Low-temperature phases of the solid electrolyte Ag26I18W4O16

Single crystal X-ray diffraction photographs taken with a Buerger precession camera, at temperatures 250, 214, and 122 K, corroborate the existence of three low-temperature phases of Ag₂₆I₁₈W₄O₁₆. These phases are labeled α′, β, and γ in order of decreasing temperature. The α′ phase is monoclinic, space group P2₁, Z = 2; the β phase is triclinic, space group $\text{P}\text{1}$ or P1, Z = 2; and the γ phase is triclinic, space group P1, Z = 1. Lattice constants at the aforementioned temperatures are given. Twins in the β and γ phases are related by the albite and pericline laws, as are twins in the feldspars. The highest symmetry known to be attained by the (W₄O₁₆)^8? entity is 2(C₂), which, strictly, it must lose at the transition to the α′ phase.     

Raman spectroscopy in AB2X4 pseudoternary layered compounds

We have synthesized several pseudoternary layered compounds by cation or anion cross substitution in ternary AB₂X₄ compounds. Here we report on the low frequency Raman spectra obtained from Zn_xCd_1-xIn₂S₄, Zn(In_xGa_1-x)₂S₄ and ZnIn₂(S_xSe_1-x)₄ single crystals. Within these systems we have identified five compositionally or dynamically different phases. Each of these phases may be characterized by its peculiar low frequency Raman spectrum which is connected to the dynamics of the layers in the unit cell. Abrupt structural/dynamical changes are observed as a function of composition between different phases. Within each phase compositional changes cause only smooth and small spectral variations.     

Electrical conductivity and phase transitions of the solid electrolyte system (Cs1−yRby)Cu4Cl3(I2−xClx)

Results of electrical conductivity measurements, thermal analysis, and X-ray diffraction studies indicate the existence of four phases, between 295 K and the melting points, in the system (Cs_1?yRb_y)Cu₄Cl₃I₂. These phases are designated α, á β, γ in order of decreasing temperature. The α phase is isostructural with α-RbAg₄I₅; the á phase is also cubic and very likely belongs to space groupP2₁3, a subgroup ofP4₁32 andP4₃32 to which the α phase belongs. There is a high probability that the á → α transition is continuous. The á → α transition is not discernible in the conductivity measurements or thermal analysis; therefore the line of á-α transitions is presently unknown. The β phase transforms to the á and the γ phase transforms to the β phase wheny ≤ 0.36; the γ phase transforms to the α phase wheny ≥ 0.36. That is, there is a triple point aty = 0.36, T = 399K. The γ-β, β-α′, and γ-α transitions are all hysteretic and are therefore first order. The conductivities of the β phases are relatively low and the enthalpies of activation relatively high. The conductivity of the β phase decreases with increasingy. The β phase probably belongs to space groupR3, in which the Cu⁺ ions can be ordered. The α and á phases are the true solid electrolytes; the conductivities are high, >0.73 Ω^?1cm^?1 at 419 K, and the enthalpies of activation of motion of the Cu⁺ ions low, 0.11 eV.In the system CsCu₄Cl₃(I_2?xCl_x), 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.25, the Cl^? for I^? substitutions affect the transitions to only a small extent relative to the stoichiometric compound. The β phase occurs for allx and transforms to á.     

Preparation and crystal chemistry of some tetrahedral Li3PO4-type compounds

The crystal chemistry of Li₃PO₄, Li₃VO₄ and Li₃AsO₄ are compared. All three have an isostructural low phase, designated β_II, and an isostructural high phase, γ_II, but in Li₃VO₄ and Li₃AsO₄ the high-low transformation proceeds reversibly through one or more transitional phases some of which can be quenched to ambient. The crystal chemistry of derivative Li₃PO₄ phases, including Li₂MgSiO₄, Li₂ZnSiO₄, Li₂CoSiO₄, Li₂MgGeO₄ and Li₂ZnGeO₄ is compared and the occurrence of high, low, and of distorted high and low phases is correlated with the temperature of preparation and rate of cooling. The derivative Li₃PO₄ phases show extensive or complete mutual solubility not only with each other, but with Li₃PO₄, with M₂XO₄ compounds (M = Zn²⁺, Mg²⁺; X = Ge⁴⁺, Si⁴⁺) and also with Li₄XO₄ compounds (X = Ge⁴⁺, Si⁴⁺). The sequence of phase transformations encountered on heating or cooling is quite sensitive to the stoichiometry of the derivative phases.     

About stannous fluoride SnF2. III. Thermal expansion

The unit-cell parameters of SnF₂ were measured from ?200 to 190°C. The tensor of thermal expansion of the three phases (α, β, and γ) was computed from the expansion in each (hkl) direction by a least-squares method. The thermal expansion of each phase is related to its crystal structure and physical properties (molecular structure of α-SnF₂, ferroelastic properties of the β-phase).     

Neutron and X-ray diffraction study on polymorphism in lithium orthotantalate,Li3TaO4

The structures of the low-and high-temperature modifications of lithium orthotantalate, Li₃TaO₄, have been determined by neutron and X-ray diffraction methods. The low-temperature, or β, phase has symmetry $\text{C2}\text{c}$ and lattice parameters a₁ = 8.500(3), b₁ = 8.500(3), c₁ = 9.344(3)Å, and β = 117.05(2)°. The high-temperature, or α, phase has symmetry P2 and lattice parameters a_h = 6.018(1), b_h = 5.995(1), c_h = 12.865(2)Å, and β_h = 103.53(2)°. Both structures are ordered. The β-phase has a rock salt-type structure with a 3 : 1 ordering of the Li⁺ and Ta⁵⁺ ions. Its structure can be generated from the low-temperature modification by means of a complex pattern of shifts of the Ta⁵⁺ ions.     

Subsolidus Phase Equilibria in the System CaO-Al2O3-CoO and the Crystal Structure of Novel Ca3CoAl4O10

The subsolidus phase diagram, CaO-Al₂O₃-CoO, and its phase relations below 1300°C have been studied in air. The stability regions of nine subsolidus compatibility triangles were established and a new ternary phase was found. The structure of this compound, Ca₃CoAl₄O₁₀ (orthorhombic, space group Pbc2₁, a=5.1452(2) Å, b=16.7731(5) Å, c=10.7055(3) Å), was determined from X-ray diffraction data and found to be isostructural with Ca₃ZnAl₄O₁₀. This is an open framework compound with three crystallographically different channels, each with a diameter of ∼3.5 Å. The two end members of the binary CoO-CaO system are surrounded by small regions of solid solutions. Lab color parameters were measured in several compositions. No ternary phases were found when Co was substituted by other divalent cations such as Sr, Ba, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Sn and Pb.     

Phase relations,dopant effects,structure, and high electrical conductivity in the Na2WO4Na2MoO4 system

The x, T-phase diagram of the binary system Na₂WO₄Na₂MoO₄ has been redetermined at ambient pressure, taking into account the influence of hysteresis effects. Thermodynamic calculations, based upon transition entropies as determined by precision DSC (differential scanning calorimetry), indicate that the system is almost ideal with respect to the high-temperature phases.As anion dopes, Na₂SO₄ and Na₂CrO₄ give a metastable extension of the β-phase of Na₂WO₄ at decreasing temperature, involving some 40°C at 0.01 mole fraction of dopant. Cation dopes like Li₂WO₄ and K₂WO₄ behave quite differently.The electrical conductivity through the phase diagram is high in the α-phase (σ ～ 10^?2 mho cm^?1) almost regardless of composition. The anomalous high conductivity of the β-phase decreases with increasing molybdate content. In pure Na₂MoO₄ an anomaly occurs at the α-α₂ transition, resembling the behavior of Na₂WO₄ at the β-α transition. The (highest) α₂-phase is hexagonal, ($\text{P6}{}_3\text{mmc}$, showing large anisotropic thermal vibrations. The α-phase is orthorhombic (Fddd) as is the β-phase (probably Pbn2₁).     

Phases in the Ba3Fe1+xS5 series: The structure of β-Ba9Fe4S15 and its low-temperature α polymorph

The crystal structure of β-Ba₉Fe₄S₁₅ shows that it is a phase in the infinitely adaptive series of compounds Ba₃Fe_1+xS₅, 0 ? x ? 1. The material is synthesized by reacting a slightly sulfur-rich mixture at 900°C in a sealed quartz ampoule. Lattice constants are a = 25.212(3), Å, b = 9.594(1), Å, c = 12.575(1), Å, Pnma, z = 4. Three thousand thirty-three structure amplitudes were refined to R = 0.049. BaS₆ trigonal prisms share triangular faces to form infinite columns; the columns in turn share edges and create nearly hexagonal enclosures. Within these rings are additional Ba and S and tetrahedral interstices are created which can be occupied by Fe. The variation of the Fe occupancy from ring to ring gives rise to phases in which one dimension is an integral multiple of the 8.5-Å repeat observed in one end member of the series, Ba₃FeS₅. The other end member is Ba₃Fe₂S₅. At temperatures below 900°C a polymorphic phase is formed. Its lattice constants are a = b = 9.634(1), Å, c = 34.311(3)Å, $\text{I4}{}_1\text{a}\text{, z = 4}$. One thousand five hundred eighty-three structure amplitudes were refined to R = 0.0483. Trigonal prisms and bisdisphenoids articulate to form a complex three-dimensional structure. Two of the S atoms in the structure have statistical site occupancies.     

Phase relations of the Cr2O3TiO2 system

The phase relations of the system Cr₂O₃TiO₂ were determined at temperatures between 1400 and 1765°C in air. Discrete homologous series of Cr₂Ti_n?2O_2n?1, with n = 6, 7, 8, were found to be stable as single phases in the range of certain temperatures, while a continuous solid solution existed in the composition of n > 8 below 1425°C. This presence and its stable region of a new compound of Cr₂TiO₅ corresponding to n = 3 are revealed in the present paper. Cr₂Ti₂O₇, the so-called E phase, existed in wide homogeneity range, corresponding to the composition of approximately 3 < n < 5. High-temperature phases (called n and n′ phases in the present work) existed above 1425°C and seemed to be closely related to each other from the viewpoint of the structure except that some X-ray diffraction lines of n phase were strongly diffused. Both rutile and chromia had limited solid solubilities. In the present paper, phase relations between Cr₂O₃ and TiO₂ are summarized in a phase diagram.     

Phase transitions and molecular motions in [Ni(ND3)6](ClO4)2

[Ni(ND₃)₆](ClO₄)₂ has three solid phases between 100 and 300 K. The phase transitions temperatures at heating (T_C1^h=164.1 K and T_C2^h=145.1 K) are shifted, as compared to the non-deuterated compound, towards the lower temperature of ca. 8 and 5 K, respectively. The ClO₄⁻ anions perform fast, picosecond, isotropic reorientation with the activation energy of 6.6 kJ mol⁻¹, which abruptly slow down at T_C1^c phase transition, during sample cooling. The ND₃ ligands perform fast uniaxial reorientation around the Ni-N bond in all three detected phases, with the effective activation energy of 2.9 kJ mol⁻¹. The reorientational motion of ND₃ is only slightly distorted at the T_C1 phase transition due to the dynamical orientational order-disorder process of anions. The low value of the activation energy for the ND₃ reorientation suggests that this reorientation undergoes the translation-rotation coupling, which makes the barrier to the rotation of the ammonia ligands not constant but fluctuating. The phase polymorphism and the dynamics of the molecular reorientations of the title compound are similar but not quite identical with these of the [Ni(NH₃)₆](ClO₄)₂.     

Phase relations in the pseudobinary system TiO2Ga2O3

Phase relations and microstructures in the TiO₂-rich part of the TiO₂Ga₂O₃ pseudobinary system have been determined at temperatures between 1373 and 1623°K using X-ray diffraction and electron and optical microscopy. The phases occurring in the system are TiO₂ (rutile), β-Ga₂O₃, a series of oxides Ga₄Ti_m?4O_2m?2 (m odd) which exist above 1463°K, and Ga₂TiO₅, which exists above 1598°K. The width of the phase region occupied by the Ga₄Ti_m?4O_2m?2 phases varies with temperature. At 1473°K it is narrow, and has limits of Ga₄Ti₂₅O₅₆ to Ga₄Ti₂₁O₄₈ while at higher temperatures it broadens to limits of from Ga₄Ti₂₇O₆₀ to Ga₄Ti₁₁O₂₈ at 1623°K. These phases are often disordered and crystals frequently contain partially ordered intergrowths of oxides with various values of m. On the TiO₂-rich side of the phase region there is a continuous change in texture from rutile to the end members of the Ga₄Ti_m?4O_2m?2 structures. The findings are summarized on a phase diagram.     

The system NiAl2O4Ni2SiO4 at high pressures and temperatures: Spinelloids with spinel-related structures

Phase relations in the system NiAl₂O₄Ni₂SiO₄ were studied in the pressure range 1.5 ～ 13.0 GPa and in the temperature range 800 ～ 1450°C. Two new phases, IV and V, were found in regions of pressure higher than 4 GPa. Phase V disproportionates into a mixture of Ni₂SiO₄-spinel, NiO, and Al₂O₃ at approximately 9.5 GPa and 1100°C. Phases III, IV, and V form a solid solution in some compositional range: phases IV and V have a composition around NiAl₂O₄·Ni₂SiO₄, whereas phase III spreads from NiAl₂O₄·Ni₂SiO₄ to the NiAl₂O₄-rich side. All the phases I ～ V are structurally considered to be spinel derivatives, “spinelloids,” with three kinds of tetrahedral groups; isolated tetrahedra TO₄, linked ones T₂O₇, and triply linked ones T₃O₁₀. The ratios of isolated tetrahedra to linked ones are large in the higher-pressure phases and small in the lower-pressure phases. The difference of compositional range of phase III from that of phases IV and V is possibly explained by the avoidance of linked tetrahedra such as O₃AlOAlO₃.     

Phases and phase transitions of compounds (CnH2n+1NH3)2MnCl4 with n = 1, 2, 3

Phases and structural phase transitions of the compounds (CH₃NH₃)₂MnCl₄, (C₂H₅NH₃)₂MnCl₄ and (C₃H₇NH₃)₂MnCl₄ have been studied by means of thermoanalytical methods (DSC) and X-ray single crystal and powder diffraction data in the temperature range of 85–480°K at normal pressure. All phases show perovskite-like layer structures. The high temperature phases (α phase) correspond to the K₂NiF₄ type and may be regarded as the aristotype of each polymorphic compound. All transitions are reversible. Transition patterns are:

Based on the DSC peak-shape analysis and diffraction data a model of a tilting system of the MnCl₆-octahedra layer is introduced in order to understand essential features of structures of different phases and their transition behavior. Single crystal film data of (C₃H₇NH₃)₂MnCl₄ phases reveal some disorder phenomena. The ε phase exhibits a superstructure along [010] with a triplication of the shortest axis corresponding to the δ phase. The γ phase of this compound shows strong satellite reflections, due to a transverse distortion wave along the [100] lattice direction.     

Hydrothermal synthesis of antimony oxychloride and oxide nanocrystals: Sb4O5Cl2, Sb8O11Cl2, and Sb2O3

We described herein a facile solution-phase route to three nanocrystals of antimony oxychlorides and oxides (Sb₄O₅Cl₂, Sb₈O₁₁Cl₂, and Sb₂O₃), whose morphologies and phases were varied with the pH value of a reaction mixture or composition of a mixed solvent. In particular, the solvent composition controlled the selective preparation of cubic Sb₂O₃ (senarmontite) and orthorhombic Sb₂O₃ (valentinite). Both cubic and orthorhombic Sb₂O₃ samples exhibited strong emission properties.     

Structure of Ti1−yVyHx alloys studied by X-ray diffraction and by 1H and 51V NMR

The structure of the TiVH system is studied by X-ray diffraction and ¹H and ⁵¹V NMR measurements. It is shown that the solid solution of TiV is separated into a few phases by hydrogenation. They are α-TiVH, β-TiVH, γ-TiVH, and γ-TiH phases, which are assumed to have their origins either in TiH_x or in VH_x. The concentration of each phase can be estimated by NMR, which is dependent on the composition of the system. The phase separation caused by hydrogenation is due to the large stability of the γ-TiH phase.     

Ionic Mobility, Phase Transitions, and Superionic Conduction in Solid Solutions (100 ? x)PbF2-xZrF4 and Crystals K2ZrF6, (NH4)2ZrF6, KSnZrF7, and M(NH4)6Zr4F23 (M = Li, Na)

Methods of (¹⁹F, ¹H) NMR and impedance spectroscopy are used to investigate the internal mobility and ionic conduction in solid solutions arising in the system PbF₂-ZrF₄ and polycrystals KSnZrF₇, Li(Na)(NH₄)₆Zr₄F₂₃, and M₂ZrF₆ (M = K, NH₄). Factors responsible for the form of ionic motions and their energetics at 170–550 K are considered. It is established that the phase transitions in these compounds are connected with the crystal transition to a superionic state and that the high ionic (superionic) conductivity of beta phases is due to the diffusion of fluoride ions, ammonium cations, and possibly alkali metal cations. The obtained data testify to a substantial role of chainlike aggregation of anionic groupings and a variableness of structural mechanisms of formation of such chains in fluorozirconates for the development of translational diffusion in these compounds.__________Translated from Elektrokhimiya, Vol. 41, No. 5, 2005, pp. 573–582.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Kavun, Uvarov, Slobodyuk, Goncharuk, Kotenkov, Tkachenko, Gerasimenko, Sergienko.     

Growth and characterization of thin films of Y2O3, La2O3 and La2CuO4

Films of Y₂O₃, La₂O₃, and La₂CuO₄ were prepared by an ultrasonic nebulization and pyrolysis method using acetylacetonates of the corresponding metals in alcohol solvents as source materials. Homogeneous, uniform films with good adherence have been obtained using this simple technique. As-deposited yttrium and lanthanum oxide films were poorly crystallized. After postannealing in oxygen at higher temperature, they crystallized into cubic and hexagonal phases, respectively. Transparent yttrium and lanthanum oxide films have high electric breakdown voltages. Single phase polycrystalline La₂CuO₄ thin films were obtained from a source solution with a La:Cu ratio of 2:1.