Simulation of defects formed by cations of bivalent and trivalent metals in the structure of potassium dihydrogen phosphate: A computational technique

This paper reports on the results of crystal chemical analysis and computer simulation of the defect structure of potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) containing impurities of bivalent and trivalent metals. It is shown that these impurities can form defect centers of different types: isolated centers formed by M ³⁺ and Ni²⁺ ions and, in part, by Co²⁺ ions at interstitial sites, chains composed of M ²⁺ impurity ions with radii from ≈0.65 to ≈1.1 Å, and centers created through the substitution of large-sized bivalent cations for potassium ions either with the formation of additional potassium vacancies or through the heterovalent isomorphism mechanism. The calculations are performed using different-type interatomic interaction potentials, and a comparative analysis of the results obtained is carried out.     

Instability of the local environment of Mn<Superscript>2+</Superscript> in BaF<Subscript>2</Subscript>

Excitation and luminescence spectra and luminescence lifetime of Mn²⁺ ion in BaF₂ crystals at 77 K have been investigated for the first time. Mn²⁺ ions in the crystal are coordinated by six and eight fluorine ions, have a trigonal environment, and form exchange-coupled pairs. Several types of centers of the Mn²⁺ ion are formed mainly because of the large difference in the Mn²⁺ and Ba²⁺ ionic radii, which causes instability of the local structure around the activator and its strain, and exchange striction. An increase in the impurity concentration enhances these factors, thus changing the relative concentration of various centers.     

New transition metal fluoride glasses isolated in the PbF2MtIIF2MtIIIF3 systems

New glasses have been prepared in the PbF₂M_t^IIF₂M_t^IIIF₃ systems (m_t^II = Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺; M_t^III = Fe³⁺, V³⁺, Cr³⁺, Ga³⁺). The extent of the vitreous area is shown in a PbF₂MnF₂FeF₃ diagram. Thermal properties have been measured for all samples. Some of these glasses are very transparent over a wide range of wavelengths (from 250–12 000 nm). The sixfold coordination of transition metal ions has been established by spectroscopic investigations. The structure of the glasses is discussed on the basis of a random corner-sharing of MF₆ octahedra.     

Synthesis and crystal chemical characteristics of the structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">M</Emphasis><Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript> phosphates

Double phosphates of zirconium and metals with an oxidation degree of +2 of the composition M_0.5Zr₂(PO₄)₃ (M = Mg, Ca, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, and Ba) are synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction methods and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structures of all the compounds are based on three-dimensional frameworks of corner-sharing PO₄-tetrahedra and ZrO₆-octahedra. Phosphates with large Cd²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, and Ba²⁺ cations octahedrally coordinated with oxygen atoms form rhombohedral structures (space group R3), whereas phosphates with small tetrahedrally coordinated Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn ²⁺, and Mn²⁺-cations are monoclinic (space group P2₁/n). The effect of various structure-forming factors on the M_0.5Zr₂(PO₄)₃ compounds with a common structural motif but different symmetries are discussed.     

Optical and magnetic properties of first-row transition metal ions in lead-silicate glass

First-row transition metal ions in lead-silicate glasses of composition: 37.9% mol PbO, 61.8% mol SiO₂ have been studied with regard to the oxidation state and the coordination by means of optical and magnetic measurements. Optical spectra have been recorded at 300 and 77 K. All the observed bands are assigned as being due to d-d transitions in T_d and/or O_h fields. Magnetic moments are of the order of the spin-only values. By ESR measurements we reveal and quantify titanium, vanadium and manganese oxidation states not detectable by the other techniques.It turns out that the various metal ions have the following oxidation states: Ti³⁺ and Ti⁴⁺, V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺, Cr³⁺ and Cr⁶⁺, Mn²⁺ and Mn³⁺, Fe³⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺. The coordination is 4-fold for Ti⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺ and 6-fold for Mn³⁺ and Cu²⁺. Moreover it has been found that Fe³⁺, Co²⁺ and Ni²⁺ are both 4-fold and 6-fold coordinated and that Cr³⁺ and Cr⁶⁺ oxidation states coexist in the same sample.     

Characterization of defects generated by di-and trivalent cations in the potassium-dihydrophosphate structure and their influence on growth kinetics and face morphology

Different types of defect sites generated by the impurities of divalent (M²⁺) and trivalent (M³⁺) metals in the structure of potassium dihydrophosphate KH₂PO₄ (KDP) were revealed by crystal-chemical analysis and computer simulation. These sites cause different deformations of the crystal matrix by generating different local strains, which enhance the inhibiting effect of impurity atoms adsorbed on the surface. This fact accounts for the different influence of di-and trivalent cations on the growth kinetics and face morphology of KDP crystals. The effect of the M³⁺ ions is associated primarily with their adsorption on the face surfaces, whereas the influence of the M²⁺ ions results from their insertion into the surface layer of the crystal.     

Equilibrium coefficients of co‐crystallization of M2+ ions with MgSeO4·6H2O and their dependences on various physicochemical factors

Equilibrium co‐crystallization coefficients of low amounts of M²⁺ions (M²⁺ = {Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Zn²⁺, Mn²⁺, Cd²⁺}) with MgSeO₄·6H₂O at 25 °C have been determined. Their values are comprised in the range: 0.058 (for Cd) < k_eq < 1.57 (for Co) and depend on some physicochemical and crystal chemical properties of both: co‐crystallizing salts (MSeO₄·nH₂O) and co‐crystallizing ions (M²⁺). These dependences are sometimes such strong, that they make it possible to derive simple formulae permitting estimation of k_eq coefficients at average error not exceeding 17%. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Structural features of compounds of the sillenite family

It is shown that the real composition and structure of phases belonging to the sillenite family can be determined using a complex of techniques (diffraction methods, vibrational and X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and electron probe X-ray microanalysis) with a subsequent crystal-chemical analysis of the data. Refined compositions are presented for phases of nominal composition Bi₂₄ M ₂O₄₀ with M = Zn²⁺, Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, Fe³⁺, Si⁴⁺, Ti⁴⁺, Mn⁴⁺, and P⁵⁺, which demonstrate types and concentrations of point defects as functions of the M type.     

Gaseous complexes — Their role in chemical transport

The literature about gaseous complexes consisting of two different metals and one halide is reviewed. With respect to chemical transport the most important properties of gaseous complexes are their appreciable thermodynamic stability and their volatility. This is clearly illustrated in the case of RbSnCl₃, whose vapour in equilibrium with the melt at 980 °K contains around 25 mole% of RbSnCl₃ (g) and whose vapour pressure is around 20 times higher than that of RbCl. Gaseous complexes of the type Mⁿ⁺L₂Cl_n+6 (M = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Mn²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Nd³⁺, Cr³⁺; L = Fe³⁺, Al³⁺) can, in an atmosphere of L₂Cl₆(g), have vapour pressures up to 10⁷ times higher than the vapour pressure of MCl_n. The importance of such gaseous complexes for the chemical transport of MCl_n and of compounds containing Mⁿ⁺ will be discussed.     

Cation distribution in the structure of titanium-containing ludwigite

The crystal structure of natural titanium-containing ludwigite has been refined. The unit-cell parameters are a = 9.260 ± 0.002 Å, b = 12.294± 0.002 Å, c = 3.0236± 0.0005 Å, sp. gr. Pbam, and R = 0.0288. The observed cation distribution over the M1-M4 positions corresponds to the structural formula (Mg_0.5)(Mg_1.0)(Mg_0.338Fe _0.162 ²⁺ )(Fe _0.47 ³⁺ Ti _0.21 ⁴⁺ Mg _0.15 ²⁺ Al _0.10 ³⁺ Fe _0.07 ²⁺ (BO₃)O₂. Highly charged titanium ions in the M4 position are balanced mainly with magnesium and not with divalent iron ions.     

Distribution of metallic ions in a single KDP crystal grown from aqueous solution

A single KDP (potassium dihydrogen phosphate) crystal was grown in a supersaturated solution containing a metallic ion (Al³⁺, Fe³⁺, or Cr³⁺). The growth rate, morphology, and distribution of the metallic ions into the KDP crystal were measured as the ionic concentration and supersaturation in the solution changed. It was found that in the KDP crystal, Al³⁺ and Fe³⁺ were greatly concentrated, but Cr³⁺ was diluted. Complete expressions for the effect of metallic ions on all aspects of the growth of KDP crystal were suggested. The growth rates of (100) and (101) faces were well correlated by the empirical equation and resulted in good estimation of morphology. The distribution of metallic ions into KDP crystal was also correlated by the distribution model. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Effect of trace metals on reactive crystallization of gypsum

The effect of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Cr³⁺ ions on crystallization of calcium sulfate dihydrate (gypsum) produced by the reaction between calcium hydroxide suspension and sulphuric acid solution was investigated at 3.5 pH and 65°C in the absence and presence of 2500 ppm citric acid concentration. Crystal size distributions, filtration rates, and morphology of gypsum were determined and discussed as a function of ion concentration. Average particle size of gypsum was not affected significantly by the presence of Fe²⁺, Fe³⁺, and Cr³⁺ ions individually. Variation of gypsum morphology depending on ion concentration affected the filtration characteristics. The presence of Fe³⁺ or Cr³⁺ ions besides 2500 ppm citric acid influenced both average particle size and filtration characteristics. The effect of citric acid on gypsum morphology was suppressed at high Fe³⁺ and Cr³⁺ ion concentrations. The change of morphology is related to the complex formation between Fe³⁺ or Cr³⁺ ions and citric acid at high ion concentrations. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Studies on electrical conduction behavior of La1‐3xCaxBaxSrxMnO3 synthesized by chemical route

In the manganite La_1‐xM_xMnO₃ (M = Ca, Ba, Sr) the doping concentration introduces a mixed valency (Mn³⁺, Mn⁴⁺) which governs the magnetic and electrical properties of the compound. The perovskite oxides La_1‐3xCa_xBa_xSr_xMnO₃ (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10) were prepared by chemical method. Single‐phase formation is confirmed by XRD studies. The electrical behavior of compositions with x = 0.00, 0.05 and 0.10 in the system La_1‐3xCa_xBa_xSr_xMnO₃ was studied in the temperature range 300‐420 K. It is observed that conductivity decreases with increasing temperature as well as dopants concentration. Metallic behavior of these compositions decreases with increasing dopants concentration (x). The microstructures of these samples have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). (© 2007 WILEY ‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

Growth and properties of Ba‐doped KDP crystals

KDP crystals were rapidly grown from solution doped with different Ba²⁺ concentrations. The effects of Ba²⁺ on the growth rate, morphology and quality of KDP crystals were discussed. Significant changes in shapes and volume of the grown crystals have been observed. During the growth process, defect region expands gradually with the increasing Ba²⁺ concentration. Samples were cut from different parts of the as‐grown crystals for investigating the optical quality, including transmission spectrum, scattering centers. Through comparison, it is found that the nonuniform distribution of Ba²⁺ ions causes remarkable difference in optical quality between prismatic and pyramidal sectors. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

State of Fe3+ ion and Fe3+ −F− interaction in calcium fluorosilicate glasses

The state of Fe³⁺ ions and Fe³⁺ ?F^? interaction in calcium fluorosilicate glasses xCaF₂·(1- x)CaO·SiO₂) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3) containing a small amount of iron were investigated by ESR spectroscopy. Two resonances observed near g = 2.0 and g = 4.3 were assigned to dipole-dipole interacted Fe³⁺ ions and Fe³⁺ ions in a rhombic crystal field, respectively. The fraction of Fe³⁺ ions in a rhombic crystal field decreased and that of dipole-dipole interacted Fe³⁺ ions increased with increasing Fe₂O₃ content. It was found that the quantity of dipole-dipole interacted Fe³⁺ ions depends on the negative partial charge of fluorine ions and shows a maximum at 10 mol% CaF₂ (x = 0.2). The maximum is attributed to the largest difference between absolute values of the ionic potentials of ferric and fluorine ions which is caused by the smallest negative partial charge of flourine at 10 mol% CaF₂.     

Magnetic resonance study of the crystallization behavior of InF3-based glasses doped with Cu2+, Mn2+ and Gd3+

The crystallization of fluoroindate glasses doped with Gd³⁺, Mn²⁺ and Cu²⁺ heat treated at different temperatures, ranging from the glass transition temperature (T_g) to the crystallization temperature (T_c), are investigated by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and ¹⁹F nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The EPR spectra indicate that the Cu²⁺ ions in the glass are located in axially distorted octahedral sites. In the crystallized glass, the g-values agreed with those reported for Ba₂ZnF₆, which correspond to Cu²⁺ in a tetragonal compressed F⁻ octahedron and to Cu²⁺ on interstitial sites with a square-planar F⁻ co-ordination. The EPR spectra of the Mn²⁺ doped glasses exhibit a sextet structure due to the Mn²⁺ hyperfine interaction. These spectra suggest a highly ordered environment for the Mn²⁺ ions (close to octahedral symmetry) in the glass. The EPR spectra of the recrystallized sample exhibit resonances at the same position, suggesting that the Mn²⁺ ions are located in sites of highly symmetric crystalline field. The increase of the line intensity of the sextet and the decrease of the background line in the thermal treated samples suggest that the Mn²⁺ ions move to the highly ordered sites which contribute to the sextet structure. The EPR spectra of the Gd³⁺ doped glasses exhibit the typical U-spectrum of a s-state ion in a low symmetry site in disordered systems. The EPR of the crystallized glasses, in contrast, have shown a strong resonance in g ≈ 2.0, suggesting Gd³⁺ ions in environment close to cubic symmetry. The ¹⁹F NMR spin–lattice relaxation rates were also strongly influenced by the crystallization process that takes over in samples annealed above T_c. For the glass samples (doped or undoped) the ¹⁹F magnetization recoveries were found to be adjusted by an exponential function and the spin–lattice relaxation was characterized by a single relaxation time. In contrast, for the samples treated above T_c, the ¹⁹F magnetization-recovery becomes non-exponential. A remarkable feature of our results is that the changes in the Cu²⁺, Mn²⁺, Gd³⁺ EPR spectra and NMR relaxation, are always observed for the samples annealed above T_c.     

Mechanism of growth of ZnO single crystals from hydrothermal alkali solutions

The results obtained in experiments on the growth of zinc oxide, ZnO, under hydrothermal conditions are generalized. The polar growth and nonstoichiometry of ZnO crystals are analyzed in terms of crystal chemistry with due regard for the physicochemical conditions of the growth medium. The effect of the Li⁺ and of di-and trivalent metal (Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Mn²⁺, Fe³⁺, Mn³⁺, Sc³⁺, In³⁺) impurities on the kinetics and some physical characteristics of ZnO crystals are studied, and the chemical reactions occurring on the surfaces of the (0001) and \((000\bar 1)\) faces are considered.     

Über die Kristallstrukturdifferenzen der MeSO4 · nH2O-Salztypen

On the basis of the systematized data on the crystal structure of salts of the MeSO₄ · nH₂O type, where Me = Mg²⁺, Ni²⁺, Zn²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺ and n = 0–7, it is established that the differences in the structures of given chemical type metal sulphate crystal hydrates are determined by the nature of the metal ion. The differences in the crystal structure of the heptahydrate, as well as the existence or non-existence of crystal hydrates of some of the ions considered are explained with the electron configuration of the metal ions. The deformation trend of the octahedral coordination of the metal ions considered increases in the following way:      

EPR spectra of Cr3+-doped LuNbO4 crystals

Ferroelastic LuNbO₄ single crystals containing 0.3 at. % Cr³⁺ ions have been grown by the floating zone technique, and their EPR spectra have been studied at a frequency of 9.8 GHz at room temperature. The lines on the spectra are due to the transitions caused by three paramagnetic centers formed as a result of the replacement of one isovalent position of a Lu₃₊ ion and two nonisovalent positions of Nb₅₊ions by Cr₃₊-ions. As a result of twinning, the line number is doubled and four principal directions arise along which the same spectra are obtained. The spectra of these centers were described by a spin Hamiltonian with S = 3/2, the D and E parameters ranging from 0.024 to 0.17 cm^?1, and the g-factors g ∥ = 1.75–2.20 and g ⊥ = 1.90–2.13.     

Magnetic interactions in frustrated Mn3Fe4(VO4)6

Magnetic interactions in a site-disordered multicomponent vanadate Mn₃Fe₄(VO₄)₆ are studied using DC magnetization and multifrequency Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR). The static magnetic susceptibility χ shows antiferromagnetic interactions between Fe³⁺ and Mn²⁺ spins with a Curie–Weiss temperature Θ = ?165(5) K. EPR measurements indicate a strong dependence of χ on the frequency and temperature. The EPR spectra due to iron and manganese ions are observed in the X-band. It is mostly manganese ions that are observed at 80 GHz while two kinds of magnetic centers are identified at frequencies above 160 GHz. The observed shifts of the resonance lines for Fe³⁺ ions at low frequencies differ from those at high frequencies. The observed features may be due to different magnetic sublattices which modify the magnetic ground state, while competing magnetic interactions may lead to magnetic frustration. It appears that the very high magnetic fields employed in our high-frequency EPR measurements may affect the spin-flop transitions anticipated below Neel temperature T_N.