Controlled hydrothermal synthesis and structural characterization of a nickel selenide series

A series of nickel selenides (NiSe2 microcrystals, Ni(1-x)Se and Ni3Se2 microspheres) has been successfully synthesized through a convenient, low-temperature hydrothermal method. A good nucleation and growth environment has been created by forming a uniform and transparent solution reaction system. The compositions (including the x value of Ni(1-x)Se), phase structures, as well as the morphologies of nickel selenides, can be controlled by adjusting the Ni/Se ratio of the raw materials, the pH, the reaction temperatures and times, and so forth. The newly produced Se microspheres in the system have been used as both reactant and in situ template to the Ni(1-x)Se microspheres. It is found that Ni(1-x)Se microspheres act as the intermediate precursor during the formation of Ni3Se2 microspheres. Under certain conditions, hexagonal NiSe microspheres can be converted into rhombohedral NiSe nanowires in solution. The formation mechanisms of a series of nickel selenides has been investigated in detail by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses. This work has provided a general, simple, and effective method to control the composition, phase structure, and morphology of metal selenides in aqueous solution, which will be important for inorganic synthesis methodology and further applications of selenides.     

Controllable Synthesis of Bandgap‐Tunable CuSxSe1−x Nanoplate Alloys

Composition engineering is an important approach for modulating the physical properties of alloyed semiconductors. In this work, ternary CuS_xSe_1?x nanoplates over the entire composition range of 0≤x≤1 have been controllably synthesized by means of a simple aqueous solution method at low temperature (90 °C). Reaction of Cu²⁺ cations with polysulfide/‐selenide ((S_nSe_m)^2?) anions rather than independent S_n^2? and Se_m^2? anions is responsible for the low‐temperature and rapid synthesis of CuS_xSe_1?x alloys, and leads to higher S/Se ratios in the alloys than that in reactants owing to different dissociation energies of the Se?Se and the S?S bonds. The lattice parameters ‘a’ and ‘c’ of the hexagonal CuS_xSe_1?x alloys decrease linearly, whereas the direct bandgaps increase quadratically along with the S content. Direct bandgaps of the alloys can be tuned over a wide range from 1.64 to 2.19 eV. Raman peaks of the S?Se stretching mode are observed, thus further confirming formation of the alloyed CuS_xSe_1?x phase.     

Die Systeme Nickel—Selen und Kobalt—Nickel-Selen

Zusammenfassung Das System Ni–Se wurde thermisch und röntgenographisch untersucht und aus den Resultaten und aus Literaturangaben das Phasendiagramm aufgestellt. Die Hochtemperaturphase -Ni₃Se₂ zersetzt sich peritektisch bei 785 °C, die Verbindung Ni₆Se₅ peritektoidisch bei 647,5 °C. Die B8-(NiAs-)Phase Ni_1–x Se hat einen kongruenten Schmelzpunkt bei 53,5 At% Se und 959 °C und eine maximale Phasenbreite von 50,5 At% Se (785 °C) bis 56,8 At% Se (856 °C). NiSe₂ zerfällt peritektisch bei 853 °C in Ni_1–x Se und eine Se-reiche Schmelze. In Schmelzen mit mehr als 68,0 At% Se tritt oberhalb 856 °C eine Mischungslücke auf. Röntgenographisch konnte die Existenz der vier Verbindungen -Ni₃Se₂, Ni₆Se₅, Ni_1–x Se und NiSe₂ bestätigt werden.Im Dreistoffsystem Co–Ni–Se wurden drei Schnitte untersucht. In den quasibinären Schnitten zwischen den B8-Phasen Ni_1–x Se und Co_1–x Se und zwischen den C2-Phasen NiSe₂ und CoSe₂ sind die Legierungen sowohl im flüssigen als auch im festen Zustand vollkommen mischbar. In beiden Schnitten fallen die Liquidus- und Solidustemperaturen kontinuierlich von der Co-zur Ni-Seite ab. Die ternäre Phase (Co_1–y Ni _y )₁₁Se₈ ist bei 400 °C zwischen 0,9>y>0,5 stabil.

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The systems nickel—selenium and cobalt—nickel—selenium. Transition metal-chalcogen systems, II Übergangsmetall-Chalkogensysteme, 2. Mitt.

The Ni–Se system was investigated by X-ray and thermal analyses and from the results and from published data the Ni–Se phase diagram was constructed. The high temperature phase -Ni₃Se₂ decomposes peritectically at 785°C, the compound Ni₆Se₅ peritectoidically at 647.5°C. The B8 (NiAs) phase Ni_1–x Se has a congruent melting point at 53.5 at% Se and 959°C and a maximum range of homogeneity between 50.5 at% Se (785 °C) and 56.8 at% Se (856 °C). NiSe₂ decomposes peritectically at 853 °C into Ni_1–x Se and a Se-rich melt. Melts with more than 68.0 at% Se exhibit above 856 °C a miscibility gap. X-ray investigations confirmed the existence of the four compounds -Ni₃Se₂, Ni₆Se₅, Ni1– xSe, and NiSe₂.Three sections of the ternary system Co–Ni–Se were investigated. Alloys of the quasibinary sections between the B8 phases Ni_1–x Se and Co_1–x Se and between the C2 phases NiSe₂ and CoSe₂ are completely miscible in the liquid as well as in the solid state. The liquidus and the solidus temperatures in these sections drop continuously from the Co-to the Ni-side of the diagram. The ternary phase (Co_1–y Ni _y )₁₁Se₈ is stable at 400 °C between 0.9<y<0.5.

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Mit 5 Abbildungen     

Synthesis of nickel selenide thin films for high performance all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitors

As a significant semiconductor, nickel selenide shows enormous potential and extensive application prospects in the field of sensor, photocatalysis and supercapacitor. In this paper, nickel selenide (Ni₃Se₂, NiSe) thin films were successfully fabricated on stainless-steel sheet using a facile, effective electrodeposition technique. The morphologies, microstructures and chemical compositions of the thin films are characterized systematically. Electrochemical tests exhibit that the Ni₃Se₂ and NiSe possess high specific capacitance of 581.1 F/g and 1644.7 F/g, respectively. A flexible, all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor is assembled by utilizing NiSe film as positive electrode and activated carbon as negative electrode. The solid device delivers a high areal capacitance of 27.0 mF/cm² at the current density of 0.7 mA/cm². The maximum volumetric energy density and power density of the NiSe//AC asymmetric SCs can achieve 0.26 mWh/cm³ and 33.35 mW/cm³, respectively. The device shows robust cycling stability with 84.6% capacitance retention after 10,000 cycles, outstanding flexibility and satisfactory mechanical stability. Moreover, two devices in series can light up a red light-emitting diode, which displayed great potential applications for energy storage.     

Boosting Na+ Storage Ability of Bimetallic MoxW1−xSe2 with Expanded Interlayers

In spite of the valuable advancements in the fabrication of transition-metal selenides (TMSs)-based hybrid structures, only single-metal selenides have been obtained through most of the present methods. Herein, a facile room-temperature self-polymerization and subsequent selenization strategy is proposed for the synthesis of bimetallic Mo_xW_1−xSe₂ nanosheets with expanded interlayers decorated with N-doped carbon-matrix assembled flowerlike hierarchical microspheres (Mo_xW_1−xSe₂/NC). Depending on the excellent coordination ability of dopamine with metal ions, self-formed flowerlike single precursors are harvested. The unique hybrid architecture benefits the penetration of the electrolyte, accelerates Na⁺ insertion/extraction kinetics, enhances electron-transfer ability, and alleviates the volume expansion and aggregation during cycling processes. Therefore, the bimetallic Mo_xW_1−xSe₂/NC electrode delivers high reversible capacities of 264 mA h g⁻¹ at 1 A g⁻¹ for 700 cycles, 204.4 mA h g⁻¹ at 4 A g⁻¹ for 1400 cycles, and 153.3 mA h g⁻¹ at 8 A g⁻¹ for 2000 cycles, as well as an excellent rate capability up to 10 A g⁻¹ with a capacity of 188.9 mA h g⁻¹. Our study offers an effective strategy to boost sodium storage performance through elaborate structural engineering.     

Die Seltenerdmetallpolyselenide Gd8Se15, Tb8Se15−x,Dy8Se15−x,Ho8Se15−x,Er8Se15−x und Y8Se15−x (0 < x ≤ 0.3) – Zunehmende Fehlordnung in ausgedünnten,planaren Selenschichten

The Rare Earth Metal Polyselenides Gd₈Se₁₅, Tb₈Se_15?x, Dy₈Se_15?x, Ho₈Se_15?x, Er₈Se_15?x, and Y₈Se_15?x – Increasing Disorder in Defective Planar Selenium Layers Single crystals of the rare earth metal polyselenides Gd₈Se₁₅, Tb₈Se_15?x, Dy₈Se_15?x, Ho₈Se_15?x, Er₈Se_15?x, and Y₈Se_15?x (0 < x ≤ 0.3) have been prepared by chemical transport reactions (1120 K→ 970 K, 14 days, I₂ as carrier) starting from pre‐annealed powders of nominal compositions between LnSe₂ and LnSe_1.9. The isostructural title compounds adopt a 3 × 4 × 2 superstructure of the ZrSSi type and can be described in space group Amm2 with lattice parameters of a = 12.161(1) Å, b = 16.212(2) Å and c = 16.631(2) Å (Gd₈Se₁₅), a = 12.094(2) Å, b = 16.123(2) Å and c = 16.550(2) Å (Tb₈Se_15?x), a = 12.036(2) Å, b = 16.060(2) Å and c = 16.475(2) Å (Dy₈Se_15?x), a = 11.993(2) Å, b = 15.999(2) Å and c = 16.471(2) Å (Ho₈Se_15?x), a = 11.908(2) Å, b = 15.921(2) Å and c = 16.428(2) Å (Er₈Se_15?x), and a = 12.045(2) Å, b = 16.072(3) Å and c = 16.626(3) Å (Y₈Se_15?x), respectively. The structure consists of puckered [LnSe] double slabs and planar Se layers alternating along [001]. The planar Se layers contain a disordered arrangement of dimers, Se^2? and vacancies. All compounds are semiconducting and contain trivalent rare earth metals (Ln³⁺).     

Synthesis,Characterization, and Chemical Vapor Transport of Solid Solutions in the MgMoO4‐NiMoO4 System

Two solid solution series exist in the system MgMoO₄‐NiMoO₄. The α‐Ni_1–yMg_yMoO₄ solution series, isostructural to α‐NiMoO₄, is thermodynamically stable at ambient conditions for compositions between 0 % and about 75 % magnesium content. The solution series β‐Mg_1–xNi_xMoO₄, isostructural to MgMoO₄ and the high temperature β modification of NiMoO₄, is thermodynamically stable at ambient conditions for compositions with < 25 % nickel content. A complete solid solution series β‐Mg_1–xNi_xMoO₄ exists at higher temperatures (> 823 K). The transition temperature for the α → β transition decreases with increasing magnesium content. The coexistence of both polymorphs at room temperature in samples with a wide range of composition is a result of the kinetic inhibition of the phase transition β → α. The chemical vapor transport of β‐Mg_1–xNi_xMoO₄ solid solutions with chlorine was investigated. Crystals with a nickel content up to 25 % were synthesized in temperature gradients 1273 K → 1223 K or 1273 K → 1173 K. Deposited nickel richer crystals are destroyed during cooling down to room temperature due to the phase transition. The observed distinctive nickel enrichment during the transport process is in good agreement with predictions by thermodynamic modeling.     

Magnetische Messungen in den Systemen Co—Se,Ni—Se und Co—Ni—Se

The magnetic behavior of the binary systems Co?Se and Ni?Se was investigated within the temperature region from 100 to 300 K. Both phases Co_1?x Se and CoSe₂ behave like antiferromagnetics following theCurie-Weiss law with magnetic moments between 2.22 and 3.16 μ_B. For the corresponding phases Ni_1?x Se and NiSe₂ the results indicate a feeblePauli paramagnetism. For some alloys a slight positive temperature coefficient could be observed. Three quasibinary sections of the ternary phase (Co_1?y Ni _y )_1?x Se and one section of (Co_1?y Ni _y )Se₂ were investigated in the ternary system Co?Ni?Se. For all sections the increase of the Ni-content resulted in a continuous shift fromCurie-Weiss behavior toPauli paramagnetism. Due to the change from negative to positive temperature coefficients some ternary alloys have a temperature-invariant paramagnetism.     

Spinelle mit substituierten Nichtmetallteilgittern. IV. Rötgenographische Untersuchung der Systeme CuCr2(S1−xSex)4 und CuCr2(Se1−xTex)4

Spinels with substituted Nonmetal Sublattices. IV. CuCr₂(S_1?xSe_x)₄ and CuCr₂(Se_1?xTe_x)₄ Polycrystalline samples of the spinel system CuCr₂(S_1?xSe_x)₄ have been prepared with 0 ≤ x ≤ 1. We found that in the spinel system CuCr₂(Se_1?xTe_x)₄ no solid solution is existent in the range 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.70. When S is substituted by Se and Se by Te the lattice constants increase linearely by 0.52 Å and 0.81 Å respectively. The anion-sublattice shows random distribution of the chalcogen atoms, the chalcogen parameters u are constant in the system CuCr₂(S_1?xSe_x)₄ with a mean value of u = 0.382₉. The calculated anion-cation-distances lead to a covalent tetrahedral radius r_Cu = 1.23 Å. This radius is in agreement with the radius r_Cu = 1.22 Å of Cu spinels with Cu in the valence +1.     

The paramagnetic properties of iron selenides with NiAs-type structure

The magnetic properties of the ferrimagnetic iron selenides with NiAs type structure between 51 and 59 at % Se have been investigated using a magnetic balance adapted for measurements up to 800°C. The magnetic susceptibilities of monoclinic -Fe_1–x Se and hexagonal -Fe_1–x Se with emphasis on stoichiometric Fe₃Se₄ and Fe₇Se₈ were studied in the paramagnetic region, and from the results phase boundaries and phase transformations derived. TheCurie-Weiss behaviour of alloys with hexagonal structure permitted the calculation of magnetic moments in the paramagnetic state. The deduced number of unpaired d-electronsn between 50 and 60 at % Se is restricted to the range of 4<n<5 assuming spin-only moments. The magnetic moments and their variation with composition evaluated on the basis of the conventional ionic model were found to be in good agreement with the experimental values.

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Paramagnetische Eigenschaften von Eisenseleniden mit NiAs-Struktur

Zusammenfassung Die magnetischen Eigenschaften von ferrimagnetischen Eisenseleniden mit NiAs-Struktur zwischen 51 und 59 At % Se wurden mit einer magnetischen Waage bis 800°C untersucht. Die magnetischen Suszeptibilitäten von monoklinem -Fe_1–x Se und hexagonalem -Fe_1–x Se mit besonderer Berücksichtigung von Fe₃Se₄ und Fe₇Se₈ wurden im paramagnetischen Bereich gemessen und von den Resultaten Phasengrenzen und Umwandlungen abgeleitet. DasCurie-Weiss-Verhalten der Legierungen mit hexagonaler Struktur erlaubte die Berechnung magnetischer Momente im paramagnetischen Zustand. Die daraus abgeleitete Zahl ungepaarter d-Elektronen zwischen 50 und 60 At % Se unter der Annahme von reinen Spinmomenten beschränkt sich auf 4<n<5. Mit Hilfe des konventionellen ionischen Modells berechnete magnetische Momente und ihre Konzentrationsabhängigkeit stimmen gut mit den experimentellen Werten überein.

     

One step synthesis of Fe4.4Ni17.6Se16 coupled NiSe foam as self-supported,highly efficient and durable oxygen evolution electrode

The development of cost-effective, durable and high-efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) electrocatalysts is an extremely critical technology for the large-scale industrial water electrolysis. Here, a new strategy is proposed to significantly enhance the electrocatalytic activity by forming a hybrid electrode of NiSe and Fe_4.4Ni_17.6Se₁₆ through direct selenization of porous iron-nickel (FeNi) alloy foam via thermal selenization process. The obtained self-supported Fe_4.4Ni_17.6Se₁₆/NiSe hybrid (FNS/NiSe) foam displays outstanding durability and remarkable catalytic activity in 1.0 M KOH with low overpotentials of 242 and 282 mV to achieve the current densities of 100 and 500 mA cm^?2, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, it exceeds most of the reported OER electrocatalysts in alkaline electrolytes.     

Studies on the La2−xSrxNiO4 (0 ⩽ x ⩽ 1) system

A new series of solid solutions of composition La_2?xSr_xNiO₄ (0 ? x ? 1) in which the oxidation state of nickel varies from +2 at x = 0 to +3 at x = 1 has been prepared. All the members of the system crystallize in the tetragonal K₂NiF₄ structure. The tetragonality ratio $\text{c}\text{a}$ shows a maximum at x = 0.5 which is interpreted as arising from a weak cooperative Jahn-Teller distortion due to octahedral site low-spin Ni³⁺ ions. The variation of electrical properties in the system is attributed to changes in electronic configuration of Ni³⁺.     

Quaternary Iron Nickel Cobalt Selenide as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Both Quasi‐Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells and Water Splitting

Iron nickel cobalt selenides are synthesized through a one‐step hydrothermal method. Quaternary Fe_0.37Ni_0.17Co_0.36Se demonstrates multifunctionality and shows high electrocatalytic activity for quasi‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells with a power conversion efficiency of 8.42 %, the hydrogen evolution reaction, the oxygen evolution reaction, and water splitting. The electric power output from tandem quasi‐solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells under one‐sun illumination is sufficient to split water and exhibits a solar‐to‐hydrogen conversion efficiency of 5.58 % with Fe_0.37Ni_0.17Co_0.36Se as the electrocatalyst in this integrated system. Owing to a remarkable synergistic effect, quaternary Fe_0.37Ni_0.17Co_0.36Se is proven to be superior to ternary nickel cobalt selenide in terms of conductivity, electrocatalytic activity, and photovoltaic performance.     

Sr(Ag1−xLix)2Se2 and [Sr3Se2][(Ag1−xLix)2Se2] Tunable Direct Band Gap Semiconductors

Synthesizing solids in molten fluxes enables the rapid diffusion of soluble species at temperatures lower than in solid-state reactions, leading to crystal formation of kinetically stable compounds. In this study, we demonstrate the effectiveness of mixed hydroxide and halide fluxes in synthesizing complex Sr/Ag/Se in mixed LiOH/LiCl. We have accessed a series of two-dimensional Sr(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂ layered phases. With increased LiOH/LiCl ratio or reaction temperature, Li partially substituted Ag to form solid solutions of Sr(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂ with x up to 0.45. In addition, a new type of intergrowth compound [Sr₃Se₂][(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂] was synthesized upon further reaction of Sr(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂ with SrSe. Both Sr(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂ and [Sr₃Se₂][(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂] exhibit a direct band gap, which increases with increasing Li substitution (x). Therefore, the band gap of Sr(Ag_1−xLi_x)₂Se₂ can be precisely tuned via fine-tuning x that is controlled by only the flux ratio and temperature.     

Tyrrellite,Cu(Co0.68Ni0.32)2Se4, isostructural with spinel

Tyrrellite, a naturally occurring Co–Ni–Cu selenide, has been studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It possesses the normal spinel‐type structure, with Cu occupying the tetrahedral site and (Co+Ni) the octahedral site. The average Cu—Se distance of 2.3688 (2) Å is close to that of 2.3703 (8) Å in CuCr₂Se₄, whereas the average (Co+Ni)—Se distance of 2.3840 (1) Å appears to be slightly shorter than most octahedral Co—Se or Ni—Se distances (∼2.40–2.50 Å) in other selenides. The refined structure provides a basis for a redefinition of the ideal chemical formula of tyrrellite, which should be Cu(Co,Ni)₂Se₄, rather than the previously suggested (Cu,Co,Ni)₃Se₄.     

Metallreiche Phasen im ternären System Ni-Se-Te

Zusammenfassung Die metallreichen Phasen im System Ni-Se-Te wurden durch Röntgenaufnahmen bei Zimmertemp. und bei höheren Temperaturen sowie durchDTA untersucht. Bei Zimmertemp. wurden im pseudo-binären Schnitt Ni₃(Se_1-x , Te _x )₂ Phasen mit den folgenden Strukturen gefunden: rhomboedrischer Ni₃S₂-Typ fürx=0; tetragonaler (Ni,Fe)₁₁Se₈-Typ für 0,15x0,35; tetragonaler Rickardit-Typ für 0,50x0,80; Überstrukturen des Rickardit-Typs für 0,95x1. Bei höheren Temperaturen verbreitert sich das Homogenitätsgebiet der Phase mit der tetragonalen Rickardit-Struktur. Über 600–770°C tritt im ganzen Gebiet 0x1 eine kubisch.

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Metal-rich phases in the ternary system Ni-Se-Te

The metal-rich phases in the system Ni-Se-Te have been studied by X-ray diffraction at room temperature and elevated temperatures, and byDTA. At room temperature phases with the following structures were found in the pseudo-binary section Ni₃(Se_1-x , Te _x )₂: rhombohedral Ni₃S₂ type forx=0; tetragonal (Ni,Fe)₁₁Se₈ type for 0,15x0,35; tetragonal rickardite type for 0,50x0,80; superstructures of the rickardite type for 0,95x1. At higher temperatures the homogeneity range of the phase with the tetragonal rickardite structure broadens. Above 600–770°C a face-centered cubic phase exists in the whole range 0x1; a model for the structure of this phase is proposed. The compound Ni_2,6Te₂ is orthorhombic at room temperature; it becomes hexagonal at 720°C and disproportionates at 820°C; by partial substitution of Te by Se the hexagonal form is stabilized at room temperature. Similarly, the compound Ni₆Se₅ which is stable above 440°C only, is stabilized at room temperature by partial substitution of Se by Te. The phase Ni₆(Se_1-x , Te _x )₅ decomposes by a peritectoid reaction at 650° (x=0) to 590°C (x=0,3).

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Herrn Prof. Dr.H. Nowotny gewidmet.     

Thermodynamic properties of nickel—selenium alloys

Vapor pressures of selenium in nickel—selenium alloys were determined by an isopiestic method between 450° and 1000°C and between 45 and 66.6 at% Se. Activities of selenium were evaluated according to three methods. For the NiAs-type Ni_1?x Se phase a statistical model was applied assuming random distribution of metal atoms and metal vacancies in the partially vacant (00 1/2) layers of the lattice. Good agreement between experimental and theoretical values was obtained. The interaction energy between nickel vacancies was found to be 8600 cal/g-atom.     

Crystal Chemistry and Physical Properties of the Nonmagnetic Kondo Compound HfAs1.7Se0.2

Single crystals of HfAs_1.7Se_0.2 are grown by chemical transport reaction and their chemical composition characterized in detail by various analytical methods. Chemical analyses and crystal structure investigations by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as powder diffraction with synchrotron radiation reveal a tetragonal PbFCl structure type with strong disorder caused by a significant arsenic deficiency (As_0.9) on the 2a site and mixed occupancy of the 2c site (As_0.8Se_0.2). HfAs_1.7Se_0.2 is a diamagnetic metal which transforms into a superconducting state at T_c=0.52 K. Similar to other PbFCl‐type arsenide selenides, the title compound displays a magnetic‐field‐independent ?AT^1/2 term in the low‐temperature electrical resistivity. This unusual term presumably originates from the electron scattering of structural two‐level systems. According to the experimental results, HfAs1.7Se0.2 appears to be a rare example of a nonmagnetic Kondo material.     

Structural Characterisation of the Li Argyrodites Li7PS6 and Li7PSe6 and their Solid Solutions: Quantification of Site Preferences by MAS‐NMR Spectroscopy

Li₇PS₆ and Li₇PSe₆ belong to a class of new solids that exhibit high Li⁺ mobility. A series of quaternary solid solutions Li₇PS_6?xSe_x (0≤x≤6) were characterised by X‐ray crystallography and magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS‐NMR) spectroscopy. The high‐temperature (HT) modifications were studied by single‐crystal investigations (both F$\bar 4$ 3m, Z=4, Li₇PS₆: a=9.993(1) Å, Li₇PSe₆: a=10.475(1) Å) and show the typical argyrodite structures with strongly disordered Li atoms. HT‐Li₇PS₆ and HT‐Li₇PSe₆ transform reversibly into low‐temperature (LT) modifications with ordered Li atoms. X‐ray powder diagrams show the structures of LT‐Li₇PS₆ and LT‐Li₇PSe₆ to be closely related to orthorhombic LT‐α‐Cu₇PSe₆. Single crystals of the LT modifications are not available due to multiple twinning and formation of antiphase domains. The gradual substitution of S by Se shows characteristic site preferences closely connected to the functionalities of the different types of chalcogen atoms (S, Se). High‐resolution solid‐state ³¹P NMR is a powerful method to differentiate quantitatively between the distinct (PS_4?nSe_n)^3? local environments. Their population distribution differs significantly from a statistical scenario, revealing a pronounced preference for P? S over P? Se bonding. This preference, shown for the series of LT samples, can be quantified in terms of an equilibrium constant specifying the melt reaction Se_P+S^2??S_P+Se^2?, prior to crystallisation. The ⁷⁷Se MAS‐NMR spectra reveal that the chalcogen distributions in the second and third coordination sphere of the P atoms are essentially statistical. The number of crystallographically independent Li atoms in both LT modifications was analysed by means of ⁶Li{⁷Li} cross polarisation magic angle spinning (CPMAS).     

Stepwise Assembly of MII7 Clusters Revealed by Mass Spectrometry,EXAFS, and Crystallography

The square‐planar monomer NiL₂ ( Ni₁ ), L=2‐ethoxy‐6‐(N‐methyl‐iminomethyl)phenolate, reacts with M(H₂O)₆(ClO₄)₂, M=Ni or Co, to form heptanuclear disks [Co_xNi_7?x(OH)₆(L)₆](ClO₄)₂ ? 2 CH₃CN ( Co _x Ni_7?x , x=0–7) and the co‐crystal [Co_xNi_7?x(OH)₆L₆][NiL₂](ClO₄)₂ ? 2 CH₃CN ( Co _x Ni_7?x ‐Ni₁ ) under ambient conditions. It has proved possible to explore the bottom‐up assembly process of Co _x Ni_7?x and Co _x Ni_7?x ‐Ni₁ in real time. The final products have been characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, IR, elemental analysis, ICP‐MS, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Time‐dependent mass spectrometry (MS) revealed the following reaction steps: Ni₁→[M₂L₃]⁺→[M₄(OH)₂L₄]²⁺→[M₇(OH)₆L₆]²⁺. In contrast, the reaction of Ni₁ with Zn²⁺ only reaches halfway, and crystallographic evidence indicates a butterfly structure for [Zn₂Ni₂(OH)₂Cl₂] ( Zn₂Ni₂ ), an intermediate that is difficult to isolate in the above Ni‐Co series. A summation method has been used to analyze the MS of bimetallic clusters with very similar atomic masses, as is the case for Co and Ni. The results provide ample information on the distribution of Co and Ni within each cluster and their statistical distribution within selected crystals.