen-deficient perovskites, was formed as an intermediate product at the initial stage of the reduction. The interaction of LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ with H₂ occurs by reduction of Co³⁺ to Co²⁺ prior to the Fe³⁺ ions. The reducibility of Fe-substituted perovskites is less sensitive towards the synthesis procedure in comparison with that of Ni substituted perovskites.     

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of the solid-solution phase Ca3Co2−vScvO6

The two crystallographically non-equivalent Co atoms of the quasi-one-dimensional crystal structure of Ca₃Co₂O₆ form chains with alternating, face-sharing polyhedra of Co2O₆ trigonal prisms and Co1O₆ octahedra. This compound forms a substitutional solid-solution phase with Sc, in which the Sc atoms enter the Co2 sublattice exclusively. The homogeneity range of Ca₃Co_2−vSc_vO₆ (more specifically Ca₃Co1Co2_1−vSc_vO₆) extends up to v≈0.55. The crystal structure belongs to space group R3¯c with lattice parameters (in hexagonal setting): 9.0846(3)?a?9.1300(2) Å and 10.3885(4)?c?10.4677(4) Å. The magnetic moment decreases rapidly with increasing amount of the non-magnetic Sc solute in the lattice.     

Oxygen non-stoichiometry of Ln4Ni2.7Fe0.3O10−δ (Ln=La, Pr)

The oxygen deficiency of iron-substituted nickelates Ln₄Ni_2.7Fe_0.3O_10−δ (Ln=La, Pr) with the orthorhombic Ruddlesden-Popper structure was studied by thermogravimetric analysis and coulometric titration in the oxygen partial pressure range 6×10⁻⁵ to 0.7 atm at 973-1223 K. In air, the non-stoichiometry values vary in the relatively narrow ranges (2.4−4.2)×10⁻² for La- and (0.01−2.0)×10⁻² for Pr-containing compositions, increasing with temperature. Due to the smaller size of praseodymium cations, Pr₄Ni_2.7Fe_0.3O_10−δ exhibits a substantially lower thermodynamic stability in comparison with La₄Ni_2.7Fe_0.3O_10−δ and La₄Ni₃O_10−δ, although the oxygen content in Pr₄Ni_2.7Fe_0.3O_10−δ lattice is higher. The partial substitution of iron for nickel has no essential effect on the low-p(O₂) stability limit corresponding to the transition of Pr₄Ni₃O_10−δ into K₂NiF₄-type Pr₂NiO_4+δ. On the contrary, doping of La₄Ni₃O_10−δ with iron decreases the oxygen vacancy concentration and shifts the phase stability boundary towards lower oxygen chemical potentials, suggesting a stabilization of the transition metal-oxygen octahedra in lanthanum nickelate lattice. The Mössbauer spectroscopy showed that the predominant state of iron cations, statistically distributed between the nickel sites, is trivalent.     

CrxRe1−xO2 oxides with different rutile-like structures: changes in the electronic configuration and resulting physical properties

Mixed chromium-rhenium oxides, Cr_xRe_1−xO₂ with 0.31?x?0.66, have been synthesized for the first time by high-pressure high-temperature synthesis and in evacuated quartz tubes. The crystal structures of the compounds have been determined by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction. Depending on synthesis conditions (pressure and temperature) these phases crystallize either in a tetragonal structure (P4₂/mnm) with statistical distribution of metal ions on one site (rutile-type), with cation ordering along c-axis (trirutile-type), or in a monoclinic rutile-like structure (C2/m) with ordering of Cr- and Re-cations and metallic Re-Re bonds. The “a” parameter of the tetragonal unit cell increases with increasing Re content whereas the “c” parameter decreases, indicating a strengthening of the Re-Re bond. The thermal stability of tetragonal Cr_xRe_1−xO₂ in Ar-atmosphere depends on the Re-content, decomposition is observed at 1241 K for x=0.34, but already at 966 K for x=0.5. The thermal expansion of Cr_xRe_1−xO₂ is anisotropic with a larger expansion coefficient in the “c” direction. Tetragonal Cr_xRe_1−xO₂ with 0.31?x<0.54 order antiferromagnetically at low temperatures with T_N depending on the Cr-content x.     

Order-disorder transition in the Nd2−yYyZr2O7 system: Probed by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy

A series of compositions having the general formula Nd_2−yY_yZr₂O₇ have been synthesized by heating of mixtures of oxides of the components cation and characterized by X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Rietveld analysis on the XRD data of all the compositions has been performed which revealed a decrease in lattice parameter as a function of y in the series Nd_2−yY_yZr₂O₇ (y=0.0-0.8). Subsequently, a biphasic region starts which continues for y=1.2 and 1.6. The other end member, i.e. Y₂Zr₂O₇ is found to be defect fluorite. On the other hand, Nd³⁺ has been used as surrogate material for Am³⁺, which is a minor actinide found in spent nuclear fuel. In the pyrochlore range, the increasing trend of the x-parameter of 48f oxygen indicates the enhancement of disorder in the system. Raman spectroscopy has been employed to validate the data obtained from XRD. The involvement of 48f oxygen in disorder has also been verified by Raman spectroscopic investigation.     

Studies on the local structures for the trigonal Ni3+ centers in cathode materials LiAlyCo1–yO2 (y = 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 0.8)

The local angular distortions Δθ are theoretically studied for the various Ni³⁺ centers in LiAl_yCo_1–yO₂ at different Al concentrations (y = 0, 0.1, 0.5, and 0.8) based on the perturbation calculations of electron paramagnetic resonance g factors for a trigonally distorted octahedral 3d⁷ cluster with low spin (S = 1/2). Due to the Jahn–Teller effect, the [NiO₆]^9– clusters are found to experience the local angular distortions (Δθ ≈ 5°–9°) along the C₃ axis. The variation trend of Δθ with y is in accordance with that of anisotropy (Δg = g_|| − g_⊥). As the substitutions can weaken bond strengths between transition metal and oxygen and the structural stability plays an important role in cathode performances, detailed investigations on the structural properties of the cathode materials LiAl_yCo_1–yO₂ can be practically helpful to understand the performances of these materials. The oxy‐redox properties of LiAl_yCo_1–yO₂ systems are comprehensible in the framework of Ni³⁺/Ni⁴⁺ couples, and the trigonally compressed octahedral [NiO₆]^9– clusters are applicable to the clarification of the electrochemical properties of lithium nickel oxide batteries. It appears that LiAl_0.8Co_0.2O₂ with the largest Al concentration may correspond to the smallest distortion among the mixing systems.     

Structural and magnetic properties of pyrochlore solid solutions (Y,Lu)2Ti2−x(Nb,Ta)xO7±y

The synthesis and characterization of the pyrochlore solid solutions, Y₂Ti_2−xNb_xO_7−y, Lu₂Ti_2−xNb_xO_7−y, Y₂Ti_2−xTa_xO_7−y and Lu₂TiTaO_7−y (−0.4<y<0.5), is described. Synthesis at 1600 °C, and 10⁻⁵ Torr yields oxygen deficiency in all systems. All compounds are found to be paramagnetic and semiconducting, with the size of the local moments being less, in some cases substantially less, than the expected value for the number of nominally unpaired electrons present. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that all compounds can be fully oxidized while retaining the pyrochlore structure, yielding oxygen rich pyrochlores as white powders. Powder neutron diffraction of Y₂TiNbO₇-based samples was done. Refinement of the data for oxygen deficient Y₂TiNbO_6.76 indicates the presence of a distribution of oxygen over the 8b and 48f sites. Refinement of the data for oxygen rich Y₂TiNbO_7.5 shows these sites to be completely filled, with an additional half filling of the 8a site. The magnetic and TGA data strongly suggest a preference for a Ti³⁺/(Nb,Ta)⁵⁺ combination, as opposed to Ti⁴⁺/(Nb,Ta)⁴⁺, in this pyrochlore family. In addition, the evidence clearly points to Ti³⁺ as the source of the localized moments, with no evidence for localized Nb⁴⁺ moments.