High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure analysis of NaMn2O4 with the calcium ferrite-type structure

Single crystals of a new sodium manganese oxide, NaMn₂O₄, were synthesized for the first time using a high-temperature and high-pressure technique. The NaMn₂O₄ single crystal is black, has a needle shape, and crystallizes in the orthorhombic calcium ferrite-type structure, space group Pnam with , , , , and Z=4. The structure was determined from a single-crystal X-ray study and refined to the conventional values R=0.041 and wR=0.034 for 1190 observed reflections. The framework structure is built up from edge-sharing chains of MnO₆ octahedra that condense to form one-dimensional tunnels in which the sodium atoms are located. The Mn-O bond distance and bond valence analyses revealed the manganese valence Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ ordering in the two “double rutile” chains of NaMn₂O₄.     

High pressure synthesis and structure of a new magnetoplumbite-type cobalt oxide SrCo12O19

A new magnetoplumbite-type hexagonal cobalt oxide, SrCo₁₂O₁₉, has been synthesized at a high pressure of 3 GPa and its structural and magnetic properties have been studied using single crystalline samples. Bond-valence calculations for five crystallographically independent Co sites show a rather wide charge distribution from +2.15 to +3.50. Magnetic measurements have revealed anisotropic magnetic behavior below a magnetic ordering temperature of 80 K. Comparative discussions on the structure-property relationship for SrCo₁₂O₁₉ and related compounds suggest the presence of localized spins with a uniaxial anisotropy at the trigonal bipyramidal site.     

Neutron diffraction determination of the crystal structure of Ce7O12

A neutron diffraction study has been made on polycrystalline and single crystal samples of CeO_1.714. The results confirm that the compound is isostructural with ternary oxides of the type UY₆O₁₂. The space group is $\text{R}\text{3}$ with hexagonal unit cell dimensions a = 10.37 Å and c = 9.67 Å (rhombohedral cell a = 8.60 Å and α = 99.4°). The hexagonal unit cell contains three formula units of Ce₇O₁₂. Totals of 79 and 24 independent reflections from the single crystal were measured at neutron wavelengths of 1.185 and 2.37 Å, respectively. Simultaneous refinement of the two sets of data yielded a weighted R factor of 0.144. The structure is a rhombohedral defect type of fluorite arrangement in which pairs of oxygen vacancies are ordered along the [111] axis.     

The crystal structure of Ba2V2O7

Ba₂V₂O₇ is triclinic with a = 13.571(3), b = 7.320(2), c = 7.306(2) Å, α = 90.09(1), β = 99.48(1), β = 99.48(1), γ = 87.32(1)°, V = 7.15.1 ų, Z = 4, and space group $\text{P}\text{1}$. The crystal structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined by full-matrix least-squares analysis to a R_w of 0.034 (R = 0.034) using 2484 reflections measured on a Syntex $\text{P}\text{1}$ automatic four-circle diffractometer. The structure has two unique divanadate groups that are repeated by the b and c lattice translations to form sheets of divanadate groups parallel to (100). These sheets are linked by four unique Ba atoms that lie between these sheets. Ba(1) and Ba(3) are coordinated by eight oxygens arranged in a distorted biaugmented triangular prism and a distorted cubic antiprism, respectively. Ba(2) is coordinated by 10 oxygens arranged in a distorted gyroelongated square dipyramid and Ba(4) is coordinated by nine oxygens arranged in a distorted triaugmented triangular prism. These coordination numbers are substantiated by a bond strength analysis of the structure, and the variation in 〈BaO〉 distances is compatible with the assigned cation and anion coordination numbers. Both divanadate groups are in the eclipsed configuraton with 〈VO(br)〉 bond lengths of 1.821(4) and 1.824(4) Å and VO(br)V angles of 125.6(3) and 123.7(3)°, respectively. Examination of the divanadate groups in a series of structures allows certain generalizations to be made. Longer 〈VO(br)〉 bond lengths are generally associated with smaller VO(br)V angles. When VO(br)V < 140°, the divanadate group is generally in an eclipsed configuration; when VO(br)V > 140°, the divanadate group is generally in a staggered configuration. Nontetrahedral cations with large coordination numbers require more oxygens with which to bond, and hence O(br) is more likely to be three coordinate, with the divanadate group in the eclipsed configuration. In the eclipsed configuration, decrease in VO(br)V promotes bonding between O(br) and nontetrahedral cations, and hence smaller nontetrahedral cations are generally associated with smaller VO(br)V angles.     

High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure of the mixed-valent titanium borate Ti5B12O26

The new titanium borate was synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus at 7.5 GPa and 1350 °C. Ti₅B₁₂O₂₆ is built up exclusively from corner-sharing BO₄-tetrahedra and shows a structural relation to the Zintl phase NaTl. Consisting of B₁₂O₂₆-clusters as fundamental building blocks, the structure of Ti₅B₁₂O₂₆ can be described via two interpenetrating diamond structures as in NaTl, where each atom corresponds to one B₁₂O₂₆-cluster. The tetragonal titanium borate crystallizes with eight formula units in the space group I4₁/acd and exhibits lattice parameters of a=1121.1(2) pm and c=2211.5(4) pm. Ti₅B₁₂O₂₆ is a mixed-valent compound with Ti^III and Ti^IV cations. The environment of the titanium cations, as well as charge distribution calculations, leads us to the assumption that Ti^III and Ti^IV are located on different crystallographic sites.     

The study of Bi3B5O12: synthesis, crystal structure and thermal expansion of oxoborate Bi3B5O12

The paper presents a new data on the crystal structure, thermal expansion and IR spectra of Bi₃B₅O₁₂. The Bi₃B₅O₁₂ single crystals were grown from the melt of the same stoichiometry by Czochralski technique. The crystal structure of Bi₃B₅O₁₂ was refined in anisotropic approximation using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. It is orthorhombic, Pnma, a=6.530(4), b=7.726(5), c=18.578(5) Å, V=937.2(5) Å³, Z=4, R=3.45%. Bi³⁺ atoms have irregular coordination polyhedra, Bi(1)O₆ (d(B-O)=2.09-2.75 Å) and Bi(2)O₇ (d(B-O)=2.108-2.804 Å). Taking into account the shortest bonds only, these polyhedra are considered here as trigonal Bi(1)O₃ (2.09-2.20 Å) and tetragonal Bi(2)O₄ (2.108-2.331 Å) irregular pyramids with Bi atoms in the tops of both pyramids. The BiO₄ polyhedra form zigzag chains along b-axis. These chains alternate with isolated anions [B₂^IVB₃^IIIO₁₁]⁷⁻ through the common oxygen atoms to form thick layers extended in ab plane. A perfect cleavage of the compound corresponds to these layers and an imperfect one is parallel to the Bi-O chains. The Bi₃B₅O₁₂ thermal expansion is sharply anisotropic (α₁₁≈α₂₂=12, α₃₃=3×10⁻⁶ °C⁻¹) likely due to a straightening of the flexible zigzag chains along b-axis and decreasing of their zigzag along c-axis. Thus the properties like cleavage and thermal expansion correlate to these chains.     

The synthesis and crystal structure of CaCu3Mn4O12: A new ferromagnetic-perovskite-like compound

Single crystals of CaCu₃Mn₄O₁₂, a new ferromagnetic perovskite-like compound (T_c ? 160°C), have been synthesized at 50 kbar and 1000°C. By X-ray analysis it was found to be cubic (a = 7.241Å), space groupIm3 with two molecules per unit cell. The two Ca²⁺ and six Cu²⁺ cations occupy theA sites of the ideal perovskite structure, while the eight Mn⁴⁺ cations occupy theB sites. In theIm3 space group the sites occupied by the calcium and copper cations have different point symmetry and therefore the 12-oxygen polyhedra have different distortions. The Ca cations are surrounded by slightly distorted icosahedra, the CaO distance is 2.562Å. The twelve oxygens around the copper cations are arranged as three mutually perpendicular rectangles of different size, the smallest and the largest of which are almost squares. The three sets of Cu0 distances are 1.942, 2.707, and 3.181Å, respectively. The octahedral Mn0 distance is 1.915Å. This arrangement is similar to that found in NaMn₃Mn₄O₁₂. A comparison between the two structures and a discussion of their thermal data are given.     

The crystal structure determinations and refinements of K2S2O7, KNaS2O7 and Na2S2O7 from X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction data

The crystal structures of K₂S₂O₇, KNaS₂O₇ and Na₂S₂O₇ have been solved and/or refined from X-ray synchrotron powder diffraction data and conventional single-crystal data. K₂S₂O₇: From powder diffraction data, monoclinic C2/c, Z=4, a=12.3653(2), b=7.3122(1), , β=93.0792(7)°, R_Bragg=0.096. KNaS₂O₇: From powder diffraction data; triclinic , Z=2, a=5.90476(9), b=7.2008(1), , α=101.7074(9), β=90.6960(7), γ=94.2403(9)°, R_Bragg=0.075. Na₂S₂O₇: From single-crystal data; triclinic , Z=2, a=6.7702(9), b=6.7975(10), , α=116.779(2), β=96.089(3), γ=84.000(3)°, R_F=0.033. The disulphate anions are essentially eclipsed. All three structures can be described as dichromate-like, where the alkali cations coordinate oxygens of the isolated disulphate groups in three-dimensional networks. The K-O and Na-O coordinations were determined from electron density topology and coordination geometry. The three structures have a cation-disulphate chain in common. In K₂S₂O₇ and Na₂S₂O₇ the neighbouring chains are antiparallel, while in KNaS₂O₇ the chains are parallel. The differences between the K₂S₂O₇ and Na₂S₂O₇ structures, with double-, respectively single-sided chain connections and straight, respectively, corrugated structural layers can be understood in terms of the differences in size and coordinating ability of the cations.     

The crystal structure of Na7Mg4.5(P2O7)4

The crystal structure of Na₇Mg_4.5(P₂O₇)₄ has been solved by direct methods from the three-dimensional X-ray data. The space group is $\text{P}\text{1}$. The crystal structure consists of Mg²⁺, Na⁺, and P₂O^4?₇ ions. One magnesium atom at symmetry center (0,0,0) and two sodium atoms at ±(?0.0421, ?0.0596, 0.2230) display occupation factors 0.5 each. A short interatomic distance between these Na⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions (1.80 ± 0.01 Å) excludes the occupation of both sites in the same unit cell. The crystal structure of Na₇Mg_4.5(P₂O₇)₄ consists of unit cells containing Na₈Mg₄(P₂O₇)₄ or Na₆Mg₅(P₂O₇)₄ with a statistical occurrence 1:1.Each Mg²⁺ ion is octahedrally coordinated by six O^2? ions at distances 1.979 – 2.270 Å. The coordination polyhedra around the Na⁺ ions are ill-defined. The bond angles POP in the P₂O^4?₇ groups are 126.6 and 133.6° (±0.3°). The final reliability factor R is 7.1%.     

High pressure synthesis and crystal structure of a new series of perovskite-like compounds CMn7O12 (C = Na,Ca, Cd,Sr, La,Nd)

A new series of perovskite-like compounds CMn₇O₁₂ have been synthesized under high pressure and high temperature conditions. C is a large divalent or trivalent cation such as Ca, Cd, Sr, La and Nd. The structures of the quenched materials have been determined from powder X-ray data. They are distortions of the NaMn₇O₁₂ cubic structure. The [C²⁺Mn³⁺₃](Mn³⁺₃Mn⁴⁺)O₁₂ compounds are trigonal ($\text{R}\text{3}$). The C²⁺ and Mn³⁺ as well as the Mn³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ cations are ordered on the corresponding A and B sites of the perovskite structure, respectively. The [C³⁺Mn³⁺₃] (Mn³⁺₄)O₁₂ compounds are monoclinic ($\text{I}\text{2}\text{m}$). In these compounds the order exists only in the A sites. It is shown that the lower symmetry may be the result of a cooperative Jahn-Teller effect of the Mn³⁺ cations occupying the B sites.     

High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure of the lithium borate HP-LiB3O5

The new lithium borate HP-LiB₃O₅ was synthesized under high-pressure/high-temperature conditions of 6 GPa and 1050 °C in a multianvil press with a Walker-type module. The compound crystallizes in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with the lattice parameters a=829.7(2), b=759.6(2), and c=1726.8(4) pm (Z=16). The high-pressure compound HP-LiB₃O₅ is built up from a three-dimensional network of BO₄ tetrahedra and BO₃ groups, which incorporates Li⁺ ions in channels along the b-axis. Band assignments of measured IR- and Raman spectra were done via quantum-mechanical calculations. Additionally, the thermal behavior of HP-LiB₃O₅ was investigated.     

Crystal structure of the monoclinic and cubic polymorphs of BiMn7O12

The complex perovskite BiMn₇O₁₂ occurs with two polymorphic structures, cubic and monoclinic. Currently their crystal structures are investigated with high-resolution synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction at room temperature. Rietveld analysis reveals unusual behavior for, respectively, the oxygen and bismuth atoms in the monoclinic and cubic phases. Bond valence calculations indicate that all the Mn atoms in both the phases are in trivalent state. Possible roles of the 6s² lone-pair electrons of Bi³⁺ in BiMn₇O₁₂ are discussed in comparison with the LaMn₇O₁₂ phase that is isomorphic to monoclinic BiMn₇O₁₂. Multiple roles of the lone-pair electrons are revealed, causing (i) A-site cation deficiency, (ii) octahedral tilting, (iii) A-site cation displacement, and (iv) Mn³⁺ Jahn-Teller (JT) distortion. Relationships between the monoclinic and cubic phases are discussed with emphasis on the MnO₂ and MnO₆ local structural aspects. All Mn atoms in the monoclinic polymorph have distorted coordination consistent with JT-active Mn(III) high spin, whereas for the cubic polymorph, the B-site Mn atoms show regular octahedral coordination.     

New transparent conductors with the M7O12 ordered oxygen-deficient fluorite structure: from In4Sn3O12 to In5.5Sb1.5O12

A new transparent conductor, containing pentavalent antimony, In_4+xSn_3−2xSb_xO₁₂, has been synthesized for 0?x?1.5. The latter exhibits an ordered oxygen-deficient fluorite structure with an ordered distribution of Sb⁵⁺ and In³⁺/Sn⁴⁺ species in the octahedral and seven-fold coordinated sites, respectively. More importantly, it is shown that the electronic conductivity of this transparent conducting oxide (TCO) at room temperature, is one order of magnitude larger for x=1 (In₅SnSbO₁₂) than for x=0 (In₄Sn₃O₁₂) and it turns to a semi-metallic behavior in contrast to In₄Sn₃O₁₂ which is a semi-conductor. The potential of this new material, as TCO, is also shown by its reflectance spectra, similar to In₄Sn₃O₁₂, involving only a small increase of the optical bandgap, by 0.15 eV.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of MgB12

Single crystals of MgB₁₂ were synthesized from the elements in a Mg/Cu melt at 1600 °C. MgB₁₂ crystallizes orthorhombic in space group Pnma with , and . The crystal structure (Z=30, 5796 reflections, 510 variables, R₁(F)=0.049, wR₂(I)=0.134) consists of a three dimensional net of B₁₂ icosahedra and B₂₁ units in a ratio 2:1. The B₂₁ units are observed for the first time in a solid compound. Mg is on positions with partial occupation. The summation reveals the composition MgB_12.35 or Mg_0.97B₁₂ , respectively. This is in good agreement with the value of MgB_11.25 as expected by electronic reasons to stabilize the boron polyhedra and .     

Single-crystal growth and structure determination of Ag16I12P2O7

Single crystals of the fast-ion conductor Ag₁₆I₁₂P₂O₇ were prepared and their structure ($\text{P6}\text{mcc}\text{, a = 12.054, c = 7.504}$ Å) was determined by X-ray diffraction (r = 0.08). The I atoms form a close-packed array leaving channels occupied by P₂O^4?₇ ions running along the c axis. The Ag atoms are disordered over four different types of site with occupation numbers ranging from 0.12 to 0.52. Each Ag⁺ ion coordination polyhedron shares several faces with adjacent polyhedra providing ready paths for Ag⁺ ion conduction.     

Hydroxide flux synthesis and crystal structure of the ordered palladate, LuNaPd6O8

We report the single crystal structure of LuNaPd₆O₈ grown from a sodium hydroxide flux. The utilization of a hydroxide flux has led to the preparation of the first ordered substitution of a lanthanide metal and an alkali metal on the A-site in a platinum group oxide and the first palladate to contain both a lanthanide metal and an alkali metal. The 1:1 ordered substitution of Lu³⁺ and Na⁺ in place of the commonly observed divalent cation leads to slabs of LuO₈ and NaO₈ cubes bridged together by PdO₄ square planes. The compound crystallizes in the cubic space group Pm-3 (#200) with a=5.72500(10) Å and is structurally related to other cubic palladium oxides.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and preliminary study of luminescent properties of InTbGe2O7

A new indium terbium germanate InTbGe₂O₇, which is a member of the thortveitite family, was prepared as a polycrystalline powder material by high-temperature solid-state reaction. This new compound crystallizes in the monoclinic system, space group C2/c (No. 15), with unit cell parameters a=6.8818(2) Å, b=8.8774(3) Å, c=9.7892(4) Å, β=101.401(1)°, V=586.25(4) ų and Z=4. Its structure was characterized by Rietveld refinement of powder laboratory X-ray diffraction data. It consists of octahedral sheets that are held together by sheets of isolated Ge₂O₇ diorthogroups composed of two tetrahedra sharing a common vertex. It contains only one octahedral site occupied by In³⁺ and Tb⁺³ cations. The characteristic mirror plane in the thortveitite (Sc₂Si₂O₇) space group (C2/m, No. 12) is not present in this new compound. Besides, in InTbGe₂O₇, the Ge–O–Ge angle bridging two diorthogroups is 156.8(2)° as compared to the one in thortveitite, which is 180°. On the other hand, luminescent properties were observed when it is excited with 376.5 nm wavelength. The luminescence spectrum shows typical transitions from the ⁵D₄ multiplet belonging to the trivalent terbium ion.     

Mild hydrothermal synthesis and ferrimagnetism of Pr3Fe5O12 and Nd3Fe5O12 garnets

Two pure light rare earth iron garnets Pr₃Fe₅O₁₂ and Nd₃Fe₅O₁₂ single crystals were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions and structurally characterized by single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction methods. Both compounds crystallize in cubic space group Ia3?d with lattice parameters a=12.670(2) Å for Pr₃Fe₅O₁₂ and a=12.633(2) Å for Nd₃Fe₅O₁₂, respectively. The synthesis of compounds was studied with regard to phase evolution and morphology development with hydrothermal conditions. We proposed the formation mechanisms and formulated a reasonable explanation for their growth habits. Ferrimagnetic Curie temperatures which have been inferred from thermo-magnetization curves were 580 K for Pr₃Fe₅O₁₂ and 565 K for Nd₃Fe₅O₁₂, and the transitions of long range order were also evidenced by differential scanning calorimetry method. The result of magnetic properties has shown that moments of the large radius Pr³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions are parallelly coupled with net moments of iron ions.