Phase equilibria and crystal chemistry of the R-Cu-Ti-O systems (R=lanthanides and Y)

As part of the study of interaction of the Ba₂RCu₃O_6+z (R=lanthanides and Y) superconductor with SrTiO₃ buffer, phase equilibria of the subsystem, R₂O₃-TiO₂-CuO (R=Nd, Y, and Yb), have been investigated in air at 960 °C. While the phase relationships of the two phase diagrams with smaller R (Y and Yb) are similar, substantial differences were found in the Nd₂O₃-TiO₂-CuO system, partly due to different phase formation in the binary R₂O₃-TiO₂ and R₂O₃-CuO systems. R₂CuTiO₆ and R₂Cu₉Ti₁₂O₃₆ were the only ternary phases established in all the three diagrams. R₂Cu₉Ti₁₂O₃₆ belongs to the perovskite-related [AC₃](B₄)O₁₂ family which is cubic Im3. Depending on the size of R³⁺, R₂CuTiO₆ crystallizes in two crystal systems: Pnma (R=La-Gd), and P6₃cm (R=Dy-Lu). The structure and crystal chemistry of the Pnma series of R₂CuTiO₆ (R=La, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd) are discussed in detail in this paper. Patterns for selected members of R₂CuTiO₆ have also been prepared and submitted for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).     

Hydrothermal synthesis and magnetic properties of RMn2O5 (R=La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Bi) and LaMn2O5+δ

RMn₂O₅ (R=La, Pr, Nd, Tb, Bi) crystallites were prepared by a mild hydrothermal method and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and magnetic measurement. The formation of manganates was sensitive to the alkalinities and Mn-containing precursors of the reaction mixtures. This family of manganates is isostructural and has a space group of Pbam. The magnetic measurements for RMn₂O₅ showed an antiferromagnetic transition. The strong irreversibility between the ZFC and FC curves indicated a helicoidally magnetic structure below 40 K. The max d.c. susceptibilities of LaMn₂O_5+δ (δ=0.01, 0.06, 0.08, 0.16, 0.17) were found to be variable and the excess oxygen (δ) in the compounds was influenced by the alkalinity used in the hydrothermal synthesis.     

On phase equilibria and crystal structures in the systems Ce-Pd-B and Yb-Pd-B. Physical properties of R2Pd13.6B5 (R=Yb, Lu)

Phase equilibria and crystal structures of ternary compounds were determined in the systems Ce-Pd-B and Yb-Pd-B at 850 °C in the concentration ranges up to 45 and 33 at% of Ce and Yb, respectively, employing X-ray single crystal and powder diffraction. Phase relations in the Ce-Pd-B system at 850 °C are governed by formation of extended homogeneity fields, τ₂-CePd₈B_2−x (0.10<x<0.48); τ₃-Ce₃Pd_25−xB_8−y (1.06<x<1.87; 2.20<y<0.05), and CePd₃B_x (0<x<0.65) the latter arising from binary CePd₃. Crystallographic parameters for the new structure type τ₂-CePd₈B_2−x (space group C2/c, a=1.78104(4) nm, b=1.03723(3) nm, c=1.16314(3), β=118.515(1)° for x=0.46) were established from X-ray single crystal diffraction. The crystal structures of τ₂-CePd₈B_2−x and τ₃-Ce₃Pd_25−xB_3−y are connected in a crystallographic group-subgroup relationship. Due to the lack of suitable single crystals, the novel structure of τ₁-Ce₆Pd_47−xB₆ (x=0.2, C2/m space group, a=1.03594(2) nm, b=1.80782(3) nm, c=1.01997(2) nm, β=108.321(1)°) was determined from Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data applying the structural model obtained from single crystals of homologous La₆Pd_47−xB₆ (x=0.19) (X-ray single crystal diffraction, new structure type, space group C2/m, a=1.03988(2) nm, b=1.81941(5) nm, c=1.02418(2) nm, β=108.168(1)°).The Yb-Pd-B system is characterized by one ternary compound, τ₁-Yb₂Pd₁₄B₅, forming equilibria with extended solution YbPd₃B_x, YbB₆, Pd₅B₂ and Pd₃B. The crystal structures of both Yb₂Pd₁₄B₅ and isotypic Lu₂Pd₁₄B₅ were determined from X-ray Rietveld refinements and found to be closely related to the Y₂Pd₁₄B₅-type (I4₁/amd). The crystal structure of binary Yb₅Pd_2−x (Mn₅C₂-type) was confirmed from X-ray single crystal data and a slight defect on the Pd site (x=0.06) was established.The three structures τ₁-Ce₆Pd_47−xB₆, τ₂-CePd₈B_2−x and τ₃-Ce₃Pd_25−xB_8−y are related and can be considered as the packings of fragments observed in Nd₂Fe₁₄B structure with different stacking of common structural blocks.Physical properties for Yb₂Pd_13.6B₅ (temperature dependent specific heat, electrical resistivity and magnetization) yielded a predominantly Yb-4f¹³ electronic configuration, presumably related with a magnetic instability below 2 K. Kondo interaction and crystalline electric field effects control the paramagnetic temperature domain.     

Crystal growth and structural investigation of A2BReO6 (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na)

Single crystals of the double perovskite rhenates A₂BReO₆ (A=Sr, Ba; B=Li, Na) were grown out of molten hydroxide fluxes. Single crystals of orange/yellow Ba₂LiReO₆, Ba₂NaReO₆ and Sr₂LiReO₆ were solved in the cubic, Fm-3m space group with a=8.1214(11) Å, 8.2975(3) Å, and 7.9071(15) Å, respectively, while Sr₂NaReO₆ was determined to be monoclinic P2₁/n with a=5.6737(6) Å, b=5.7988(6) Å, c=8.0431(8) Å, and β=90.02(6) °. The cubic structure consists of a rock salt lattice of corner-shared ReO₆ and MO₆ (M=Li, Na) octahedra which, in the monoclinic structure, are both tilted and rotated. A discrepancy exists between the symmetry of Sr₂LiReO₆ indicated by the single-crystal refinement of flux-grown crystals (cubic, Fm-3m) and the symmetry indicated by the powder diffraction data collected on polycrystalline samples prepared by the ceramic method (tetragonal, I4/m). It is possible that the cubic crystals are a kinetic product that forms in small quantities at low temperatures, while the powder represents the more stable polymorph that forms at higher reaction temperature.     

X-ray structural study of intermetallic alloys RT2Si and RTSi2 (R=rare earth, T=noble metal)

Two series of intermetallic alloys, RT₂Si and RTSi₂, have been synthesized from stoichiometric compositions. The crystal structures of EuPt_1+xSi_2−x (CeNiSi₂-type), CeIr₂Si (new structure type), YbPd₂Si and YbPt₂Si (both YPd₂Si-type) have been elucidated from X-ray single crystal CCD data, which were confirmed by XPD experiments. The crystal structures of LaRh₂Si and LaIr₂Si (CeIr₂Si-type), {La,Ce,Pr,Nd}AgSi₂ (all TbFeSi₂-type), and EuPt₂Si (inverse CeNiSi₂-type) were characterized by XPD data. RT₂Si/RTSi₂ compounds were neither detected in as-cast alloys Sc₂₅Pt₅₀Si₂₅, Eu₂₅Os₂₅Si₅₀ and Eu₂₅Rh₂₅Si₅₀ nor after annealing at 900 °C. Instead, X-ray single crystal data prompted Eu₂Os₃Si₅ (Sc₂Fe₃Si₅-type) and EuRh_2+xSi_2−x (x=0.04, ThCr₂Si₂-type) as well as a new structure type for Sc₂Pt₃Si₂ (own type).     

High pressure induced coordination evolution in chain compound Li2CuO2

Using diamond anvil cell technique with angle dispersive X-ray diffraction (ADXD) of synchrotron radiation and electrical conductivity measurements, we have observed that CuO₂ chain compound Li₂CuO₂ transforms from ambient orthorhombic symmetry into a new phase at above 5.4 GPa and room temperature. The new phase was found to be of monoclinic structure with an increased oxygen coordination number of Cu²⁺ from four at ambient to six at high pressure that provides a structural basis of the evolution of principle physical properties. The high pressure phase of Li₂CuO₂ is discussed in line with the first principle calculations.     

Crystal chemistry and crystallography of the Aurivillius phase Bi5AgNb4O18

Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ is a new phase, which was discovered during the phase equilibrium study of the Bi₂O₃-Ag₂O-Nb₂O₅ system. Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ was prepared at 750°C and is stable in air up to its melting temperature of 1160.1±5.0°C (standard error of estimate). Results of a Rietveld refinement using neutron powder diffraction confirmed that Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ is isostructural with Bi₃TiNbO₉, Bi₅NaNb₄O₁₈, and Bi₅KNb₄O₁₈. The structure was refined in the orthorhombic space group A2₁am, Z=2, and the lattice parameters are a=5.4915(2) Å, b=5.4752(2) Å, c=24.9282(8) Å, and V=749.52(4) Å³. The structure can be described as the m=2 member of the Aurivillius family, (Bi₂O₂)²⁺ (A_m−1B_mO_3m+1)²⁻ (where A=Bi and B=Ag, Nb), which is characterized by perovskite-like (A_m−1B_mO_3m+1)²⁻ slabs regularly interleaved with (Bi₂O₂)²⁺ layers. The octahedral [NbO₆] units are distorted with Nb-O distances ranging from 1.856(4) to 2.161(2) Å and the O-Nb-O angles ranging from 82.6(3)° to 98.5(3)°. These octahedra are tilted about the a- and c-axis by about 10.3° and 12.4°, respectively. Ag was found to substitute exclusively into the Bi-site that is located in the layer between the two distorted [NbO₆] units. Although the Ag substitutes into the Bi-site with the Bi:Ag ratio of 1:1, the existence of a superlattice was not detected using electron diffraction. A comparison of (Bi₂O₂)²⁺(A_m−1Nb_mO_3m+1)²⁻ structures (where A=Ag, Na, and K) revealed a relation between the pervoskite tolerance factor, t, and structural distortion. The reference pattern for Bi₅AgNb₄O₁₈ has been submitted to the International Centre for Diffraction Data (ICDD) for inclusion in the Powder Diffraction File.     

Subsolidus phase relations and crystal structures of R-Ca-Cu-O (R=Nd, Sm, Gd, Tm) systems

The subsolidus phase relations of R₂O₃-CaO-CuO ternary systems (R=Nd, Sm, Gd, Tm) have been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction. All samples were synthesized at about 950° in air. There exists a ternary compound Ca_14−xR_xCu₂₄O₄₁ (x = 4 for R=Nd, Gd and x = 5 for R = Sm) and a ternary solid solution Ca_2+xR_2−xCu₅O₁₀ (R=Nd, Sm, Gd, Tm) with a wide composition range Δx of about 0.6. The compound Ca_14−xR_xCu₂₄O₄₁ possesses a layered orthorhombic structure and is isostructural to Sr_14−xCa_xCu₂₄O₄₁. The lattice parameters a and c of the compound are basically independent of the ionic radius of R, while the lattice parameter b and unit-cell volume V decrease substantially with the decrease of the ionic radii of R. The Ca_2+xR_2−xCu₅O₁₀ solid solution is isostructural to Ca_2+xY_2−xCu₅O₁₀, the structure of which is based on an orthorhombic “NaCuO₂-type” subcell containing infinite one-dimensional chains of edge-shared square planar cuprate groups crosslinked by the layered cations Ca and R that locate in the inter-chain tunnels.     

Structure and magnetic properties of the orthorhombic n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper phases Sr3Co2O5+δ (δ=0.91, 0.64 and 0.38)

The reduced Ruddlesden-Popper phases, Sr₃Co₂O_5+δ with δ=0.91, 0.64 and 0.38, have been prepared in a nitrogen atmosphere. The crystal structures were determined by powder neutron diffraction. Oxygen vacancies are found both in O(3) and O(4) sites but the majority are along one crystallographic axis in the CoO₂ plane, inducing an orthorhombic distortion of the normally tetragonal n=2 Ruddelsden-Popper structure. Superstructures due to oxygen ordering are observed by electron microscopy. The magnetic measurements reveal complex behavior with some ferromagnetic interactions present for Sr₃Co₂O_5.91 and Sr₃Co₂O_5.64.     

The crystal chemistry of L-Ta2O5 and related structures

Single crystals of a new form of L-Ta₂O₅ with a 19×b superstructure have been synthesised by flux growth. The phase is most likely stabilised by the incorporation of a small amount of lithium (0.14 wt% Li) from the flux. The phase has C-centred monoclinic symmetry with , (), , γ=90.00(1)°. The structure was refined in space group C112/m to R₁=0.044 for 814 unique reflections with F>4σ(F). The structure can be described as comprising chains of edge-shared TaO₇ pentagonal bipyramids that are regularly folded at (010) planes to give sinusoidal chains along [010]. These chains are interconnected along [100] and [001] by corner sharing, creating inter-chain regions that are occupied by isolated TaO₆ octahedra and pairs of corner-shared octahedra. A comparison with published data for high-quality refinements of related structures has led to the development of a general model that can explain the structural chemistry variations in the known L-Ta₂O₅-related structures. A shorthand notation is presented for representing the structures, based on the sequence along [010] of the interchain octahedra.     

Crystal growth, structure and magnetic properties of the double perovskites Ln2MgIrO6 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm-Gd)

Single crystals of double-perovskite type lanthanide magnesium iridium oxides, Ln₂MgIrO₆ (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm-Gd) have been grown in a molten potassium hydroxide flux. The compounds crystallize in a distorted 1:1 rock salt lattice, space group P2₁/n, consisting of corner shared MO₆ (M=Mg²⁺ and Ir⁴⁺) octahedra, where the rare earth cations occupy the eight-fold coordination sites formed by the corner shared octahedra. Pr₂MgIrO₆, Nd₂MgIrO₆, Sm₂MgIrO₆, and Eu₂MgIrO₆ order antiferromagnetically around 10-15 K.     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of rare earth ruthenates, Ln5Ru2O12 (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm-Tb)

Single crystals of Ln₅Ru₂O₁₂ (Ln=Pr, Nd, Sm-Tb) were grown out of either NaOH or KOH fluxes in sealed silver tubes. The crystals of all the phases were observed to be twinned as confirmed by TEM studies. The series crystallize in the C2/m monoclinic system with lattice parameters, a=12.4049(4)-12.7621(6) Å, b=5.8414(2)-5.9488(3) Å, c=7.3489(2)-7.6424(4) Å, β=107.425(3)-107.432(2)° and Z=2. The crystal structure is isotypic with the defect/disorder model of Ln₅Re₂O₁₂ (Ln = Y, Gd) and consists of one dimensional edge shared RuO₆ octahedral chains separated by a two dimensional LnO_x polyhedral framework. Magnetic measurements indicate paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic behavior for Ln=Nd, Sm-Gd and Ln=Tb, respectively.     

Crystal chemistry of M[PO2(OH)2]2·2H2O compounds (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd): Structural investigation of the Ni, Zn and Cd salts

The compounds M[PO₂(OH)₂]₂·2H₂O (M=Mg, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd) were prepared from super-saturated aqueous solutions at room temperature. Single-crystal X-ray structure investigations of members with M=Ni, Zn, Cd were performed at 295 and 120 K. The space-group symmetry is P2₁/n, Z=2. The unit-cell parameters are at 295/120 K for M=Ni: a=7.240(2)/7.202(2), b=9.794(2)/9.799(2), c=5.313(1)/5.285(1) Å, β=94.81(1)/94.38(1)°, V=375.4/371.9 Å³; M=Zn: a=7.263(2)/7.221(2), b=9.893(2)/9.899(3), c=5.328(1)/5.296(2) Å, β=94.79(1)/94.31(2)°, V=381.5/377.5 Å³; M=Cd: a=7.356(2)/7.319(2), b=10.416(2)/10.423(3), c=5.407(1)/5.371(2) Å, β=93.85(1)/93.30(2)°, V=413.4/409.1 Å³. Layers of corner-shared MO₆ octahedra and phosphate tetrahedra are linked by three of the four crystallographically different hydrogen bonds. The fourth hydrogen bond (located within the layer) is worth mentioning because of the short O_h?O bond distance of 2.57-2.61 Å at room temperature (2.56-2.57 Å at 120 K); only for M=Mg it is increased to 2.65 Å. Any marked temperature-dependent variation of the unit-cell dimension is observed only vertical to the layers. The analysis of the infrared (IR) spectroscopy data evidences that the internal PO₄ vibrations are insensitive to the size and the electronic configuration of the M²⁺ ions. The slight strengthening of the intra-molecular P-O bonds in the Mg salt is caused by the more ionic character of the Mg-O bonds. All IR spectra exhibit the characteristic “ABC trio” for acidic salts: 2900-3180 cm⁻¹ (A band), 2000-2450 cm⁻¹ (B band) and 1550-1750 cm⁻¹ (C band). Both the frequency and the intensity of the A band provide an evidence that the PO₂(OH)₂ groups in M[PO₂(OH)₂]₂·2H₂O compounds form weaker hydrogen bonds as compared with other acidic salts with comparable O?O bond distances of about 2.60 Å. The observed shift of the O-H stretching vibrations of the water molecule in the order M=Mg>Mn≈Fe≈Co>Ni>Zn≈Cd has been discussed with respect to the influence of both the character and the strength of M↔H₂O interactions.     

A study on methanol steam reforming to CO2 and H2 over the La2CuO4 nanofiber catalyst

The La₂CuO₄ crystal nanofibers were prepared by using single-walled carbon nanotubes as templates under mild hydrothermal conditions. The steam reforming of methanol (SRM) to CO₂ and H₂ over such nanofiber catalysts was studied. At the low temperature of 150 °C and steam/methanol=1.3, methanol was completely (100%, 13.8 g/h g catalyst) converted to hydrogen and CO₂ without the generation of CO. Within the 60 h catalyst lifespan test, methanol conversion was maintained at 98.6% (13.6 g/h g catalyst) and with 100% CO₂ selectivity. In the meantime, for distinguishing the advantage of nanoscale catalyst, the La₂CuO₄ bulk powder was prepared and tested for the SRM reaction for comparison. Compared with the La₂CuO₄ nanofiber, the bulk powder La₂CuO₄ showed worse catalytic activity for the SRM reaction. The 100% conversion of methanol was achieved at the temperature of 400 °C, with the products being H₂ and CO₂ together with CO. The catalytic activity in terms of methanol conversion dropped to 88.7% (12.2 g/h g catalyst) in 60 h. The reduction temperature for nanofiber La₂CuO₄ was much lower than that for the La₂CuO₄ bulk powder. The nanofibers were of higher specific surface area (105.0 m²/g), metal copper area and copper dispersion. The in situ FTIR and EPR experiments were employed to study the catalysts and catalytic process. In the nanofiber catalyst, there were oxygen vacancies. H₂-reduction resulted in the generation of trapped electrons [e] on the vacancy sites. Over the nanofiber catalyst, the intermediate H₂CO/HCO was stable and was reformed to CO₂ and H₂ by steam rather than being decomposed directly to CO and H₂. Over the bulk counterpart, apart from the direct decomposition of H₂CO/HCO to CO and H₂, the intermediate H₂COO might go through two decomposition ways: H₂COO=CO+H₂O and H₂COO=CO₂+H₂.     

The first quaternary lanthanide(III) nitride iodides: NaM4N2I7 (M=La-Nd)

In attempts to synthesize lanthanide(III) nitride iodides with the formula M₂NI₃ (M=La-Nd), moisture-sensitive single crystals of the first quaternary sodium lanthanide(III) nitride iodides NaM₄N₂I₇ (orthorhombic, Pna2₁; Z=4; a=1391-1401, b=1086-1094, c=1186-1211 pm) could be obtained. The dominating structural features are chains of trans-edge linked [NM₄]⁹⁺ tetrahedra, which run parallel to the polar 2₁-axis [001]. Between the chains, direct bonding via special iodide anions generates cages, in which isolated [NaI₆]^5- octahedra are embedded. The IR spectrum of NaLa₄N₂I₇ recorded from 100 to 1000 cm^-1 shows main bands at υ=337, 373 and 489 cm^-1. With decreasing radii of the lanthanide trications these bands, which can be assigned as an influence of the vibrations of the condensed [NM₄]⁹⁺ tetrahedra, are shifted toward higher frequencies for the NaM₄N₂I₇ series (M=La-Nd), following the lanthanide contraction.     

Total syntheses of (R)-argentilactone and (R)-goniothalamin via catalytic enantioselective allylation of aldehydes

The total syntheses of (R)-argentilactone (five steps, 25% overall yield) and (R)-goniothalamin (three steps, 61% overall yield) have been described through the enantioselective catalytic allylation of aldehydes (including a propargylic aldehyde) which provided a rapid access to these natural products that display very interesting biological activities.     

(1R,2R)-DPEN-derived triazolium salts for enantioselective oxodiene Diels-Alder reactions

Enantioselective oxodiene Diels-Alder reactions catalyzed by (1R,2R)-DPEN-derived triazolium salts were realized successfully. With 0.5 mol % of (1R,2R)-DPEN-derived triazolium salt C and 150 mol % of Et₃N, the reactions of various α-chloroaldehydes (α-bromoaldehyde) with substituted enones led to 3,4-dihydropyridinones and their derivatives in good yields, diastereoselectivities, and enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).     

Spin dimer analysis of the three-dimensional antiferromagnetic ordering in the quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn2MnS5 (Ln=La, Ce, Pr)

The quaternary manganese sulfides BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) consist of (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions separated with short S?S distances slightly longer than the van der Waals distance. Nevertheless, these sulfides are known to undergo a three-dimensional (3D) antiferromagnetic ordering at a reasonably high temperature (i.e., T_N=58.5, 62.0 and 64.5 K for Ln=La, Ce and Pr, respectively). The origin of this observation was probed by studying the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions of BaLn₂MnS₅ on the basis of spin dimer analysis. The non-bonding S?S contacts in the vicinity of the van der Waals distance are found essential in determining the strengths of the Mn-S?S-Mn super-superexchange interactions. The antiferromagnetic spin exchange between adjacent (MnS₄)⁶⁻ anions along the c-direction (J₂) is calculated to be stronger than that in the ab-plane (J₁) by a factor of ∼10, so that the strongly interacting spin units of BaLn₂MnS₅ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr) are 1D chains made up of the exchange paths J₂. The relative strengths of the spin exchange interactions for the J₁ and J₂ paths are consistent with the finding that the Néel temperatures of BaLn₂MnS₅ are reasonably high, and they increase in the order BaLa₂MnS₅<BaCe₂MnS₅< BaPr₂MnS₅.     

Synthesis, structure and physical properties of Ru ferrites: BaMRu5O11 (M=Li and Cu) and BaM′2Ru4O11 (M′=Mn, Fe and Co)

The synthesis, structure, and physical properties of five R-type Ru ferrites with chemical formula BaMRu₅O₁₁ (M=Li and Cu) and BaM′₂Ru₄O₁₁ (M′=Mn, Fe and Co) are reported. All the ferrites crystallize in space group P6₃/mmc and consist of layers of edge sharing octahedra interconnected by pairs of face sharing octahedra and isolated trigonal bipyramids. For M=Li and Cu, the ferrites are paramagnetic metals with the M atoms found on the trigonal bipyramid sites exclusively. For M′=Mn, Fe and Co, the ferrites are soft ferromagnetic metals. For M′=Mn, the Mn atoms are mixed randomly with Ru atoms on different sites. The magnetic structure for BaMn₂Ru₄O₁₁ is reported.