Synthesis, structure, chemical stability, and electrical properties of Nb-, Zr-, and Nb-codoped BaCeO3 perovskites

We report the effect of donor-doped perovskite-type BaCeO(3) on the chemical stability in CO(2) and boiling H(2)O and electrical transport properties in various gas atmospheres that include ambient air, N(2), H(2), and wet and dry H(2). Formation of perovskite-like BaCe(1-x)Nb(x)O(3±δ) and BaCe(0.9-x)Zr(x)Nb(0.1)O(3±δ) (x = 0.1; 0.2) was confirmed using powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron diffraction (ED). The lattice constant was found to decrease with increasing Nb in BaCe(1-x)Nb(x)O(3±δ), which is consistent with Shannon's ionic radius trend. Like BaCeO(3), BaCe(1-x)Nb(x)O(3±δ) was found to be chemically unstable in 50% CO(2) at 700 °C, while Zr doping for Ce improves the structural stability of BaCe(1-x)Nb(x)O(3±δ). AC impedance spectroscopy was used to estimate electrical conductivity, and it was found to vary with the atmospheric conditions and showed mixed ionic and electronic conduction in H(2)-containing atmosphere. Arrhenius-like behavior was observed for BaCe(0.9-x)Zr(x)Nb(0.1)O(3±δ) at 400-700 °C, while Zr-free BaCe(1-x)Nb(x)O(3±δ) exhibits non-Arrhenius behavior at the same temperature range. Among the perovskite-type oxides investigated in the present work, BaCe(0.8)Zr(0.1)Nb(0.1)O(3±δ) showed the highest bulk electrical conductivity of 1.3 × 10(-3) S cm(-1) in wet H(2) at 500 °C, which is comparable to CO(2) and H(2)O unstable high-temperature Y-doped BaCeO(3) proton conductors.     

Crystal Structure of 1-Methyl-5-phenylhydantoin

1　INTRODUCTIONInourinvestigationofhemithioacetals,wediscoveredthatα-benzoylhemithioac-etalisquitestableandhastwoelectrophilicsitesthatcanreactwithalkylureastoformahydantoinring[1].Althoughthehydantoinringitselfdoesnotpresentanymedicinalactivity,somedisubstitutedhydantoinshavebeenwidelyusedasmedicineforitsregulareffectonthebioelectricactivityofthenervoussystem.Inordertoim-proveandexpandtheactivityaswellastopreventsideeffects,variouskindsofhy-dantoinderivativeshavebeenpreparedandtested[2].…     

Crystal structure of novel compounds in the systems Zr-Cu-Al, Mo-Pd-Al and partial phase equilibria in the Mo-Pd-Al system

The crystal structures of three Al-rich compounds have been solved from X-ray single crystal diffractometry: τ(1)-MoPd(2-x)Al(8+x) (x = 0.067); τ(7)-Zr(Cu(1-x)Al(x))(12) (x = 0.514) and τ(9)-ZrCu(1-x)Al(4) (x = 0.144). τ(1)-MoPd(2-x)Al(8+x) adopts a unique structure type (space group Pbcm; lattice parameters a = 0.78153(2), b = 1.02643(3) and c = 0.86098(2) nm), which can be conceived as a superstructure of the Mo(Cu(x)Al(1-x))(6)Al(4) type. Whereas Mo-atoms occupy the 4d site, Pd(2) occupies the 4c site, Al and Pd(1) atoms randomly share the 4d position and the rest of the positions are fully occupied by Al. A B?rnighausen tree documents the crystallographic group-subgroup relation between the structure types of Mo(Cu(x)Al(1-x))(6)Al(4) and τ(1). τ(7)-Zr(Cu(1-x)Al(x))(12) (x = 0.514) has been confirmed to crystallize with the ThMn(12) type (space group I4/mmm; lattice parameters a = 0.85243(2) and c = 0.50862(3) nm). In total, 4 crystallographic sites were defined, out of which, Zr occupies site 2a, the 8f site is fully occupied by Cu, the 8i site is entirely occupied by Al, but the 8j site turned out to comprise a random mixture of Cu and Al atoms. The compound τ(9)-ZrCu(1-x)Al(4) (x = 0.144) crystallizes in a unique structure type (space group P4/nmm; lattice parameters a = 0.40275(3) and c = 1.17688(4) nm) which exhibits full atom order but a vacancy (14.4%) on the 2c site, shared with Cu atoms. τ(9)-ZrCu(1-x)Al(4) is a superstructure of Cu with an arrangement of three unit cells of Cu in the direction of the c-axis. A B?rnighausen tree documents this relationship. The ZrCu(1-x)Al(4) type (n = 3) is part of a series of structures which follow this building principle: Cu (n = 1), TiAl(3) (n = 2), τ(5)-TiNi(2-x)Al(5) (n = 4), HfGa(2) (n = 6) and Cu(3)Pd (n = 7). A partial isothermal section for the Al-rich part of the Mo-Pd-Al system at 860 °C has been established with two ternary compounds τ(1)-MoPd(2-x)Al(8+x) and τ(2) (unknown structure). The Vickers hardness (H(v)) for τ(1) was found to be 842 ± 40 MPa.     

V2AlC, V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31), and V12Al3C8: synthesis, crystal growth, structure, and superstructure

Single crystals of V2AlC and the new carbides V4AlC3-x and V12Al3C8 were synthesized from metallic melts. V2AlC was formed with an excess of Al, while V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) and V12Al3C8 require the addition of cobalt to the melt. All compounds were characterized by XRD, EDX, and WDX measurements. Crystal structures were refined on the basis of single-crystal data. The crystal structures can be explained with a building-block system consisting of two types of partial structures. The intermetallic part with a composition VAl is a two-layer cutting of the hexagonal closest packing. The carbide partial structure is a fragment of the binary carbide VC1-x containing one or three layers. V2AlC is a H-phase (211-phase) with space group P63/mmc, Z=2, and lattice parameters of a=2.9107(6) A, and c=13.101(4) A. V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) represents a 413-phase with space group P63/mmc, Z=2, a=2.9302(4) A, and c=22.745(5) A. The C-deficit is limited to the carbon site of the central layer. V12Al3C8 is obtained at lower temperatures. In the superstructure (P63/mcm, Z=2, a=5.0882(7) A, and c=22.983(5) A) the vacancies on the carbon sites are ordered. The ordering is combined to a small shift of the V atoms. This ordered structure can serve as a structure model for the binary carbides TMC1-x as well. V4AlC3-x (x approximately 0.31) and V12Al3C8 are the first examples of the so-called MAX-phases (MX)nMM' (n=1, 2, 3), where a deficit of X and its ordered distribution in a superstructure is proven, (MX1-x)nMM'.     

Molecular and crystal structure of 1-amino-3,5-diphenyl-2,4,4,6,6-Pentacyano-cyclohex-1-ene and 1-amino-3,5-diphenyl-2,4,4,6-tetracyanocyclohex-1-ene

Molecular and crystal structures of 1-amino-3,5-diphenyl-2,4,4,6,6-pentacyano-cyclohex-1-ene (I) and 1-amino-3,5-diphenyl-2,4,4,6-tetracyanocyclohex-1-ene (II) are studied to examine intermolecular interactions. Crystal data for (I): space group P2₁, a=11.172(3), b=6.561(2), c=16.390(4) Å, β=100.25(2)⁰, V=1182.1 ų, Z=2, R=0.046; for (II): space group P1, a=10.756(3), b=10.890(3), c=12.999(3) Å, α=62.20(2), β=70.73(2), γ=65.42(2)⁰, V=1207.2 ų, Z=2, R=0.074. Intermolecular bonds via the aminonitrile fragment in (I) lead to formation of chains along they axis: N1…N6′ (1?x, ?1/2+y, 1?z) of 3.465(8) Å, N6…N1″ (1?x, 1/2+y, 1?z), and the contact with the solvent (acetone) O1…N1 of 2.984(7) Å. In compound (II), the intermolecular contacts N1…N5′ (?x+1, ?y, ?z+1) of 3.064(7) Å link the molecules into dimeric associates.     

Mixed-metal tellurites: synthesis, structure, and characterization of Na1.4Nb3Te4.9O18 and NaNb3Te4O16

Two new mixed-metal tellurites, Na1.4Nb3Te4.9O18 and NaNb3Te4O16, have been synthesized by standard solid-state techniques using Na2CO3, Nb2O5, and TeO2 as reagents. The structures of Na1.4Nb3Te4.9O18 and NaNb3Te4O16 were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Both of the materials exhibit three-dimensional structures composed of NbO6 octahedra, TeO4, and TeO3 polyhedra. The Nb5+ and Te4+ cations are in asymmetric coordination environments attributable to second-order Jahn-Teller (SOJT) effects. The Nb5+ cations undergo an intraoctahedral distortion toward a corner (local C4 direction), whereas the Te4+ cations are in distorted environments owing to their nonbonded electron pair. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy, UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and dielectric measurements were also performed on the reported materials. Crystal data: Na1.4Nb3Te4.9O18, monoclinic, space group C2/m (No. 12), with a = 32.377(5) A, b = 7.4541(11) A, c = 6.5649(9) A, beta = 95.636(5) degrees, V = 1576.7(4) A3, and Z = 4; NaNb3Te4O16, monoclinic, space group P2(1)/m (No. 11), with a = 6.6126(13) A, b = 7.4738(15) A, c = 14.034(3) A, beta = 102.98(3) degrees, V = 675.9(3) A3, and Z = 2.     

Syntheses, structure, and bonding of Rb14(Mg1-xInx)30. A nonstoichiometric phase with an unusual substitution in the anion framework

The title compound Rb(14)(Mg(1-x)In(x))(30) (x = 0.79-0.88) has been obtained from high-temperature reactions of the elements in welded Ta tubes. There is no analogous binary compound without Mg. The crystal structure established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction means (space group P2m (No. 189), Z = 1 and a = b = 10.1593(3) Angstroms, c = 17.783(1) Angstroms for x = 0.851) features two distinct types of anionic layers: isolated pentacapped trigonal prismatic In(11)(7-) clusters and condensed [(Mg(x)In(1-x))(5)In(14)](7-) layers. The latter consists of analogous M(11) (M = Mg/In) fragments that share prismatic edges and are interbridged by trigonal M(3) units. The structure shows substantial differences from related A(15)Tl(27) (A = Rb, Cs) in which the cation A that centers a six-membered ring of Tl(11) fragments is replaced by M(3.) Both linear muffin-tin orbital and extended Hückel calculations are used to analyze the observed phase width and site preferences. We further utilize the results to rationalize the distortion of the M(11) fragment in the condensed layer and also to correlate with electrical properties. An isomorphous phase region (Rb(y)K(1-)(y))(14)(Mg(1-x)In(x))(30) (y = 0.52, 0.66 for x = 0.79) is also formed.     

Two organically templated niobium and zinconiobium fluorophosphates: low temperature hydrothermal syntheses of NbOF(PO4)2(C2H10N2)2 and Zn3(NbOF)(PO4)4(C2H10N2)2

Two new niobium and zinconiobium fluorophosphates, NbOF(PO4)2(C2H10N2)2 (1) and Zn3(NbOF)(PO4)4-(C2H10N2)2 (2), have been prepared under hydrothermal conditions using ethylenediamine as a template. The structures were determined by single crystal diffraction to be triclinic, space group P1 (No. 2), a = 8.1075 (6) A, b = 9.8961 (7) A, c = 10.1420(8) A, alpha = 111.655(1) degrees, beta = 111.51(1) degrees, gamma = 93.206(1) degrees, V = 686.19(9) A3, and Z = 2 for 1 and orthorhombic, space group Fddd (No. 70), a = 9.1928(2) A, b = 14.2090(10) A, c = 32.2971 (6) A, V = 4218.66(12) A3, and Z = 8 for 2, respectively. Compound 1 is an infinite linear chain consisting of corner-sharing [Nb2P2] 4-MRs bridged at the Nb centers with organic amines situated between chains, and compound 2, containing the chains similar to that in 1, forms a zeotype framework with organic amines situated in the gismondine-type [4684] cavities. The topology of 2 was previously unknown with vertex symbol 4 x 4 x 4 x 4 x 8 x 8 (vertex 1), 4 x 4 x 4 x 82 x 8 x 8 (vertex 2), 4 x 4 x 8 x 8 x 82 x 82 (vertex 3), and 4 x 4 x 4 x 82 x 8 x 8 (vertex 4). The topological relationships between the 4-connected network of 2 and several reported (3,4)-connected networks were discussed.     

Synthesis, crystal structures, and optical properties of two new layered quaternary tantalum thiophosphates and the thermal conversion of Cs4Ta4P4S24 into Cs2Ta2P2S12

The reaction of Ta with an in situ formed polythiophosphate melt of Cs2S3, P2S5, and S yields the two new quaternary tantalum thiophosphates Cs2Ta2P2S12 (I) and Cs4Ta4P4S24 (II). Both compounds were obtained with the same stoichiometric ratio but at different reaction temperatures. Compound I was prepared at 873 K and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/c (No. 14) with a = 8.862(2) A, b = 12.500(3) A, c = 17.408(4) A, beta = 99.23(3) degrees, and Z = 4. Compound II was prepared at 773 K and crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n (No. 14) with a = 14.298(3) A, b = 17.730(4) A, c = 16.058(3) A, beta = 106.19(3) degrees, and Z = 4. The two structures are closely related and exhibit two-dimensional anionic layers consisting of dimeric [Ta2S11] units which are linked by two tetradentate and two tridentate [PS4] tetrahedra. The significant difference between these two compounds is the orientation of the [Ta2S11] units in infinite [Ta2S4(PS4)]x chains which are subunits of both structures. The specific orientation of the [Ta2S11] blocks in compound I leads to the formation of one cavity in the 2(infinity)[Ta2P2S12]2- layers, whereas in compound II two types of cavities are observed in the 2(infinity)[Ta4P4S24]4- layers. The Cs+ ions are located between the layers above and below the cavities. The compounds were characterized with infrared spectroscopy in the MIR region, Raman spectroscopy, and UV/Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. When Cs4Ta4P4S24 (II) is heated at the synthesis temperature of compound I it is fully converted into compound I.     

Structural studies of indium and thallium insertion into the framework of the cluster compound Ti2Nb6Cl14O4

We have investigated the possibility of altering the electronic configuration of the niobium oxochloride cluster compound Ti2Nb6Cl14O4 (I) by doping this material with monovalent cations that can fit into cavities present in its cluster framework. The doping of I with In+ and Tl+ ions resulted in the formation of MxTi2Nb6Cl14-xO4+x (M = In, x = 0.10, 0.20, 0.27; M = Tl, x = 0.10, 0.20) in which the M+ ions partially occupy these cavities. The crystal structure analysis indicated that the additional charge provided by M+ ions is compensated by substitution of chlorine by oxygen, which leads to the cluster electronic configuration being intact. Crystal data: In0.272Ti2Nb6Cl13.728O4.272, space group C2/c (No. 15), a = 12.679(2) A, b = 14.567(2) A, c = 12.632(3) A, beta = 95.26(2) degrees, Z = 4; Tl0.196Ti2Nb6Cl13.804O4.196, space group C2/c (no. 15), a = 12.732(1) A, b = 14.607(2) A, c = 12.662(2) A, beta = 95.28(1) degrees, Z = 4.     

Solvothermal syntheses of [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS4)] (Ln = La, x = 0; Ln = Nd, x = 1) and [Ln(en)4]SbS4.0.5en (Ln = Eu, Dy, Yb): a systematic study on the formation and crystal structures of new lanthanide thioantimonates(V)

New lanthanide thioantimonate(V) compounds, [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS4)] (en = ethylenediamine, Ln = La, x = 0, Ia; Ln = Nd, x = 1, Ib) and [Ln(en)4]SbS4.0.5en (Ln = Eu, IIa; Dy, IIb; Yb, IIc), were synthesized under mild solvothermal conditions by reacting Ln2O3, Sb, and S in en at 140 degrees C. These compounds were classified as two types according to the molecular structures. The crystal structure of type I (Ia and Ib) consists of one-dimensional neutral [Ln(en)3(H2O)x(mu(3-x)-SbS(4))]infinity (x = 0 or 1) chains, in which SbS4(3-) anions act as tridentate or bidentate bridging ligands to interlink [Ln(en)3]3+ ions, while the crystal structure of type II (IIa, IIb, and IIc) contains isolated [Ln(en)4]3+ cations, tetrahedral SbS4(3-) anions, and free en molecules. A systematic investigation of the crystal structures of the five lanthanide compounds, as well as two reported compounds, clarifies the relationship between the molecular structure and the entity of the lanthanide(III) series, such as the stability of the lanthanide(III)-en complexes, the coordination number, and the ionic radii of the metals.     

Molecular and Crystal Structure of 1- ( 2- chloro) - Benzoyl - 3- (4- methylphenyl ) Thiourea

1　INTRODUCTIONBenzoylphenyltioureas having a generalformula( ) were reported to have in secticidalactivity〔1〕,which isclosely related to theirstructures,particularly tothedi hedralangle between the- CONH- plane and phenylring〔2〕.Surprisingly there islittle reported in the literature,only three related structures stored in CSD〔3〕 until1 998.In thispaper,we reportthe crystalstructure ofthe title compound.R CONHCSNHR2　EXPERIMENTAL2 .1　Synthesis　　The synthesisofthetitl…     

Single crystal X-ray structure study of the Li(2-x)Na(x)Ni[PO4]F system

The new compounds Li(2-x)Na(x)Ni[PO(4)]F (x = 0.7, 1, and 2) have been synthesized by a solid state reaction route. Their crystal structures were determined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Li(1.3)Na(0.7)Ni[PO(4)]F crystallizes with the orthorhombic Li(2)Ni[PO(4)]F structure, space group Pnma, a = 10.7874(3), b = 6.2196(5), c = 11.1780(4) ? and Z = 8, LiNaNi[PO(4)]F crystallizes with a monoclinic pseudomerohedrally twinned structure, space group P2(1)/c, a = 6.772(4), b = 11.154(6), c = 5.021(3) ?, β = 90° and Z = 4, and Na(2)Ni[PO(4)]F crystallizes with a monoclinic twinned structure, space group P2(1)/c, a = 13.4581(8), b = 5.1991(3), c = 13.6978(16) ?, β = 120.58(1)° and Z = 8. For x = 0.7 and 1, the structures contain NiFO(3) chains made up of edge-sharing NiO(4)F(2) octahedra, whereas for x = 2 the chains are formed of dimer units (face-sharing octahedra) sharing corners. These chains are interlinked by PO(4) tetrahedra forming a 3D framework for x = 0.7 and different Ni[PO(4)]F layers for x = 1 and 2. A sodium/lithium disorder over three atomic positions is observed in Li(1.3)Na(0.7)Ni[PO(4)]F structure, whereas the alkali metal atoms are well ordered in between the layers in the LiNaNi[PO(4)]F and Na(2)Ni[PO(4)]F structures, which makes both compounds of great interest as potential positive electrodes for sodium cells.     

Structure and thermoelectric properties of the new quaternary bismuth selenides A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 (A = K and Rb and Cs; M = Sn and Pb)--members of the grand homologous series Km(M6Se8)m(M(5+n)Se(9+n))

Several members of the new family A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 (A = K, Rb, Cs; M = Sn, Pb) were prepared by direct combination of A2Se, Bi2Se3, Sn (or Pb), and Se at 800 degrees C. The single-crystal structures of K(0.54)Sn(3.54)Bi(11.46)Se21, K(1.46)Pb(3.08)Bi(11.46)Se21, Rb(0.69)Pb(3.69)Bi(11.31)Se21, and Cs(0.65)Pb(3.65)Bi(11.35)Se21 were determined. The compounds A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x) Se21 crystallize in a new structure type with the monoclinic space group C2/m, in which building units of the Bi2Te3 and NaCl structure type join to give rise to a novel kind of three-dimensional anionic framework with alkali-ion-filled tunnels. The building units are assembled from distorted, edge-sharing (Bi,Sn)Se6 octahedra. Bi and Sn/Pb atoms are disordered over the metal sites of the chalcogenide network, while the alkali site is not fully occupied. A grand homologous series Km(M6Se8)m(M(5+n)Se(9+n)) has been identified of which the compounds A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21 are members. We discuss here the crystal structure, charge-transport properties, and very low thermal conductivity of A(1-x)M(4-x)Bi(11+x)Se21.     

Synthesis of a missing structural link: the first trigonal planar B4 units in the novel complex boride Ti(1+x)Os(2-x)RuB2 (x = 0.6)

The newly synthesized boride Ti(1+x)Os(2-x)RuB(2) (x = 0.6) has a novel structure featuring one-dimensional chains of titanium atoms, one-dimensional strings of face-sharing empty tetrahedral and square pyramidal clusters and, most importantly, trigonal planar and strongly bonded B4 units with a B-B distance of 1.89 A.     

Metal-metal interactions in mixed-valence [M2Cl9]2- species: electronic structure of d1d2 (V, Nb, Ta) and d4d5 (Fe, Ru, Os) face-shared systems

The molecular and electronic structures of mixed-valence d1d2 (V, Nb, Ta) and d4d5 (Fe, Ru, Os) face-shared [M2Cl(9)]2- dimers have been calculated by density functional methods in order to investigate metal-metal bonding in this series. General similarities are observed between d1d2 and d4d5 systems and can be considered to reflect the electron-hole equivalence of the individual d1-d5 and d2-d4 configurations. The electronic structures of the dimers have been analyzed using potential energy curves for the broken-symmetry and other spin states resulting from the d1d2 and d4d5 coupling modes. In general, a spin-doublet (S = 1/2) state, characterized by delocalization of the metal-based electrons in a metal-metal bond with a formal order of 1.5, is favored in the systems containing 4d and 5d metals, namely, the Nb, Ta, Ru, and Os dimers. In contrast, the calculated ground structures for [V2Cl9]2- and [Fe2Cl9]2- correspond to a spin-quartet (S = 3/2) state involving weaker coupling between the metal centers and electron localization. In the case of [Ru2Cl9]2-, both the spin-doublet and spin-quartet states are predicted to be energetically favored suggesting that this species may exhibit double-minima behavior. A comparison of computational results across the (d1d1, d1d2, d2d2) [Nb2Cl9]z- and [Ta2Cl9]z- and (d4d4, d4d5, d5d5) [Ru2Cl9]z- and [Os2Cl9]z- series has revealed that, in all four cases, the shortening of the metal-metal distances correlates with an increase in formal metal-metal bond order.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of 2-Amino-3-ethoxycarbonyl-4-（4-chlorophenyl）-4H, 5H-pyrano-[3,2-c]-benzopyran-5-one

1 INTRODUCTION The coumarins constitute an important class of bioactive natural products[1]. They have been found to possess diverse biological properties including antimicrobial, insecticidal, estrogenic, anticoagulant and antithrombotic activities. Som…     

Synthesis, structure, and photocatalysis in a new structural variant of the Aurivillius phase: LiBi4M3O14 (M = Nb, Ta)

Two new compounds, LiBi4Nb3O14 and LiBi4Ta3O14, have been synthesized by the solid-state method, using Li2CO3, Bi2O3, and M2O5 (M = Nb, Ta) in stoichiometric quantities. These compounds crystallize in the monoclinic C2/c space group with a = 13.035(3) A, b = 7.647(2) A, c = 12.217(3) A, beta = 101.512(4) degrees , V = 1193.4(5) A3 , and Z = 4 and a = 13.016(2) A, b = 7.583(1) A, c = 12.226(2) A, beta = 101.477(3) degrees , V = 1182.6(5) A3, and Z = 4, respectively. These are isostructural and the structure along the b axis consists of layers of [Bi2O2]2+ units separated by layers of LiO4 tetrahedra and NbO6 octahedra hence depicting an unusual variation in the Aurivillius phase isolated for the first time. The presence of lithium has been confirmed by 7Li NMR studies. ac impedance measurements and variable temperature (7)Li NMR studies indicate oxygen ion conductivity in these materials. The UV-visible spectra suggest a band gap of 3.0 eV for LiBi4Nb3O14 and 3.5 eV for LiBi4Ta3O14, respectively, and the associated studies on degradation of dyes and phenols render these materials suitable for photocatalysis.     

Synthesis and crystal chemistry of two new fluorite-related bismuth phosphates, Bi(4.25)(PO4)2O(3.375) and Bi5(PO4)2O4.5, in the Series Bi4+x(PO4)2O3+3x/2 (0.175 < or = x < or = 1)

Two new phosphates, Bi(4.25)(PO4)2O(3.375) and Bi(5)(PO(4))(2)O(4.5), have been analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction in the series Bi(4+x)(PO4)2O(3+3x/2) (0.175 < or = x < or = 1). The syntheses of the compositions ranging from x = 0.175 to 0.475 were carried out by the ceramic route. The compositions from x = 0.175 to 0.475 form a solid solution with a structure similar to that of Bi(4.25)(PO4)2O(3.375), while Bi(5)(PO4)2O(4.5) was isolated from a mixture of two phases. Both of the phases form fluorite-related structures but, nevertheless, differ from each other with respect to the arrangement of the bismuth atoms. The uniqueness in the structures is the appearance of isolated PO(4) tetrahedra separated by interleaving [Bi2O2] units. ac impedance studies indicate conductivity on the order of 10(-5) S cm(-1) for Bi(4.25)(PO4)2O(3.375). Crystal data: Bi(4.25)(PO4)2O(3.375), triclinic, space group P (No. 1), with a = 7.047(1) A, b = 9.863(2) A, c = 15.365(4) A, alpha = 77.604(4) degrees, beta = 84.556(4) degrees, gamma = 70.152(4) degrees, V = 980.90(4) A3, and Z = 4; Bi(5)(PO4)2O(4.5), monoclinic, space group C2/c (No. 15), with a = 13.093(1) A, b = 5.707(1) A, c = 15.293(1) A, beta = 98.240(2) degrees, V = 1130.95(4) A(3), and Z = 8.     

The pyrochlore family -- a potential panacea for the frustrated perovskite chemist

Many known complex oxides of general formula A(2)B(2)X(7) adopt the pyrochlore structure, a key structure-type that has been shown to demonstrate a vast range of useful physical properties. Areas currently of much interest with respect to pyrochlores, include metal-insulator transitions, magnetic frustration/spin ices, magnetoresistance, superconductivity, ferroelectrics, O/F ionic conductivity, mixed conductivity, pigments and catalysis. We present some recent results on three types of pyrochlore materials that show unusual magnetic, optical and electronic behaviours associated with subtle structural and compositional changes. High-resolution powder neutron diffraction studies of the superconducting Cd(2)Re(2)O(7) and the ferroelectric Cd(2)Nb(2)O(7) have been undertaken on material cooled below room temperature. Both Cd(2)Re(2)O(7) and Cd(2)Nb(2)O(7) exhibit small structure distortions, in each case involving a distortion from a cubic unit cell, on cooling below approximately 180 K and possible models that can be used to describe the low-temperature structures and associated atomic displacements are developed and described in this article. A range of materials of the general formula Ca(1-x)Ln(x)TaO(2-x)N(1+x), x= 0.5 and x= 1, Ln = La-Yb have been synthesised and shown to adopt pyrochlore and/or perovskite structures. The absorption spectra of these materials are discussed in terms of their structures and compositions.