Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and physical properties of the new lanthanum copper telluride La3Cu5Te7

The new lanthanum copper telluride La₃Cu_5−xTe₇ has been obtained by annealing the elements at 1073 K. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the title compound crystallizes in a new structure type, space group Pnma (no. 62) with lattice dimensions of a=8.2326(3) Å, b=25.9466(9) Å, c=7.3402(3) Å, V=1567.9(1) Å³, Z=4 for La₃Cu_4.86(4)Te₇. The structure of La₃Cu_5−xTe₇ is remarkably complex. The Cu and Te atoms build up a three-dimensional covalent network. The coordination polyhedra include trigonal LaTe₆ prisms, capped trigonal LaTe₇ prisms, CuTe₄ tetrahedra, and CuTe₃ pyramids. All Cu sites exhibit deficiencies of various extents. Electrical property measurements on a sintered pellet of La₃Cu_4.86Te₇ indicate that it is a p-type semiconductor in accordance with the electronic structure calculations.     

Synthesis, structure, band gap, and electronic structure of CsAgSb4S7

The compound CsAgSb₄S₇ has been synthesized by the reaction of the elements in a Cs₂S₃ flux at 773 K. The compound crystallizes in a new structure type with eight formula units in space group C2/c of the monoclinic system in a cell at 153 K of dimensions , , , β=97.650(1)°, and . The structure contains two-dimensional layers separated by Cs atoms. Each layer is built from edge-sharing one-dimensional and chains. Each Ag atom is tetrahedrally coordinated to four S atoms. Each Sb³⁺ center is pyramidally coordinated to three S atoms to form an SbS₃ group. CsAgSb₄S₇ is insulating with an optical band gap of 2.04 eV. Extended Hückel calculations indicate that the band gap in CsAgSb₄S₇ is dominated by the Sb 5s and S 3p states above and below the Fermi level.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the monoclinic modification of Yb(ReO4)3(H2O)4

Ytterbium(III) tetraaquatris(tetraoxorhenate(VII)), Yb(ReO₄)₃(H₂O)₄, was prepared by the reaction of Yb₂O₃ with concentrated HReO₄ at room temperature. The colorless compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (No. 14) with four formula units per unit cell (a=730.5(1) pm, b=1484.1(5) pm, c=1311.7(2) pm, β=93.69(1)). The main feature of the crystal structure is the formation of chains _∞¹[Yb(H₂O)₄(ReO₄)₂(ReO₄)_2/2] running along [100]. This arrangement shows distorted cubic antiprisms of [Yb(H₂O)₄(ReO₄)₂(ReO₄)_2/2] interconnected via the ReO₄⁻ ligands. The chains are held together in the solid by hydrogen bonding. The compound is paramagnetic and follows the Curie-Weiss law with a magnetic moment of 4.0 μ_B at room temperature and θ=−42 K. It loses hydration water in two steps at temperatures below 400 K; decomposition begins at 850 K, forming Yb₂O₃(Re₂O₇)₂ and is complete at 1350 K leading to Yb₂O₃ as final product.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and nonlinear optical properties of Bi2Cu5B4O14

Bi₂Cu₅B₄O₁₄ crystallizes in the noncentrosymmetric triclinic space group P1 (No. 1) with cell parameters a=10.1381(11) Å, b=9.3917(11) Å, c=3.4566(4) Å, α=105.570(2)°, β=92.275(2)°, γ=107.783(2)°, Z=1 and R₁=0.0401 and wR₂=0.0980. It is a layered structure that is built up from sheets of rectangular CuO₄ and trigonal BO₃ groups. The sheets are connected by infinite chains of edge shared BiO₆ polyhedra that intersect the bc plane at an angle slightly greater than 90°. The second-harmonic generation efficiency of Bi₂Cu₅B₄O₁₄, using 1064 nm radiation, is about one half times that of KH₂PO₄.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic structure of RbVSe2

RbVSe₂ has been synthesized at 773 K through the reaction of V and Se with a Rb₂Se₃ reactive flux. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group D_2h²⁴-Fddd with 16 formula units in a cell of dimensions , , and at . The structure possesses infinite one-dimensional chains of edge-sharing VSe₄ tetrahedra separated from the Rb⁺ ions. These chains distort slightly to chains. The V-V distance within these chains is 2.8362(4) Å. First-principles total energy calculations indicate that a non-magnetic configuration for the V³⁺ cations is the most stable.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of BiMgVO5

The new vanadate BiMgVO₅ has been prepared and its structure has been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction: space group P2₁/n, , , , β=107.38(5)°, wR₂=0.0447, R=0.0255. The structure consists of [Mg₂O₁₀] and [Bi₂O₁₀] dimers sharing their corners with [VO₄] tetrahedra. The ranges of bond lengths are 2.129-2.814 Å for Bi-O; 2.035-2.167 Å for Mg-O and 1.684-1.745 Å for V-O. V-O bond lengths determined from Raman band wavenumbers are between 1.679 and 1.747 Å. An emission band overlapping the entire visible region with a maximum around 650 nm is observed.     

Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of K2Bi(PO4)(MoO4)

A new potassium bismuth phosphate-molybdate K₂Bi(PO₄)(MoO₄) has been synthesized by the flux method and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR spectroscopic studies. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system with the space group Ibca and the cell parameters: a=19.7037(10), b=12.4752(10), c=7.0261(10). This phase exhibits an original layered structure, in which the [Bi(PO₄)(MoO₄)]_∞ layers consist of [Bi₂Mo₂O₁₈]_∞ chains linked through single PO₄ tetrahedra. The K⁺ cations interleaved between these layers exhibit a monocapped distorted cubic coordination.     

Structure, energy band, and optical properties of NaLa(PO3)4 crystal

An alkali metal-rare earth phosphate crystal of NaLa(PO₃)₄ has been synthesized by high temperature solid-state reactions and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, for the first time. It crystallizes in the monoclinic P2₁/n space group with lattice parameters: a=7.2655(3), b=13.1952(5), , β=90.382°(1), , Z=4. It is composed of LaO₈ polyhedra and [(PO₃)₄]⁴⁻ chains sharing oxygen atoms to form a three-dimensional framework, delimiting intersecting tunnels in which the sodium ions are located. The IR spectrum, absorption spectrum, and emission spectrum of the compound have been investigated. The absorption edge is located at 340 nm (3.60 eV). The calculated total and partial densities of states indicate that the top of valence bands is mainly built upon O-2p states which interact with P-3p states via σ (P-O) interactions, and the low conduction bands mostly originates from unoccupied La-5d states. The P-O bond is mostly covalent in character, and the ionic character of the Na-O bond is larger than that in the La-O bond.     

Mild hydrothermal synthesis, crystal structure, thermal behaviour, spectroscopic and magnetic properties of (NH4)0.80Li0.20[Fe(AsO4)F]

The (NH₄)_0.80Li_0.20[Fe(AsO₄)F] compound has been synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions. The compound crystallize in the orthorhombic Pna2₁ space group, with cell parameters a=13.352(9), b=6.7049(9), c=10.943(2) Å and Z=8. The compound belongs to the KTiO(PO₄) structure type, with chains alternating FeO₄F₂ octahedra and AsO₄ tetrahedra, respectively, running along the “a” and “b” crystallographic axes. The diffuse reflectance spectrum in the visible region shows the forbidden electronic transitions characteristic of the Fe(III) d⁵-high spin cation in slightly distorted octahedral geometry. The Mössbauer spectrum at room temperature is characteristic of iron (III) cations. The ESR spectra, carried out from room temperature to 200 K, remain isotropic with variation in temperature; the g-value being 1.99(1). Magnetic measurements indicate the predominance of strong antiferromagnetic interactions.     

Crystal structure, vibrational properties and luminescence of NaMg3Al(MoO4)5 crystal doped with Cr ions

Crystals of NaMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ doped with 0.5% Cr³⁺ ions have been synthesized and characterized by a single-crystal X-ray structure analysis and IR, Raman, electron absorption and luminescence spectroscopic studies. It has been shown that NaMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ crystallizes in the structure, with a=6.8744(8) Å, b=6.9342(7) Å, c=17.605(2) Å, α=87.788(8)°, β=87.727(9)°, γ=78.501(9)°, Z=2. The characteristic feature of the structure is its enormously large thermal displacement parameter for sodium, even at 105 K. The IR and Raman spectra indicate significant interactions between the MoO₄²⁻ ions in the structure. The electron absorption, excitation and luminescence studies have shown that there are at least two different sites of incorporated Cr³⁺ ions in the NaMg₃Al(MoO₄)₅ crystal structure. They differ themselves by strength of crystalline field. One of them is characterized by Cr³⁺ in low ligand field and ⁴T₂→⁴A₂ emission whereas the second is characterized by higher strength of the crystal field and dominant ²E→⁴A₂ emission. Temperature-dependent studies show that the compound does not exhibit any phase transition.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and optical properties of an indium phosphate K3In3P4O16

An alkali-metal indium phosphate crystal, K₃In₃P₄O₁₆, has been synthesized by a high-temperature solution reaction and exhibits a new structure in the family of the alkali-metal indium phosphates system. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis shows the structure to be monoclinic with space group P2₁/n, and the following cell parameters: a=9.7003(18), b=9.8065(18), c=15.855(3) Å, β=90.346(3)°, V=1508.2(5) Å³, Z=4, R=0.0254. It possesses three-dimensional anionic frameworks with tunnels occupied by K⁺ cations running along the a-axis. The emission and absorption spectra of the compound have been investigated. Additionally, the calculations of energy band structure, density of states, dielectric constants and refractive indexes have been performed with the density functional theory method. Also, the two-photon absorption spectrum is simulated by two-band model. The obtained results tend to support the experimental data.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the high-pressure iron borate α-FeB2O4

The high-pressure iron borate α-FeB₂O₄ was synthesized under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus at 7.5 GPa and 1100 °C. The monoclinic iron borate crystallizes with eight formula units in the space group P2₁/c with the lattice parameters a=715.2(2), b=744.5(2), c=862.3(2) pm, and β=94.71(3)°. The compound is built up exclusively from corner-sharing BO₄-tetrahedra, isotypic to the monoclinic phases β-SrGa₂O₄, CaAl₂O₄-II, and CaGa₂O₄. Additionally, the structure is closely related to the orthorhombic compound BaFe₂O₄. The structure consists of layers of six-membered rings, which are interconnected to a three-dimensional network. The iron cations are coordinated by six and seven oxygen atoms. Next to synthesis and crystal structure of the new high-pressure borate, structural coherences to other structure types are discussed.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, spectrum properties, and electronic structure of a novel non-centrosymmetric borate, BiCd3(AlO)3(BO3)4

A novel non-centrosymmetric borate, BiCd₃(AlO)₃(BO₃)₄, has been prepared by solid state reaction methods below 750 °C. Single-crystal XRD analysis showed that it crystallizes in the hexagonal group P6₃ with a=10.3919(15) Å, c=5.7215(11) Å, Z=2. In its structure, AlO₆ octahedra share edges to form 1D chains that are bridged by BO₃ groups through sharing O atoms to form the 3D framework. The 3D framework affords two kinds of channels that are occupied by Bi³⁺/Cd²⁺ atoms only or by Bi³⁺/Cd²⁺ atoms together with BO₃ groups. The IR spectrum further confirmed the presence of BO₃ groups. Second-harmonic-generation measurements displayed a response of about 0.5×KDP (KH₂PO₄). UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectrum showed a band gap of about 3.19 eV. Solid-state fluorescence spectrum exhibited the maximum emission peak at around 390.6 nm. Band structure calculations indicated that it is an indirect semiconductor.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of K2Ta2S10: A novel ternary tantalum polysulfide with TaS8 polyhedra forming infinite anionic chains

The new ternary alkali tantalum polysulfide K₂Ta₂S₁₀ has been synthesized by reacting TaS₂ with an in situ formed melt of K₂S₃ and S at 773 K. The compound crystallizes with four formula units in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n (No. 14) with lattice parameters of . The structure contains two different zigzag chain anions [TaS₅]⁻, running parallel to the crystallographic b-axis separated by potassium cations. The two crystallographically independent tantalum atoms are in a distorted bi-capped trigonal prismatic environment of eight sulfur atoms which was never observed before. The TaS₈ polyhedra share three S atoms on each side to form the anionic chains. The compound was characterized with FIR and Raman spectroscopy.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and spectroscopic properties of Ag2Nb[P2S6][S2] and KAg2[PS4]

Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) was obtained from the direct solid state reaction of Ag, Nb, P₂S₅ and S at 500 °C. KAg₂[PS₄] (2) was prepared from the reaction of K₂S₃, Ag, Nd, P₂S₅ and extra S powder at 700 °C. Compound 1 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pnma with a=12.2188(11), b=26.3725(16), c=6.7517(4) Å, V=2175.7(3) Å³, Z=8. Compound 2 crystallizes in the non-centrosymmetric tetragonal space group with lattice parameters a=6.6471(7), c=8.1693(11) Å, V=360.95(7) Å³, Z=2. The structure of Ag₂Nb[P₂S₆][S₂] (1) consists of [Nb₂S₁₂], [P₂S₆] and new found puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains which are along [001] direction. The Nb atoms are located at the center of distorted bicapped trigonal prisms. Two prisms share square face of two [S₂²⁻] to form one [Nb₂S₁₂] unit, in which Nb-Nb bond is formed. The [Nb₂S₁₂] units share all S²⁻ corners with ethane-like [P₂S₆] units to form 14-membered rings. The novel puckered [Ag₂S₄] chains are composed of distorted [AgS₄] tetrahedra and [AgS₃] triangles that share corners with each other. These chains are connected with [P₂S₆] units and [Nb₂S₁₂] units to form three-dimensional frame work. The structural skeleton of 2 is built up from [AgS₄] and [PS₄] tetrahedra linked by corner-sharing. The three-dimensional anionic framework contains orthogonal, intersecting tunnels directed along [100] and [010]. This compound possesses a compressed chalcopyrite-like structure. The structure is compressed along [001] and results from eight coordination sphere for K⁺. Both compounds are characterized with UV/vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and compound 1 with IR and Raman spectra.     

Sr10[(PO4)5.5(BO4)0.5](BO2): Growth and crystal structure of a strontium phosphate orthoborate metaborate closely related to the apatite-type crystal structure

Single crystals of the strontium phosphate orthoborate metaborate, Sr₁₀[(PO₄)_5.5(BO₄)_0.5](BO₂), were grown from the melt and investigated by X-ray diffraction (space group , No. 147; a=9.7973(8) Å, c=7.3056(8) Å, V=607.29(10) Å³, Z=1). The crystal structure is closely related to apatite and contains linear metaborate groups, [BO₂]⁻ (point group D_∞h, B-O=1.284(11) Å) taking positions within the channels running along the three-fold inversion axis. Strontium sites are found to be fully occupied while [PO₄]³⁻ tetrahedra are partially replaced by [BO₄]⁵⁻ groups.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and electrical characterization of two new potassium uranyl molybdates K2(UO2)2(MoO4)O2 and K8(UO2)8(MoO5)3O6

Two new potassium uranyl molybdates K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆ have been obtained by solid state chemistry . The crystal structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction data, collected with MoKα radiation and a charge coupled device (CCD) detector. Their structures were solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques and refined by a least square method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections, with R₁=0.046 for 136 parameters and 1412 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and R₁=0.055 for 257 parameters and 2585 reflections with I?2σ(I) for K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. The first compound crystallizes in the monoclinic symmetry, space group P2₁/c with a=8.250(1) Å, b=15.337(2) Å, c=8.351(1) Å, β=104.75(1)°, ρ_mes=5.22(2) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.27(2) g/cm³ and Z=4. The second material adopts a tetragonal unit cell with a=b=23.488(3) Å, c=6.7857(11) Å, ρ_mes=5.44(3) g/cm³, ρ_cal=5.49(2) g/cm³, Z=4 and space group P4/n.In both structures, the uranium atoms adopt a UO₇ pentagonal bipyramid environment, molybdenum atoms are in a MoO₄ tetrahedral environment for K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and MoO₅ square pyramid coordination in K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆. These compounds are characterized by layered structures. The association of uranyl ions (UO₇) and molybdate oxoanions MoO₄ or MoO₅, give infinite layers [(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂]²⁻ and [(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆]⁸⁻ in K₂(UO₂)₂(MoO₄)O₂ and K₈(UO₂)₈(MoO₅)₃O₆, respectively. Conductivity properties of alkali metal within the interlayer spaces have been measured and show an Arrhenius type evolution.     

Synthesis, crystal structure and vibrational spectra characterization of MLa(PO3)4 (M=Na, Ag)

The single crystals of lanthanum metaphosphate MLa(PO₃)₄ (M=Na, Ag) have been synthesized and studied by a combination of X-ray crystal diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy. The sodium and silver compounds crystallize in the same monoclinic P2₁/n space group ( factor group) with the following respective unit cell dimensions: a=7.255(2), b=13.186(3), , β=90.40(2)°, , Z=4 and a=7.300(5), b=13.211(9), , β=90.47(4)°, , Z=4. This three-dimensional framework is built of twisted zig-zag chains running along a direction and made up of PO₄ tetrahedra sharing two corners, connected to the LaO₈ and NaO₇ or AgO₇ polyhedra by common oxygen atoms to the chains. The infrared and Raman vibrational spectra have been investigated. A group factor analysis leads to the determination of internal modes of (PO₃)⁻ anion in the phosphate chain.     

Solvothermal synthesis and crystal structure of Sb(III) and Sb(V) thioantimonates: [Mn(en)3]2Sb2S5 and [Ni(en)3(Hen)]SbS4

Thioantimonate compounds of [Mn(en)₃]₂Sb₂S₅ (1) and [Ni(en)₃(Hen)]SbS₄ (2) (en=ethylenediamine) were prepared by reaction of transition metal chloride with Sb and S₈ powders under solvothermal conditions. Compound 1 consists of discrete [Sb₂S₅]⁴⁻ anion, which is formed by corner-sharing SbS₃ trigonal pyramids. Compound 2 is composed of discrete tetrahedral [SbS₄]³⁻ anion. The compounds 1 and 2 are charge compensated by [M(en)₃]²⁺ cations, whereas in the crystal of 2 there is another counter ion of [Hen]⁺. The results of the synthesis suggest that the temperature, the concentration and the existing states of the starting materials and so on are important for the structure and composition of the final products. In addition, the oxidation-state of antimony might be related to the molar ratio of the reactants. Excess amount of elemental S is beneficial to the higher oxidation-state of thioantimonate (V). Compound 1 decomposes from 150°C to 350°C, while compound 2 decomposes from 200°C to 350°C remaining Sb₂S₃ and NiSbS as residues.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of EuBi2

The new hypervalent binary phase EuBi₂ was obtained from high temperature solid-state reactions of the pure metal elements in welded Ta tubes under argon atmosphere. Its structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The title compound crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4₁/amd (No. 141) with cell parameters of , and Z=8. The structure of EuBi₂ is isotypic with HfGa₂ and features 1D Bi⁻ zigzag anionic chains along both a- and b-axes and 2D Bi⁻ square sheets normal to c-axis. It can be formulated as Eu²⁺(Bi)_chain⁻(Bi)_square⁻.