Crystal and magnetic structures of the Bi1 ? xSrxFeO3 ? δ and Bi1 ? xAxFe1 ? xMnxO3 (A = Sr, Ca) solid solutions

Bi_{1 − x} Sr _x FeO_{3 − x/2} (I), Bi_{1 − x} Sr _x Fe_{1 − x} MnxO₃ (II), and Bi_{1 − x} Ca _x Fe_{1 − x} Mn _x O₃ (III) solid solutions have been obtained. Their magnetization has been measured by X-ray and neutron diffraction and M?ssbauer spectroscopy. According to the M?ssbauer spectroscopy data, iron ions are in the trivalent state in system I. Near the concentration x ≈ 0.2, rhombohedral distortions (sp. gr. R3c) are transformed into tetragonal (P4/mmm). The symmetry of system II changes at x > 0.2 (R3c → R3c), whereas orthorhombic distortions (R3c → Pbnm) arise in system III at x > 0.2. The magnetic structure is antiferromagnetic (of G type). The samples of systems II and III exhibit weak ferromagnetism at x > 0.2 due to the Dzyaloshinski-Moriya interaction.     

The electrical and structural properties of InyGa1 ? yAs/InxAl1 ? xAs/InP quantum wells with different InAs content

In _x Al_{1 − x} As/In _y Ga_{1 − y} As/In _x Al_{1 − x} As/InP HEMT structures has been investigated with a change in the InAs molar fraction both in the quantum well and the buffer layer. The electrical parameters of the samples are measured at different temperatures. The structural parameters of the layers and the characteristics of the interfaces between them are determined by double-crystal X-ray diffraction. An increase in the Hall mobility and electron concentration, as well as in the structural quality of the samples, is observed alongside an increase in the InAs molar fraction in the quantum well. It is established that high electron mobility is retained at small (to 5%) mismatches between the buffer layer and substrate.     

Nanostructured crystals of Sr1?xRxF2+x fluorite phases and their ordering: 6. Microindentation analysis of crystals

Hardness, crack resistance, brittleness, and effective fracture energy have been studied for crystals of 24 fluorite phases Sr_{1 − x} R _x F_{2 + x} (R are 14 rare earth elements (REEs); 0 < x ≤ 0.5) and SrF2 grown by the Bridgman method from a melt. These characteristics change nonlinearly with an increase in the REE content for Sr_{1 − x} R _x F_{2 + x} (0 < x ≤ 0.5) with R = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, and Lu; it is maximum in the range x < 0.1 for all REEs. The changes in a number of REEs have been traced for an isoconcentration series of Sr_0.90 R _0.10F_2.10 crystals (R = La, Nd, Sm, Gd, Ho, Er-Lu, or Y) and crystals (similar in composition) with R = Tb and Dy. The hardness of Sr_{1 − x} R _x F_{2 + x} crystals is higher by a factor of ∼2–3 than that of SrF2. The effect of decrease in microstresses in SrF₂ crystals is confirmed by the isomorphic introduction of R ³⁺ ions into this crystalline matrix.     

Defect structure and ionic conductivity of Ca1 ? xScxF2 + x (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) single crystals

Single crystals of the Ca_{1 − x} Sc _x F_{2 + x} (x = 0.106, 0.132, 0.156) solid solutions (CaF₂ structure type, space group Fm m) are investigated using X-ray diffraction. It is revealed that the crystals under investigation contain vacancies in the 8c positions and interstitial fluorine ions in the 48i positions. The coordination number of Sc³⁺ ions in the structure of the Ca_{1 −x} Sc _x F_{2 + x} solid solutions is equal to eight. The specific features of the concentration dependences of the ionic conductivity and the activation energy of ion transfer for the Ca_{1 − x} Sc _x F_{2 + x} (0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) solid solutions are explained in the framework of the percolation model of conducting “defect regions.” The percolation threshold equal to 3–5 mol % ScF₃ corresponds to the model of [Ca_{14 − n} Sc _n F₆₈] octacubic clusters containing fluorine ions in the 48i positions. The ionic conductivity of the Ca_{1 − x} Sc _x F_{2 + x} solid solutions is analyzed in comparison with the change in this characteristic for the series of Ca_0.8 R _0.2F_2.2 crystals with rare-earth elements. Original Russian Text ? E.A. Sulyanova, V.N. Molchanov, N.I. Sorokin, D.N. Karimov, S.N. Sulyanov, B.P. Sobolev, 2009, published in Kristallografiya, 2009, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 612–622.     

Mechanochemical synthesis of nonstoichiometric nanocrystals La1 ? yCayF3 ? y with a tysonite structure and nanoceramic materials from CaF2 and LaF3 crystals

The nonstoichiometric phases La_{1 − y} Ca _y F_{3 − y} (y = 0.15, 0.20) with a tysonite (LaF₃) structure have been prepared for the first time by the mechanochemical synthesis from CaF₂ and LaF₃ crystals. The average size of coherent scattering regions is approximately equal to 10–30 nm. It has been shown that the compositions of the phases prepared by the mechanochemical synthesis are inconsistent with the phase diagram of the CaF₂-LaF₃ system. The “mechanohydrolysis” of the La_{1 − y} Ca _y F_{3 − y} phase has been observed for the first time. Under these conditions, the La_{1 − y} Ca _y F_{3 − y} phase partially transforms into lanthanum calcium oxyfluoride for a milling time of 180 min with intermediate sampling. The La_{1 − y} Ca _y F_{3 − y} nanoceramic materials have been prepared from a powder of the mechanochemical synthesis product by pressing under a pressure of (2–6) × 10⁸ Pa at room temperature. The electrical conductivity of the synthesized materials at a temperature of 200°C is equal to 4.9(6) × 10⁻⁴ S/cm, and the activation energy of electrical conduction is 0.46(2) eV. These data for the nanoceramic materials coincide with those obtained for migration of fluorine vacancies in single-crystal tysonite fluoride materials. Original Russian Text ? B.P. Sobolev, I.A. Sviridov, V.I. Fadeeva, S.N. Sul’yanov, N.I. Sorokin, Z.I. Zhmurova, I.I. Khodos, A.S. Avilov, M.A. Zaporozhets, 2008, published in Kristallografiya, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 5, pp. 919–929.     

Ionic conductivity of congruently melting Ca0.6Sr0.4F2 and Ca1 ? x ? ySryRxF2 + x (R = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) single crystals with fluorite structure

Single crystals of congruently melting compositions of the Ca_0.6Sr_0.4F₂ and Ca_{1 − x − y} Sr _y R _x F_{2 + x} (R = La, Ce, Pr, Nd; x = 0.16–0.21; y = 0.07–0.16) solid solutions with fluorite structure have been grown by the Bridgman-Stockbarger method. Their electrical properties have been investigated in the range from 473 to 823 K, and it is shown that they are ionic conductors. For Ca_0.6Sr_0.4F₂ crystals, the ionic conductivity σ = 2 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 673 K, and the ion transport activation energy E _a = 1.1 eV. For Ca_0.77Sr_0.07La_0.16F_2.16, Ca_0.70Sr_0.11Ce_0.19F_2.19, Ca_0.65Sr_0.15Pr_0.20F_2.20, and Ca_0.58Sr_0.21Nd_0.21F_2.21 crystals, the values of σ lie in the range from 9 × 10⁻⁷ to 2 × 10⁻⁶ S/cm at 500 K, and the activation energy E _a is 0.88–0.93 eV. The concentration and mobility of ionic charge carriers in Ca_{1 − x − y} Sr _y R _x F_{2 + x} crystals have been calculated. Original Russian Text ? N.I. Sorokin, D.N. Karimov, E.A. Krivandina, Z.I. Zhmurova, O.N. Komar’kova, 2008, published in Kristallografiya, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 2, pp. 297–303.     

Nanostructured crystals of fluorite phases Sr1 ? xRxF2 + x (R = Y, La-Lu) and their ordering: Part III. A study of the refractive indices

The refractive indices n of Sr_{1 − x} R _x F_{2 + x} crystals (R = Y, La-Lu; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) have been measured at wavelengths of 0.436, 0.546, and 0.589 μm. It is established that n increases when there is an increase in the RF₃ content x according to a weakly quadratic law for each R. For the isoconcentration series of Sr_0.9 R _0.1F_2.1 crystals, the change in n in the series of rare earth elements has a pronounced nonlinear character, which reflects the nonmonotonous change in the properties of compounds in the R series. It is shown that the method of molecular refraction additivity can be used to calculate n for Sr_{1 − x} R _x F_{2 + x} crystals. By varying the RF₃ content in them, one can obtain optical media with a gradually varied refractive index n in the range 1.44–1.55, thus filling the gap in the n values between high ones for RF₃ crystals and low ones for crystals of alkaline earth fluorides MF₂. Original Russian Text ? T.M. Glushkova, D.N. Karimov, E.A. Krivandina, Z.I. Zhmurova, B.P. Sobolev, 2009, published in Kristallografiya, 2009, Vol. 54, No. 4, pp. 642–647.     

Growth of Pb1 ? xSmxX (X is Se or Te and x = 0.01–0.04) films on porous silicon

Films with the composition Pb_{1 − x} Sm _x X (X is Se or Te and x = 0.01–0.04) have been prepared and their structural properties have been investigated. A method for growing a buffer porous silicon layer is described. It is established that, for all samples (except for an amorphous film on the surface of porous silicon), the real film structure consists of blocks 10–50 μm in size and is independent of the porous layer morphology.     

Nanostructured crystals of fluorite phases Sr1 ? xRxF2 + x (R are rare-earth elements) and their ordering: IV. Study of the optical transmission spectra in the 2–17-μm wavelength range

Transmission spectra of two-component crystals of Sr_1−x R _x F_2+x (R = Y, La-Lu; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) in the 1–17-μm wavelength range were studied. The spectral characteristics of these crystals and of single-component crystals of MF₂ (M = Ca, Sr, or Ba) and RF₃ (R = La-Nd) were compared. The transmission cutoff of Sr_1−x R _x F_2+x crystals is shifted to shorter wavelengths with increasing x. The same tendency is observed with the increasing atomic number R of rare-earth elements for two isoconcentration series of Sr_1−x R _x F_2+x (x ∼ 0.10 and 0.28). This tendency is pronounced at large x. The transmission cutoff of Sr_1−x R _x F_2+x crystals can be varied in the range of from 10.7 to 12.2 μm by changing their qualitative (R) and quantitative (x) composition. Hence, these crystals can be assigned to multicomponent fluoride optical materials with controlled optical characteristics. The Sr_1−x R _x F_2+x crystals, where R = Ce-Sm, were shown to be promising materials for the design of selective optical filters in the 2–10-μm spectral range.     

Investigation of Trimetallic Ligand-Pillared Oxyfluorides: Ag2Cu(pzc)2MOxF6?x (M?=?Mo, Nb, and W)

Abstract  

Three new ligand-pillared hybrid solids, Ag₂Cu(pzc)₂MO _x F_6−x (I, M = Mo, x = 2; II, M = W, x = 2; III, M = Nb, x = 1) (pzc = pyrazine-2-carboxylate) were synthesized via hydrothermal reactions at 150 °C, and their structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction (P2₁/n (No. 14), Z = 2; a = 7.2302(1), 7.2124(2), 7.2715(2) ?; b = 7.9460(1), 7.9270(2), 7.98436(3) ?; c = 13.9173(2), 13.8959(4), 13.8226(5) ?, for I, II, and III, respectively). All three are isostructural and contain unusual trimetallic (Ag₂CuMO _x F_6−x )²⁺ layers that consist of [Ag₂O₂F₂] _n and [CuMO _x F_6−x ] _n chains that alternate within the layers. Each structure also contains [MO _x F_6−x ]²⁻ octahedra with fully disordered O/F positions and with an inversion center on the M ⁿ⁺ sites, i.e., Mo⁶⁺, W⁶⁺ and Nb⁵⁺. Magnetic susceptibility measurements can be fitted to the Curie–Weiss law with a Curie constant consistent with a single non-interacting Cu(II) (S = ?) site per formula unit. Thermogravimetric analyses indicate that these hybrid compounds are stable up to ~280 °C, with each exhibiting a single weight-loss step beginning at ~300 °C that corresponds to the loss of all pyrazine-2-carboxylate ligands and additional O/F atoms via oxidation of the ligand during its removal. UV–Vis diffuse reflectance measurements show that each exhibits an optical bandgap size of ~2.8 eV, and which electronic-structure calculations show arise from excitations between the Cu(II)-based valence orbitals and the M^5+/6+-based conduction band orbitals.     

Crystal Structure of [Me2NCH(O)]2Mg[(μ-OPri)2Al(OPri)2]2

Abstract  

Magnesium aluminum isopropoxide coordinates two solvent molecules when crystallized from dimethylformamide yielding the title compound, [Me₂NCH(O)]₂Mg[(μ-OPr ⁱ )₂Al(OPr ⁱ )₂]₂, a potential CVD and sol–gel precursor of spinel, MgAl₂O₄: monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 18.876(3) ?, b = 12.5225(19) ?, c = 18.578(3) ?, β = 108.333(2)°, V = 4168.6(11) ?³, Z = 4, Mg[(μ-OPr ⁱ )₂Al(OPr ⁱ )₂]₂.     

Synthesis and Crystal Structure of a New Mixed Alkali Oxalate A1?x(NH4)x(H2C2O4)(HC2O4)(H2O)2 with A?=?K, Rb

Abstract  

In the present study we report the synthesis, crystal structure, spectroscopic and thermal analysis of mixed alkali A_1−x (NH₄) _x (H₂C₂O₄)(HC₂O₄)(H₂O)₂ with A = K, Rb. Single crystal refinements showed that the two compounds Rb_0.86(NH₄)_0.14(H₂C₂O₄)(HC₂O₄)(H₂O)₂ and K_0.53(NH₄)_0.47(H₂C₂O₄)(HC₂O₄)(H₂O)₂ adopt P − 1 space group. The nine fold coordination cationic sites are randomly occupied by Rb⁺/NH₄ ⁺ and K⁺/NH₄ ⁺ respectively for rubidium and potassium compounds. The structure consists of a three-dimensional network formed by the succession along (c) axis of corrugated sheets formed by alkali polyhedra layers in the packing of four-membered rings [A₄(HC₂O₄)₂(H₂C₂O₄)₂] linked and bridged by oxalate groups that behave as bi and tetradentate ligand under three different coordination modes. The stability of the crystal lattice is ensured by interesting hydrogen bonding contacts: N–H···O and O–H···O. The thermal behavior under air reveals two anomalies at 368 and 402 K attributed respectively to a structural phase transition probably due to the reorientation of ammonium tetrahedral and to the release of crystalline water. IR spectroscopy further confirms that this material loses crystallization water gradually in the temperature range 400–460 K.     

The Synthesis of Zinc(II) and Cadmium(II) 2,4-Dichlorophenoxyacetates in Water–Methanol Environment. Structure and Properties of Polymeric [Zn(2,4-D)2(MeOH)2]n and [Cd(2,4-D)2(H2O)2]n

Abstract  

The zinc(II) and cadmium(II) 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetate salts were synthesized in mixed water–methanol environment and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectrometry and thermal analysis coupled with mass spectrometry. The crystal structures were determined by X-ray crystallography (compound 1, [C₁₈H₁₈Cl₄O₈Zn] _n : monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 19.094, b = 7.378, c = 8.008, α = 90.00, β = 101.134, γ = 90.00, V = 1106.95; compound 2, [C₁₆H₁₄Cl₄O₈Cd] _n : monoclinic, P2₁/c, a = 17.730, b = 7.293, c = 8.060, α = 90.00, β = 95.18, γ = 90.00, V = 1037.9). The structural and some thermal data about the presented cadmium salt were previously reported (Song et al. Acta Crystallogr E 62:m2397, 2006; Kobylecka et al. Thermochim Acta 482:49, 2009).     

Invar effect in n-Nb2O5, αht-Nb2O5, and L-Nb2O5

An X-ray diffraction analysis of two commercial sets of niobium pentaoxide (Nb₂O₅) of Nbo-Pt grade has been performed. Each set reveals the coexistence of three modifications: n-Nb₂O₅, α_ht-Nb₂O₅, and L-Nb₂O₅. Anomalous behavior in the structural characteristics, with the occurrence of plateaus upon heating (the invar effect), is established for each phase. It is suggested that the coincidence of the temperature ranges with constant unit-cell parameters in Nb₂O₅ and complex Nb-containing oxides indicates the unified nature of the invar effect, which is related to the defect state of objects under study. Original Russian Text ? L.A. Reznichenko, V.V. Akhnazarova, L.A. Shilkina, O.N. Razumovskaya, S.I. Dudkina, 2009, published in Kristallografiya, 2009, Vol. 54, No. 3, pp. 517–526.     

Devitrification characteristics of GexSe1−x glasses

Amorphous Ge_xSe_1?x compounds have been prepared and carefully characterized in the range 0 ? x ? 0.43 (density and micro-hardness measurements and DTA experiments). By heating samples from the amorphous phase, the crystallization process has been investigated for 0.15 ? x ? 0.30. An immiscibility gap in the vitreous region is determined by optical microscopy, from phase-separation observations; moreover, a new metastable crystalline phase appearing as an intermediate step between phase separation and stable GeSe₂ is described.     

自润滑Al2O3/TiC/CaF2复合陶瓷材料摩擦特性

为了探索自润滑陶瓷材料的开发及应用,采用冷压烧结工艺制备Al2O3/TiC/CaF2自润滑复合陶瓷材料。在摩擦磨损实验机上对其进行摩擦磨损实验,并对其摩擦磨损行为及自润滑效应进行分析。结果表明:在实验过程中,Al2O3/TiC/CaF2复合陶瓷材料物理机械性能优于同条件下制备的Al2O3/TiC复合陶瓷材料,且具有较低的摩擦因数和磨损率,其减摩抗磨效果明显,具有一定的自润滑效应,其减摩抗磨机理为摩擦驱动下CaF2存在于摩擦副表面,形成减摩抗磨层,在表面形成一层平整、光滑的自润滑层,增加摩擦表面实际接触面积,起到自润滑效应。     

Ti/SnO2 +Sb2Ox/PbO2耐酸阳极的寿命及电催化性能

用电沉积法制备了Ti/SnO2 +Sb2Ox/PbO2耐酸阳极,采用交流阻抗法测定了电极的导电性,利用加速寿命实验测定了电极的加速使用寿命,同时引入循环伏安新方法定量考察不同Sb掺杂物质的量分数对电极表面分形维数的影响,并且讨论了电极在酸性溶液中的析氧电催化性能。结果表明,Sb掺杂物质的量分数在0.02和0.10时Ti/SnO2 +Sb2Ox/PbO2电极的分形维数较高,表明电极表面粗糙程度较大,析氧电催化性能较好,是优良的高析氧电位下的阳极材料,适用于阳极氧化获得产品的电极过程。Sb掺杂物质的量分数为0.06时Ti/SnO2 +Sb2Ox/PbO2电极的导电性最好,加速使用寿命达到89 h。因此,Ti/SnO2 +Sb2Ox/PbO2电极是酸性溶液中较好的阳极材料。     

X-ray diffraction study of p -(alkoxybenzylidene)- p ′-toluidines C5H11O-C6H4-CH=N-C6H4-CH3 and C8H17O-C6H4-CH=N-C6H4-CH3

The molecular and crystal structures of two p-(alkoxybenzylidene)-p′-toluidines C₅H₁₁O-C₆H₄-CH=N-C₆H₄-CH₃ (1) and C₈H₁₇O-C₆H₄-CH=N-C₆H₄-CH₃ (2), which form the nematic phase upon melting, is determined by X-ray diffraction. The geometry of the benzylideneaniline fragments in molecules 1 and 2 is actually identical. The crystal packings of 1 and 2 are characterized by the alternation of layers formed by loosely packed aliphatic fragments of molecules and layers of closely packed aromatic fragments. The packing in the aromatic regions of 1 follows the parquet pattern. The crystal packing of 2 has a stacking structure, which is formed by π-stacking dimers superimposed on one another. The formation of the mesogenic phase upon melting of crystals 1 is due to the disturbance of the structurality of loose aliphatic layers with retention of the structure of the aromatic regions, which are stabilized by the cooperative effect of weak directed C-H ··· π-system interactions. The mesogenic phase of crystals 2 is formed upon melting as a consequence of the retention of the structure of π-stacking dimers. Original Russian Text ? L.G. Kuz’mina, N.S. Kucherepa, M.N. Rodnikova, 2008, published in Kristallografiya, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 6, pp. 1079–1085.     

X-ray diffraction study of p -(alkoxybenzylidene)- p ′-toluidines C2H5O-C6H4-CH=N-C6H4-CH3 and C4H9O-C6H4-CH=N-C6H4-CH3

The molecular and crystal structures of two p-alkoxybenzylidene)-p′-toluidines C₂H₅O-C₆H₄-CH=N-C₆H₄-CH₃ (1) and C₄H₉O-C₆H₄-CH=N-C₆H₄-CH₃ (2) are determined by X-ray diffraction. Crystals 1 and 2 contain four and two crystallographically independent molecules, respectively. In 1, the geometry of the independent molecules is almost identical. In 2, the independent molecules differ in the conformation of the alkyl chain, which is disordered in one of them. An analysis of the crystal packing of 2 reveals the alternation of spacious layers formed by loosely packed aliphatic fragments of molecules and layers of closely packed aromatic fragments, which ensures the formation of the mesogenic phase in the course of melting of crystals 2. In crystal 1, loose aliphatic layers are absent. Original Russian Text ? L.G. Kuz’mina, N.S. Kucherepa, M.N. Rodnikova, 2008, published in Kristallografiya, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 6, pp. 1072–1078.