New perovskite-based manganite Pb2Mn2O5

A new perovskite based compound Pb₂Mn₂O₅ has been synthesized using a high pressure high temperature technique. The structure model of Pb₂Mn₂O₅ is proposed based on electron diffraction, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy and high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic unit cell with parameters a=5.736(1) Å≈√2a_p, b=3.800(1) Å≈a_p, c=21.562(6) Å≈4√2a_p (a_p—the parameter of the perovskite subcell) and space group Pnma. The Pb₂Mn₂O₅ structure consists of quasi two-dimensional perovskite blocks separated by 1/2[110]_p(1?01)_p crystallographic shear planes. The blocks are connected to each other by chains of edge-sharing MnO₅ distorted tetragonal pyramids. The chains of MnO₅ pyramids and the MnO₆ octahedra of the perovskite blocks delimit six-sided tunnels accommodating double chains of Pb atoms. The tunnels and pyramidal chains adopt two mirror-related configurations (“left” L and “right” R) and layers consisting of chains and tunnels of the same configuration alternate in the structure according to an -L-R-L-R-sequence. The sequence is sometimes locally violated by the appearance of -L-L- or -R-R-fragments. A scheme is proposed with a Jahn-Teller distortion of the MnO₆ octahedra with two long and two short bonds lying in the a-c plane, along two perpendicular orientations within this plane, forming a d-type pattern.     

HRTEM study of cation-deficient perovskite-related AnBn−δO3n (n?4δ) microphases in the Ba5Nb4O15-BaTiO3 system

The occurrence of coherent intergrowths of cation-deficient perovskites in the Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅-BaTiO₃ system has been examined by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Because of their structural similarity, the simple members Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ (n=5) and Ba₆TiNb₄O₁₈ (n=6) form coherent intergrowths—noted 5^P6¹—by the juxtaposition along the c-axis of P perovskite-like blocks n=5 and one perovskite-like block n=6, with P=1, 2 and 3. More generally, the ability to form intergrowths in the hexagonal perovskite systems is discussed considering the structural characteristics of the simple members. Examples taken from various systems show that the formation of such intergrowths is highly dependent on the size of the A cation present in simple members.     

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.     

Crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mixed-valence iron phosphate Na1/2Cu4/3Fe2(PO4)3

Single crystals of a new mixed-valent iron phosphate Na_1/2Cu_4/3Fe₂(PO₄)₃ have been synthesized by a flux method and structurally characterized from X-ray diffraction data. Crystal data: space group ; ; ; ; α=105.881(1)°; β=107.202(1)°; γ=101.467(1)°; Z=2; R₁=0.03; wR₂=0.093. The three-dimensional structure was found to be closely related to that of the well known Howardevansite structural type. It results from infinite chains of CuO₅ and FeO₆ polyhedra, joined together by (Cu,□)O₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra by corner-sharing. The large cavities in framework are occupied by Na⁺ ions. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behavior with Neel temperature of approximately 40 K. The Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of iron in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.     

Mossbauer Investigation of Fe-Doped Ni(III) Perovskites ANi0.98Fe0.02O3 (A=Pr, Nd, Sm, Y, Lu, Tl) versus Temperature

Nickelates ANiO₃ (A=Pr, Nd, Sm, Lu, Y, Tl) containing Mössbauer probe ⁵⁷Fe atoms were synthesized. In the case of nickelates with larger rare earth (A=Pr, Nd, Sm) the Mössbauer spectra confirm that ferric ions are located in single type of crystallographic positions. On the contrary, the spectra of ANi_0.98Fe_0.02O₃ with small cations (A=Lu, Y, Tl) can be described as a superposition of two sub-spectra which indicate that ⁵⁷Fe probe atoms are simultaneously stabilized in two non-equivalent crystallographic positions. These results have been interpreted in terms of partial charge disproportionation of Ni³⁺ cations associated with the electronic localization in monoclinic distorted Lu, Y, Tl nickelates. The modification of ⁵⁷Fe spectra for TlNi_0.98Fe_0.02O₃ as a function of temperature has shown that this charge disproportionation occurs in varying degrees, corresponding to the charge states Fe^(3+σ)+ and Fe^(3−σ′)+. On the contrary, the spectra for Lu and Y nickelates show that charge variation (σ,σ′) for dopant Fe(1) and Fe(2) cations does not depend on temperature.     

A Mössbauer study of oxygen vacancy and cation distribution in 6H-BaTi1−xFexO3−x/2

We have synthesized samples in the system BaTi_1−xFe_xO_3−x/2 with x=0.1−0.6 at temperatures of 1200-1300°C under reducing conditions of oxygen fugacity. After drop quenching, samples were characterized using the electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. All samples were hexagonal with a 6H-BaTiO₃ type structure. Mössbauer spectroscopy showed all iron to be present as Fe³⁺, occurring in octahedral and pentahedral sites. Analysis of area ratios indicates that oxygen vacancies are distributed randomly over O1 sites, and that a random distribution of Fe and Ti cations over M1 and M2 sites is consistent with the data. No evidence for ordering of oxygen vacancies was found. Results are consistent with conductivity results, which show generally increasing ionic conductivity with increasing oxygen vacancy concentration.     

Local structure and hyperfine interactions of Fe and Sn atoms in brownmillerite-like ferrite Sr2Fe1.98Sn0.02O5+x

Mössbauer spectroscopy has been applied for studying local environment of ⁵⁷Fe and ¹¹⁹Sn probe atoms within tin-doped Sr₂Fe_1.98Sn_0.02O_5+x (x?0.02) ferrite with the brownmillerite-type structure. ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectra indicate no appreciable local distortions induced by the tin dopant atoms. The ¹¹⁹Sn spectra recorded below the magnetic ordering temperature (T_N) can be described as a superposition of two Zeeman sextets, which indicate that Sn⁴⁺ dopant ions are located in two non-equivalent crystallographic and magnetic sites. The observed hyperfine parameters were discussed supposing Sn⁴⁺ cations to replace iron cations in the octahedral (Sn_O) and tetrahedral (Sn_T) sublattices. It has been supposed that Sn⁴⁺ cations being stabilized in the tetrahedral sublattice complete their nearest anion surrounding up to the octahedral oxygen coordination “Sn_T⁴⁺”. Annealing of the Sr₂Fe_1.98Sn_0.02O_5+x in helium flux conditions at 950°C leads to formation of divalent Sn²⁺ cations with a simultaneous decrease of the contribution for the Sn_T⁴⁺ sub-spectrum. The parameters of combined electric and magnetic hyperfine interactions of the ¹¹⁹Sn²⁺ sub-spectrum underline that impurity atoms are stabilized in the sp³d-hybrid state in the oxygen distorted tetragonal pyramid. The analysis of the ¹¹⁹Sn spectra indicates a chemical reversibility of the processes Sn_T²⁺?Sn_T⁴⁺ within the tetrahedral sublattice of the brownmillerite-type ferrite.     

Structural characterization of the FeTiO3-MnTiO3 solid solution

We have synthesized the (Mn_1−xFe_x)TiO₃ (0.0≤x≤1.0) solid solution compounds by high-temperature sintered methods, and characterized their crystal structures by combining X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy. Lattice constants and volumes show a linear decrease with increase in FeTiO₃ content. All experimental results illustrate a decreasing distortion of TiO₆ (or FeO₆/MnO₆) octahedra with increase in FeTiO₃ content. The vibrational frequency of OTiO bending motions presents a direct dependence on the corresponding bond angle (the ∠OTiO).     

A highly coercive carbon nanotube coated with Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystals synthesized by chemical precipitation-hydrothermal process

Novel magnetic composites (Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-MWCNTs) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals were synthesized by chemical precipitation-hydrothermal process. The composites were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), etc. A temperature of about 200 °C was identified to be an appropriate hydrothermal condition to obtain Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-MWCNTs, being lower than the synthesis temperature of a single-phase Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals. The sizes of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ in the composites were smaller than those of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals in single phase. The composites exhibited more superparamagnetic than Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals in their relaxation behaviors. The magnetic properties measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer showed that the composites had a high coercive field of 386.0 Oe at room temperature, higher than those of MWCNT and Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals.     

Magnetic dilution of the iron sublattice in CoFe2−xScxO4 (0≤x≤1)

Substitution of Fe for Sc in CoFe₂O₄ spinel structure is presented. All CoFe_2−xSc_xO₄ compounds crystallize in the spinel type structure (space group Fd3?m). By using X-ray diffraction studies, magnetic measurements and in-field ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectrometry, the limit of substitution has been determined to be equal to x=0.56. An increase in the cell parameter and the strains and a decrease in the apparent crystallites size are observed. For x>0.3, a partial oxidation of cobalt is evidenced and Co³⁺ is stabilized in the structure. A ferromagnetic behavior has been observed for all investigated compounds. As x increases, the Curie temperature and the hyperfine fields decrease. Following the Stephenson model, the diminution of T_C is ascribed to a decrease of the main J_AB interaction.     

Structural study and physical properties of a new phosphate KCuFe(PO4)2

Single crystals of a new phosphate KCuFe(PO₄)₂ have been prepared by the flux method and its structural and physical properties have been investigated. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system with the space group P2₁/n and its parameters are: a=7.958(3) Å, b=9.931(2) Å, c=9.039(2) Å, β=115.59(3)° and Z=4. Its structure consists of FeO₆ octahedra sharing corners with Cu₂O₈ units of edge-sharing CuO₅ polyhedra to form undulating chains extending infinitely along the b-axis. These chains are connected by the phosphate tetrahedra giving rise to a 3D framework with six-sided tunnels parallel to the [101] direction, where the K⁺ ions are located. The Mössbauer spectroscopy results confirm the exclusive presence of octahedral Fe³⁺ ions. The magnetic measurements show the compound to be antiferromagnetic with C_m=5.71 emu K/mol and θ=−156.5 K. The derived experimental effective moment μ_ex=6.76μ_B is somewhat higher than the theoretical one of μ_th=6.16μ_B, calculated taking only into account the spin contribution for Fe³⁺ and Cu²⁺ cations. Electrical measurements allow us to obtain the activation energy (1.22 eV) and the conductivity measurements suggest that the charge carriers through the structure are the potassium cations.     

Synthesis, structure and characterisation of Fe0.50Ti2(PO4)3: A new material with Nasicon-like structure

A new iron titanyl phosphate Fe_0.50Ti₂(PO₄)₃ was synthesized by both solid-state reaction and Cu²⁺-Fe²⁺ ion exchange method. The material was then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer, magnetic susceptibility measurements and optical absorption. The crystal structure of the compound was refined, using X-ray powder diffraction data, by the Rietveld profile method; it crystallizes in the rhombohedral system, space group , with a=8.511(1) Å and c=20.985(3) Å, V=1316.45(3) Å³ and Z=6. The structure, which is compared to that of Mn_0.50Ti₂(PO₄)₃ is built up from [TiO₆] octahedra and [PO₄] tetrahedra which are linked by corner sharing along the c-axis. Fe²⁺ cations are located in half of the antiprism M_I sites and are orderly distributed with vacancies within the two possible positions of the M_I sites of . These results were supported by the Mössbauer studies that showed the presence of one Fe²⁺ site in the high spin state (t_2g⁴e_g²). The Curie-Weiss-type behavior is observed in the magnetic susceptibility. Diffuse reflectance spectrum indicates the presence of octahedrally coordinated Fe²⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and characterization of the novel Nb3O5F5 niobium oxyfluoride: the term n=3 of the NbnO2n−1Fn+2 series

The solid-state synthesis of the oxyfluoride Nb₃O₅F₅, its crystal structure determined from X-ray powder diffraction data as well as some physical characterizations, are reported. Nb₃O₅F₅ constitutes the term n=3 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series related to the Dion-Jacobson phases. It crystallizes, at room temperature, in the tetragonal system (space group I4/mmm (no. 139); Z=4; a=3.9135(1) Å, c=24.2111(2) Å, and V=370.80(3) Å³). The crystal structure appears to be an in-between of the three-dimensional network of NbO₂F and the two-dimensional packing of NbOF₃ (term n=1 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series). This layered structure consists of slabs made of three Nb(O,F)₆ corner-linked octahedra in thickness (n=3) shifted one from another by a ()/translation. Oxygen and fluorine atoms are randomly distributed over all the ligand sites.     

Characterization by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of a new alluaudite-like phosphate:: Na4CaFe4(PO4)6

A single crystal of a new sodium calcium iron (III) phosphate, Na₄CaFe₄(PO₄)₆, has been synthesized by a flux method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c(a=12.099(5) Å, b=12.480(5) Å, c=6.404(2) Å, β=113.77(3)°, Z=2, R₁=0.022, R_w2=0.066). The crystal structure belongs to the alluaudite type, characterized by the X(2)X(1)M(1)M(2)₂(PO₄)₃ general formula. The open framework results from Fe₂O₁₀ units of edge-sharing FeO₆ octahedra, which alternate with M(1)O₆ octahedra (M(1)=Na+Ca) that form infinite chains. These chains are linked together through the common corners of PO₄ tetrahedra yielding two distinct tunnels of sodium cation occupation. This compound is antiferromagnetic with a Néel temperature of 35 K. Mössbauer parameters are consistent with the structural results.     

Order-disorder in In perovskites: The example of A(In2/3B″1/3)O3 (A=Ba, Sr; B″=W, U)

We describe the preparation and structural characterization of four In-containing perovskites from neutron powder diffraction (NPD) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data. Sr₃In₂B″O₉ and Ba(In_2/3B″_1/3)O₃ (B″=W, U) were synthesized by standard ceramic procedures. The crystal structure of the W-containing perovskites and Ba(In_2/3U_1/3)O₃ have been revisited based on our high-resolution NPD and XRPD data, while for the new U-containing perovskite Sr₃In₂UO₉ the structural refinement was carried out from high-resolution XRPD data. At room temperature, the crystal structure for the two Sr phases is monoclinic, space group P2₁/n, where the In atoms occupy two different sites Sr₂[In]_2d[In_1/3B″_2/3]_2cO₆, with a=5.7548(2) Å, b=5.7706(2) Å, c=8.1432(3) Å, β=90.01(1)° for B″=W and a=5.861(1) Å, b=5.908(1) Å, c=8.315(2) Å, β=89.98(1)° for B″=U. The two phases with A=Ba should be described in a simple cubic perovskite unit cell (S.G. Pm3¯m) with In and B″ distributed at random at the octahedral sites, with a=4.16111(1) Å and 4.24941(1) Å for W and U compounds, respectively.     

Synthesis and characterization of La0.8Sr1.2Co0.5M0.5O4−δ (M=Fe, Mn)

The M⁴⁺-containing K₂NiF₄-type phases La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₄ and La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Mn_0.5O₄ have been synthesized by a sol–gel procedure and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, thermal analysis, neutron powder diffraction and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Oxide ion vacancies are created in these materials via reduction of M⁴⁺ to M³⁺ and of Co³⁺ to Co²⁺. The vacancies are confined to the equatorial planes of the K₂NiF₄-type structure. A partial reduction of Mn³⁺ to Mn²⁺ also occurs to achieve the oxygen stoichiometry in La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Mn_0.5O_3.6. La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3.65 contains Co²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions which interact antiferromagnetically and result in noncollinear magnetic order consistent with the tetragonal symmetry. Competing ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic interactions in La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Fe_0.5O₄, La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Mn_0.5O₄ and La_0.8Sr_1.2Co_0.5Mn_0.5O_3.6 induce spin glass properties in these phases.     

Cation distribution and particle size effect on Raman spectrum of CoFe2O4

Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopic studies were carried out on CoFe₂O₄ particles synthesized with size ranging from 6 to 500 nm (bulk). Cation distribution studies were carried out on the high temperature and room temperature phases of the microcrystalline CoFe₂O₄ by Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopic methods. The high temperature phase of CoFe₂O₄ showed a decreased inversion parameter of 0.69 as compared to the value of the room temperature phase of 0.95, indicating that the structure gradually transforms towards a normal spinel. Corresponding Raman spectra for these two phases of CoFe₂O₄ showed a change in relative peak intensity of the vibrational mode at 695 cm⁻¹(A_1g(1)) to 624 cm⁻¹ (A_1g(2)). The relative peak intensity ratio, I_v between the A_1g(1) and A_1g(2) vibrational mode was decreasing with lowering of inversion parameter of the CoFe₂O₄ spinel system. A variation of laser power on the sample surface was reflected in the cation distribution in ferrite phase. Superparamagnetic, single domain CoFe₂O₄ particles (6 nm) showed a 20 cm⁻¹ red shift and broadening of phonon modes when compared to the macro-crystalline CoFe₂O₄ (500 nm). Variation of Raman shift with particle size was studied by considering the bond polarization model. Raman spectroscopic studies clearly indicate the variation in the cation distribution in nano-sized particles and distribution tending to a normal spinel structural configuration.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of a new 3D iron phosphite: |C4N3H14|[Fe3(HPO3)4F2(H2O)2] with intersecting channels

A new open-framework iron (III) phosphite |C₄N₃H₁₄|[Fe₃(HPO₃)₄F₂(H₂O)₂] has been solvothermally synthesized by using diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the structure-directing agent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c having unit cell parameters a=12.877(3) Å, b=12.170(2) Å, c=12.159(2) Å, β=93.99(3)°, V=1900.9(7) Å³, and Z=4 with R₁=0.0447, wR₂=0.0958. The complex structure consists of HPO₃ pseudo-tetrahedra and {Fe₃O₁₄F₂} trimer building units. The assembly of these building units generates 3D inorganic framework with intersecting 6-, 8-, and 10-ring channels. The DETA cations are located in the 10-ring channels linked by hydrogen bonds. The Mössbauer spectrum shows that there exhibit two crystallographically independent iron (III) atoms. And the magnetic investigation shows the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Further characterization of the title compound was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and elemental analyses.     

Structural study by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the Na2Mn2(1 − x)Cd2xFe(PO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution

Na₂Mn_{2(1 − x)}Cd_2xFe(PO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) phosphates were prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the formation of a continuous solid solution which crystallizes in the alluaudite structural type characterized by the general formula X(2)X(1)M(1)M(2)₂(PO₄)₃. The cation distribution, deduced from a structure refinement of the x = 0, 0.5 and 1 compositions, is ordered in the X(2) sites and disordered in the remaining X(1), M(1) and M(2) sites. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behaviour of the studied compounds. The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the structural results and proved the exclusive presence of Fe³⁺ ions.     

Neutron powder diffraction study of nuclear and magnetic structures of oxidized and reduced YBa2Fe3O8+w

YBa₂Fe₃O_8+w has been investigated by neutron powder diffraction as function of temperature and oxygen nonstoichiometry close to the limits of the homogeneity range, −0.24<w<0.12. The nonstoichiometry in this triple perovskite is achieved either by accommodation of extra oxygen atoms (w>0) in the structural layers of Y, or by creating oxygen vacancies (w<0) between the BaO layers in the ab plane of the octahedrally coordinated Fe. Moderate amounts of these defects do not alter the long-range crystallographic symmetry, which is best described in space group P4/mmm at all temperatures. However, in the most reduced samples, oxygen vacancies order and the nuclear structure becomes orthorhombic (Pmmm), thus showing a mirror-like similarity to the behavior of YBa₂Cu₃O_6+w′ upon oxidation. The effects of nonstoichiometry on these related crystal structures are discussed in terms of bond-valence sums. The cooperative magnetic structure for all compositions is based on a larger cell related to the nuclear cell by the transformation matrix ), having orthorhombic symmetry when the nuclear structure is tetragonal and monoclinic symmetry when the nuclear structure is orthorhombic. The iron moments are coupled antiferromagnetically in all three directions, the Néel temperature is almost constant as a function of w, and so is also the low-temperature saturation moment μ_AF≈4.0μ_B.