Structural arrangements of the ternary metal boride carbide compounds MB2C4 (M=Mg, Ca, La and Ce) from first-principles theory

The structural arrangements of the ternary metal borocarbides MB₂C₄ (M=Mg, Ca; La and Ce) are investigated using density-functional theory (DFT) calculations within the generalized gradient approximation (GGA). Results indicate that these compounds adopt a layered structure consisting of graphite-like B₂C₄ layers alternating with metal sheets. Within the hexagonal layers, the coloring with the -C-C-C-B-C-B- sequence is energetically more stable than that with the -C-C-C-C-B-B- one. The electronic structures of these compounds, mainly determined by the B₂C₄ sheets, can be rationalized with the simple valence electron distribution M²⁺[B₂C₄]²⁻xe⁻, with the metals essentially acting as two-electron donors with respect to the boron-carbon network, the other x electrons remaining in the relatively narrow d and/or f bands of the metals. Accordingly, MB₂C₄ are narrow band-gap semiconductors (ΔE≈0.2-0.4 eV) with M=Mg and Ca. On the other hand, with M=La and Ce, the compounds are conducting with a relatively high density of states at the Fermi level predominantly metal in character with substantial B/Cπ* antibonding state admixture.     

Reactivity of metal oxides: Thermal and photochemical dissolution of MO and MFe2O4 (M=Ni, Co, Zn)

Dissolution rates of NiO, CoO, ZnO, α-Fe₂O₃ and the corresponding ferrites in 0.1 mol dm⁻³ oxalic acid at pH 3.5 were measured at 70 °C. The dissolution of simple oxides proceeds through the formation of surface metal oxalate complexes, followed by the transfer of surface complexes (rate-determining step). At constant pH, oxalate concentration and temperature, the trend in the first-order rate constant for the transfer of the surface complexes (k_Me; Me=Ni, Co, Zn, Fe) parallels that of water exchange in the dissolved metal ions (k_−w). Thus, the most important factor determining the rates of dissolution of metal oxides is the lability of Me-O bonds, which is in turn defined by the electronic structure of the metal ion and its charge/radius ratio. UV (384 nm) irradiation does not increase significantly the dissolution rates of NiO, CoO and ZnO, whereas hematite is highly sensitive to UV light. For ferrites, the reactivity order is ZnFe₂O₄>CoFe₂O₄?NiFe₂O₄. Dissolution is congruent, with rates intermediate between those of the constituent oxides, Fe₂O₃ and MO (M=Co, Ni, Zn), reflecting the behavior of very thin leached layers with little Zn and Co, but appreciable amounts of Ni. The more robust Ni²⁺ labilizes less the corresponding ferrite. The correlation between log k_M and log k_−w is somewhat blurred and displaced to lower k_M values. Fe(II), either photogenerated or added as salt, enhances the rate of Fe(III) phase transfer. A simple reaction mechanism is used to interpret the data.     

Comparative Study of Mg/M(III) (M=Al, Ga, In) Layered Double Hydroxides Obtained by Coprecipitation and the Sol-Gel Method

Various layered double hydroxides (LDHs) consisting of magnesium and a trivalent metal (Al, Ga or In) in an Mg/M(III) ratio of 3 were prepared by precipitation from the corresponding nitrates and also from magnesium ethoxide and the acetylacetonates of the trivalent metals using the sol-gel method. The six LDHs thus obtained were calcined at 500°C. All solids were characterized by XRD and IR spectroscopy prior to and after calcination. Their textural properties were determined from nitrogen adsorption measurements and their surface chemical properties by CO₂ chemisorption.     

The crystal chemistry of the M+VO3 (M+ = Li,Na, K,NH4, Tl,Rb, and Cs) pyroxenes

The crystal structures of M⁺VO₃(M⁺ = K, NH₄, and Cs) have been refined using three-dimensional counter-diffractometer X-ray data and full-matrix least-squares methods. The structure of these compounds is characterized by a (V⁵⁺O^2?₃)^?_∞ chain extending along the c-axis (Pbcm orientation), with adjacent chains linked by the alkali metal cation. The structure may be considered as a variant of the pyroxene structure, and standard atom nomenclature is proposed in order to facilitate comparison with silicate pyroxenes. Structural variation across this series is discussed in detail and is compared with the analogous M⁺M³⁺Si₂O₆ (M⁺ = Li, Na; M³⁺ = Al, Cr, Fe, Sc, In) series.     

Synthesis and characterizations of two anhydrous metal borophosphates: M2BP3O12 (M=Fe, In)

Two members of M^III₂BP₃O₁₂ borophosphates, namely Fe₂BP₃O₁₂ and In₂BP₃O₁₂, were synthesized by the solid-state method and characterized by the X-ray single crystal diffraction, the powder diffraction and the electron microscopy. They both crystallize in the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)/m (no. 176) and feature 3D architectures, build up of the M₂O₉ units and B(PO₄)₃ groups via sharing the corners; however, they are not isomorphic for the different crystallographically distinct atomic positions. Optical property measurements of both compounds and magnetic susceptibility measurements of Fe₂BP₃O₁₂ also have been performed. Moreover, in order to gain further insights into the relationship between physical properties and band structure of the M^III₂BP₃O₁₂ borophosphates, theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed using the total-energy code CASTEP.     

Metallic Re-Re bond formation in different MRe2O6 (MFe, Co, Ni) rutile-like polymorphs: The role of temperature in high-pressure synthesis

Different polymorphs of MRe₂O₆ (MFe, Co, Ni) with rutile-like structures were prepared using high-pressure high-temperature synthesis. For syntheses temperatures higher than ∼1573 K, tetragonal rutile-type structures (P4₂/mnm) with a statistical distribution of M- and Re-atoms on the metal position in the structure were observed for all three compounds, whereas rutile-like structures with orthorhombic or monoclinic symmetry, partially ordered M- and Re-ions on different sites and metallic Re-Re-bonds within Re₂O₁₀-pairs were found for CoRe₂O₆ and NiRe₂O₆ at a synthesis temperature of 1473 K. According to the XPS measurements, a mixture of Re⁺⁴/Re⁺⁶ and M²⁺/M³⁺ is present in both structural modifications of CoRe₂O₆ and NiRe₂O₆. The low-temperature forms contain more Re⁺⁴ and M³⁺ than the high-temperature forms. Tetragonal and monoclinic modifications of NiRe₂O₆ order with a ferromagnetic component at ∼24 K, whereas tetragonal and orthorhombic CoRe₂O₆ show two magnetic transitions: below ∼17.5 and 27 K for the tetragonal and below 18 and 67 K for the orthorhombic phase. Tetragonal FeRe₂O₆ is antiferromagnetic below 123 K.     

Crystal Growth and Structure Determination of LaMIn5 (M=Co, Rh, Ir)

The compounds CeMIn₅ (M=Co, Rh, Ir) have been shown to exhibit heavy fermion behavior. In order to better understand this effect and the nature of the observed superconductivity, we have synthesized and characterized the non-magnetic analogs, LaMIn₅ (M=Co, Rh, Ir). The structures of LaCoIn₅, LaRhIn₅, and LaIrIn₅ were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. CeMIn₅ and LaMIn₅ compounds are isostructural and adopt a tetragonal structure with space group P4/mmm, Z=1. Lattice parameters are a=4.6399(4) and c=7.6151(6) Å for LaCoIn₅, a=4.6768(3) and c=7.5988(7) Å for LaRhIn₅, and a=4.6897(6) and c=7.5788(12) Å for LaIrIn₅. We compare these experimental data with band structure computations and examine structural trends that affect the magnetic and transport properties of these compounds.     

Molecular Conductors Based on M(dddt)2 Bisdithiolene Cation Complexes

The synthesis, structure and properties of molecular conductors based on M(dddt)₂ cation complexes (dddt = 5,6-dihydro-1,4-dithiin-2,3-dithiolate) which are metal complex analogs of bis(ethylenedithio)tetrathiafulvalene (BEDT-TTF or ET) salts are considered. Formally, the central C=C bond of ET is substituted by a metal ion in the M(dddt)₂ complexes. The effect of metal (M=Ni, Pt, Pd) and counterion on crystal structure and conducting properties of M(dddt)₂ complexes is analyzed. The similarity and distinction in structures and properties of M(dddt)₂ and ET salts are discussed.     

The non-centrosymmetric borate oxides, MBi2B2O7 (M=Ca, Sr)

Two novel noncentrosymmetric borates oxides, MBi₂B₂O₇ or MBi₂O(BO₃)₂ (MCa, Sr), have been synthesized by solid-state reactions in air at temperatures in the 600-700 °C range. Their crystal structures have been determined ab initio and refined using powder neutron diffraction data. CaBi₂B₂O₇ crystallizes in the orthorhombic Pna2₁ space group with a=8.9371(5) Å, b=5.4771(3) Å, c=12.5912(7) Å, Z=4, R_wp=0.118, χ²=2.30. SrBi₂B₂O₇ crystallizes in the hexagonal P6₃ space group with a=9.1404(4) Å, c=13.0808(6) Å, Z=6, R_wp=0.115, χ²=4.15. Large displacement parameters suggest the presence of disorder in SrBi₂B₂O₇ as also revealed by diffuse 2×a superstructure reflections in electron diffraction patterns. Both structures are built of identical (001) neutral layers of corner-sharing BO₃ triangles and MO₆ trigonal prisms forming six-membered rings in which Bi₂O groups are located. Adjacent layers are stacked in a staggered configuration and connected through weak Bi-O bonds. A moderate efficiency for second harmonic generation (SHG) has been measured for a powder sample of CaBi₂B₂O₇ (d_eff=2d_eff(KDP)).     

Reduction of Eu to Eu in MAl2Si2O8 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) in air condition

In general, the reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ in solids needs an annealing process in a reducing atmosphere. In this paper, it is of great interest and importance to find that the reduction of Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ can be realized in a series of alkaline-earth metal aluminum silicates MAl₂Si₂O₈ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) just in air condition. The Eu²⁺-doped MAl₂Si₂O₈ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba) powder samples were prepared in air atmosphere by Pechini-type sol-gel process. It was found that the strong band emissions of 4f⁶5d¹-4f⁷ from Eu²⁺ were observed at 417, 404 and 373 nm in air-annealed CaAl₂Si₂O₈, SrAl₂Si₂O₈ and BaAl₂Si₂O₈, respectively, under ultraviolet excitation although the Eu³⁺ precursors were employed. In addition, under low-voltage electron beam excitation, Eu²⁺-doped MAl₂Si₂O₈ also shows strong blue or ultraviolet emission corresponding to 4f⁶5d¹-4f⁷ transition. The reduction mechanism from Eu³⁺ to Eu²⁺ in these compounds has been discussed in detail.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of M11X10 Compounds, M=Sr, Ba and X=Bi, Sb. Electronic Requirements and Chemical Bonding

The intermetallic compounds Sr₁₁Bi₁₀, Ba₁₁Bi₁₀, and (Sr₅Ba₆)Sb₁₀ have been obtained from melts of mixtures of the elements. They crystallize in the tetragonal system, space group I4/mmm, Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type, tI84 Pearson symbol, Z=4, with cell parameters a=12.765(3), 13.230(3), 12.748(2) Å and c=18.407(3), 19.365(3), 18.761(2) Å, respectively. The structures were solved from single-crystal X-ray data and refined by full-matrix least-squares to R1=6.71, 5.44, and 5.73%. The structure of M₁₁X₁₀ contains three discrete anionic moieties: square rings X⁴⁻₄, dumbbells X⁴⁻₂, and isolated X³⁻. Using formal charges the unit cell of M₁₁X₁₀ may be described as containing 44 M²⁺, 2X⁴⁻₄, 8X⁴⁻₂, and 16X³⁻ ions. This structure is discussed in comparison with other Bi or Sb pnictide compounds. Bonding is analyzed therein using molecular orbital (EHMO) calculations for the anions (dumbbell and square units) and also the periodic tight-binding method. Lone pair repulsions inside and between the anionic units are evidenced; they are compensated by strong bonding cation-to-anion interactions. Interatomic distances along the series appear to be more dependent on packing than on electronic effects.     

Etude structurale des composés MxTiSe2 (M = Fe,Co, Ni)

New compounds M_xTiSe₂ have been prepared with M = Fe (x ? 0.66), M = Co or Ni (x ? 0.50). The metal M is located in vacant octahedral sites of the TiSe₂ host lattice (hexagonal unit cell a′, c′). An ordering of vacancies occurs if x ? 0.20. With M = Co or Ni (x = 0.50) and with M = Fe (0.25 ? x ? 0.66) isotypic compounds of Ti₃Se₄ can be obtained (M₃ □ X₄ type; monoclinic unit cell a ≈ a′ √3, b ≈ a′, c ≈ 2c′). The compounds Fe_0.38TiSe₂ and Co_0.38TiSe₂ (hexagonal unit cell a ≈ a′ √3, c ≈ 2c′) are of the M₂ □ X₃ type, variety 2c′. The Fe_0.25TiSe₂ and Co_0.25TiSe₂ monoclinic unit cells (a ≈ 2a′ √3, b ≈ 2a′, c ≈ 2c′) allow us to assume, for these two compounds, a structure of the M₅ □ ₃X₈ type, variety 2c′, identical to the Ti₅Se₈ one. The compound Ni_0.25TiSe₂ has an hexagonal unit cell (a ≈ 2a′, c ≈ 3c′); it belongs to a so-called 3c′ variety of the M₅ □ ₃X₈ type.     

Synthesis, characterization of TiO2 nanotubes-supported MS (TiO2NTs@MS, M=Cd, Zn) and their photocatalytic activity

TiO₂ nanotubes-supported MS (TiO₂NTs@MS, M=Cd, Zn) are synthesized by a simple wet chemical method at room temperature. The products are characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), UV-vis absorption spectrum and photoluminescence (PL) spectrum. Their optical and morphological properties indicate the interaction between the TiO₂ nanotube and MS nanoparticle. The photocatalytic activities of the TiO₂NTs@MS are evaluated upon the oxidation of methyl orange under UV light illumination. The results reveal that the photocatalytic efficiency of the nanocomposites strongly depends on the specific interaction between MS and support.     

New Ternary Compounds MxTa11−xGe8 (M=Ti, Zr, Hf): Structure and Stabilization

The title compounds M_xTa_11−xGe₈ (M=Ti, Zr, Hf) were prepared from the pure elements by arc-melting and subsequent induction heating at temperatures between 1200°C and 1400°C. X-ray powder diffraction studies of the samples were performed using the Guinier technique and the respective powder patterns were refined with a structure model based on the orthorhombic Cr₁₁Ge₈-structure type (oP76, Pnma). The homogeneity ranges of the compounds were determined to be 0.9<x<1.3 (M=Ti), 0.7<x<1.3 (M=Zr) and 0.7<x<2.4> (M=Hf) by means of electron probe microanalysis. Chemical bonding, electronic structure and site preferences are discussed based on extended Hückel calculations performed on hypothetical binary Ta₁₁Ge₈.     

Phase formation in the systems Ag2MoO4-MO-MoO3 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Mn) and crystal structures of Ag2M2(MoO4)3 (M=Co, Mn)

Phase equilibria in the systems Ag₂MoO₄-MMoO₄ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Ni, Co, Mn) and subsolidus phase relations in the systems Ag₂MoO₄-MO-MoO₃ (M=Ca, Pb, Cd, Mn, Co, Ni) were investigated using XRD and thermal analysis. The systems Ag₂MoO₄-MMoO₄ (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb, Ni) belong to the simple eutectic type whereas in the systems Ag₂MoO₄-MMoO₄ (M=Co, Mn) incongruently melting Ag₂M₂(MoO₄)₃ (M=Co, Mn) were formed. In the ternary oxide systems studied no other compounds were found. Low-temperature LT-Ag₂Mn₂(MoO₄)₃ reversibly converts into the high-temperature form of a similar structure at 450-500°C. The single crystals of Ag₂Co₂(MoO₄)₃ and LT-Ag₂Mn₂(MoO₄)₃ were grown and their structures determined (space group , Z=2; lattice parameters are a=6.989(1) Å, b=8.738(2) Å, c=10.295(2) Å, α=107.67(2)°, β=105.28(2)°, γ=103.87(2)° and a=7.093(1) Å, b=8.878(2) Å, c=10.415(2) Å, α=106.86(2)°, β=105.84(2)°, γ=103.77(2)°, respectively) and refined to R(F)=0.0313 and 0.0368, respectively. The both compounds are isotypical to Ag₂Zn₂(MoO₄)₃ and contain mixed frameworks of MoO₄ tetrahedra and pairs of M²⁺O₆ octahedra sharing common edges. The Ag⁺ ions are disordered and located in the voids forming infinite channels running along the a direction. The peculiarities of the silver disorder in the structures of Ag₂M₂(MoO₄)₃ (M=Zn, Mg, Co, Mn) are discussed as well as their relations with analogous sodium-containing compounds of the structural family of Na₂Mg₅(MoO₄)₆. The phase transitions in Ag₂M₂(MoO₄)₃ (M=Mg, Mn) of distortive or order-disorder type are suggested to have superionic character.     

A series of borate-rich metalloborophosphates Na2[MB3P2O11(OH)]·0.67H2O (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn): Synthesis, structure and magnetic susceptibility

A series of metalloborophosphates Na₂[M^IIB₃P₂O₁₁(OH)]·0.67H₂O (M^II=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) have been prepared hydrothermally and their structures have been solved by single-crystal diffraction techniques. They all crystallize in a hexagonal space group P6₃ and form a 3D microporous structure with 12-membered ring channels consisted of octahedral (M^IIO₆), tetrahedral (BO₄, PO₄) and triangular (BO₂(OH)) units, in which the counter Na⁺ cations and water molecules are located. The Na⁺ cations are mobile and can be exchanged by Li⁺ in a melt of LiNO₃. Their open frameworks are thermal stable up to about 500 °C. Completed solid solutions between two different transition metals can also be obtained. Magnetic properties of Na₂[M^IIB₃P₂O₁₁(OH)]·0.67H₂O (M^II=Mn, Co, Ni, Cu) have been investigated.     

Phase formation features in the systems M2MoO4-Fe2(MoO4)3 (M=Rb, Cs) and crystal structures of new double polymolybdates M3FeMo4O15

The systems M₂MoO₄-Fe₂(MoO₄)₃ (M=Rb, Cs) were shown to be non-quasibinary joins of the systems M₂O-Fe₂O₃-MoO₃. New compounds M₃FeMo₄O₁₅ were revealed along with the known MFe(MoO₄)₂ and M₅Fe(MoO₄)₄. The unit cell parameters of the new compounds are a=11.6192(2), b=13.6801(3), c=9.7773(2) Å, β=92.964(1)°, space group P2₁/c, Z=4 (M=Rb) and a=11.5500(9), b=9.9929(7), c=14.513(1) Å, β=90.676(2)°, space group P2₁/n, Z=4 (M=Cs). In the structures of M₃FeMo₄O₁₅ (M=Rb, Cs), a half of the FeO₆ octahedra share two opposite edges with two MoO₆ octahedra linked to other FeO₆ octahedra through the bridged MoO₄ tetrahedra by means of the common oxygen vertices to form the chains along the a axis. The difference between the structures is caused by diverse mutual arrangements of the adjacent polyhedral chains.     

Dielectric properties of some MM′O4 and MTiM′O6 (M=Cr, Fe, Ga; M′=Nb, Ta, Sb) rutile-type oxides

We describe an investigation of the structure and dielectric properties of MM′O₄ and MTiM′O₆ rutile-type oxides for M=Cr, Fe, Ga and M′=Nb, Ta and Sb. All the oxides adopt a disordered rutile structure (P4₂/mnm) at ambient temperature. A partial ordered trirutile-type structure is confirmed for FeTaO₄ from the low temperature (17 K) neutron diffraction studies. While both the MM′O₄ oxides (CrTaO₄ and FeTaO₄) investigated show a normal dielectric property MTiM′O₆ oxides for M=Fe, Cr and M′=Nb/Ta/Sb display a distinct relaxor/relaxor-like response. Significantly the corresponding gallium analogs, GaTiNbO₆ and GaTiTaO₆, do not show a relaxor response at T<500 K.     

Structural, electronic properties and inter-atomic bonding in layered chalcogenide oxides LaMChO (where M = Cu, Ag, and Ch = S, Se) from FLAPW-GGA calculations

Using the first principles FLAPW-GGA method, comparative study of structural, electronic properties and of chemical bonding in four 1111-like chalcogenide oxides LaMChO (LaCuSO, LaCuSeO, LaAgSO, and LaAgSeO) with ZrCuSiAs-type structure was performed. Our studies showed that: (i) replacements of d metal atoms (Cu ↔ Ag) and chalcogen atoms (S ↔ Se) lead to anisotropic deformations of the crystal structure; this effect is related to strong anisotropy of inter-atomic bonds; (ii) all of the examined chalcogenide oxides are semiconducting; the band gap decreases both at S → Se and Cu → Ag substitutions; and (iii) the bonding in LaMChO phases can be classified as a high-anisotropic mixture of ionic and covalent contributions, where mixed covalent-ionic bonds take place inside [La₂O₂] and [M₂Ch₂] blocks, whereas between the adjacent [La₂O₂]/[M₂Ch₂] blocks, ionic bonds emerge owing to [La₂O₂] → [M₂Ch₂] charge transfer. Since the near-Fermi bands of LaMChO phases originate mainly from electronic states of [M₂Ch₂] blocks, we speculate that chemical substitutions inside these blocks can result in striking differences in electronic properties of these systems; therefore, this approach can be promising for significant enlargement of the functional properties of these materials.     

New Compounds of the ThCr2Si2-Type and the Electronic Structure of CaM2Ge2 (M: Mn-Zn)

Two new compounds were synthesized by heating mixtures of the elements at 975-1025 K and characterized by single-crystal X-ray methods. CaZn₂Si₂ (a=4.173(2) Å, c=10.576(5) Å) and EuZn₂Ge₂ (a=4.348(2) Å, c=10.589(9) Å) crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure (space group I4/mmm; Z=2). Magnetic susceptibility measurements of EuZn₂Ge₂ show Curie-Weiss behavior with a magnetic moment of 7.85(5)μ_B/Eu and a paramagnetic Curie temperature of 10(1) K. EuZn₂Ge₂ orders antiferromagnetically at T_N=10.0(5) K and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at a low critical field of about 0.3(2) T. The saturation magnetization at 2 K and 5.5 T is 6.60(5) μ_B/Eu. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic experiments show one signal at 78 K at an isomer shift of −11.4(1) mm/s and a line width of 2.7(1) mm/s compatible with divalent europium. At 4.2 K full magnetic hyperfine field splitting with a field of 26.4(4) T is detected. The already known compounds CaM₂Ge₂ (M: Mn-Zn) also crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure. Their MGe₄ tetrahedra are strongly distorted with M=Ni and nearly undistorted with M=Mn or Zn. According to LMTO electronic band structure calculations, the distortion is driven by a charge transfer from M-Ge antibonding to bonding levels.