Thermal low spin-high spin equilibrium of Fe(II) in thiospinels CuFe0.5(Sn(1−x)Tix)1.5S4 (0≤x≤1)

A series of spinel compounds with composition CuFe_0.5(Sn_(1−x)Ti_x)_1.5S₄ (0≤x≤1) is analysed by X-ray diffraction, measurements of magnetic susceptibilities and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy. All samples show a temperature-dependent equilibrium between an electronic low spin 3d(t_2g)⁶(e_g)⁰ and a high spin 3d(t_2g)⁴(e_g)² state of the Fe(II) ions. The spin crossover is of the continuous type and extends over several hundred degrees in all samples. The Sn/Ti ratio influences the thermal equilibrium between the two spin states. Substitution of Sn(IV) by the smaller Ti(IV) ions leads to a more compact crystal lattice, which, in contrast to many metal-organic Fe(II) complexes, does not stabilise the low spin state, but increases the residual high spin fraction for T→0 K. The role played by antiferromagnetic spin coupling in the stabilisation of the high spin state is discussed. The results are compared with model calculations treating the effect of magnetic interactions on spin state equilibria.     

A comparative study of the magnetic properties and phase separation behavior of the rare earth cobaltates, Ln0.5Sr0.5CoO3 (Ln=rare earth)

A comparative study of the magnetic properties of a few members of the Ln_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ family with different radii of the A-site cations, 〈r_A〉, in the range 1.19-1.40 Å has been carried out. The apparent T_c (where the magnetization undergoes an abrupt increase) decreases markedly with 〈r_A〉 as well as the size-disorder arising from the mismatch in the size of the A-site cations. The value of the magnetization at low temperatures decreases markedly with decrease in 〈r_A〉 or increase in size-disorder, suggesting that the relative proportion of the ferromagnetic (FM) species decreases relative to that of the paramagnetic (PM) species. Such a variation of the FM/PM ratio with composition and temperature is evidenced from the Mössbauer spectra of La_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ as well. The variation of the FM/PM ratio with 〈r_A〉 and size-disorder, as well as a local-probe study using ⁵⁹Co Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy suggest that electronic phase separation is an inherent feature of the Ln_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ type cobaltates, with the nature of the different magnetic species in the phase-separated system varying with 〈r_A〉 and size disorder.     

A highly coercive carbon nanotube coated with Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystals synthesized by chemical precipitation-hydrothermal process

Novel magnetic composites (Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-MWCNTs) of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals were synthesized by chemical precipitation-hydrothermal process. The composites were characterized by X-ray powder diffractometer (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Mössbauer spectroscopy (MS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), etc. A temperature of about 200 °C was identified to be an appropriate hydrothermal condition to obtain Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄-MWCNTs, being lower than the synthesis temperature of a single-phase Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals. The sizes of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ in the composites were smaller than those of Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals in single phase. The composites exhibited more superparamagnetic than Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals in their relaxation behaviors. The magnetic properties measured by a vibrating sample magnetometer showed that the composites had a high coercive field of 386.0 Oe at room temperature, higher than those of MWCNT and Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ nanocrystals.     

Magnetic properties of EuLn2O4 (Ln=rare earths)

Ternary rare earth oxides EuLn₂O₄ (Ln=Gd, Dy-Lu) were prepared. They crystallized in an orthorhombic CaFe₂O₄-type structure with space group Pnma. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic measurements show that the Eu ions are in the divalent state. All these compounds show an antiferromagnetic transition at 4.2-6.3 K. From the positive Weiss constant and the saturation of magnetization for EuLu₂O₄, it is considered that ferromagnetic chains of Eu²⁺ are aligned along the b-axis of the orthorhombic unit cell, with neighboring Eu²⁺ chains antiparallel. When Ln=Gd-Tm, ferromagnetically aligned Eu²⁺ ions interact with the Ln³⁺ ions, which would overcome the magnetic frustration of triangularly aligned Ln³⁺ ions and the EuLn₂O₄ compounds show a simple antiferromagnetic behavior.     

Structural study by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the Na2Mn2(1 − x)Cd2xFe(PO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) solid solution

Na₂Mn_{2(1 − x)}Cd_2xFe(PO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) phosphates were prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns indicated the formation of a continuous solid solution which crystallizes in the alluaudite structural type characterized by the general formula X(2)X(1)M(1)M(2)₂(PO₄)₃. The cation distribution, deduced from a structure refinement of the x = 0, 0.5 and 1 compositions, is ordered in the X(2) sites and disordered in the remaining X(1), M(1) and M(2) sites. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behaviour of the studied compounds. The ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the structural results and proved the exclusive presence of Fe³⁺ ions.     

Magnetic structures of the α-Li3Fe2(PO4)3−x(AsO4)x (x=1, 1.5, 2, 3) solid solution

Mössbauer spectroscopy and neutron diffraction studies have been carried out for the α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)_3−x(AsO₄)_x (x=1, 1.5, 2, 3) solid solution, potential candidate for the cathode material of the lithium secondary batteries. The crystal and magnetic structures of all these phases are based on the structural and magnetic model corresponding to the α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)₃ phosphate parent, but with some differences promoted by the arsenate substitution. The PO₄ and AsO₄ groups have a random distribution in the structure. In all compounds the coupling of the magnetic moments takes place in the (001) plane, but the value of the angle between the moments and the x direction decreases from 38.3° (α-Li₃Fe₂(AsO₄)₃) to 4.7° (α-Li₃Fe₂(PO₄)₂(AsO₄)₁). This rotation arises from the change in the tilt angle between the Fe(1)O₆ and Fe(2)O₆ crystallographically and magnetically independent octahedra in the structures, and affects the effectiveness of the magnetic exchange pathways. The ordering temperature T_N decreases with the increase of phosphate amount in the compounds. The existence of a phenomenon of canting and the evolution of the ferrimagnetic behavior in this solid solution is also discussed.     

Theoretical interpretation of Mössbauer spectra of 19Sn compounds

Experimental Mössbauer spectra of a series of Sn(II) and Sn(IV) compounds are interpreted in terms of MO theory. On the basis of the self-consistent charge (SCC)-X-MO method electronic charge densities (0) and electric field gradients V _zz at the ¹¹⁹Sn nucleus are computed and related with experimental isomer shifts and quadrupole splittings E _q. From this correlation values for the fractional change R/R in the nuclear charge radius and for the nuclear quadrupole moment Q of ¹¹⁹Sn are obtained as R/R=1.61 · 10^–4 and Q=–0.0615b, respectively. The results of our MO calculations indicate that large isomer shift differences in ¹¹⁹Sn compounds are due to a lone-pair MO, which exists in Sn(II) compounds but is absent in Sn(IV) compounds. This lone-pair MO causes an increase mainly in the 5s orbital population, resulting in a large electronic charge density (0). Furthermore, our results show the limits of the applicability of simple electrostatic models or phenomenological schemes to the interpretation of the experimental data when different coordination numbers of Sn are involved.     

Magnetic properties and Eu Mössbauer effects of mixed valence europium copper sulfide, Eu2CuS3

Ternary europium copper sulfide Eu₂CuS₃ have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility, magnetization, and specific heat measurements. In this compound, Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions occupy two crystallographically independent sites. The ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectra indicate that the Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ ions exist in the molar ratio of 1:1, and the Debye temperatures of Eu²⁺ and Eu³⁺ are 180 and 220 K, respectively. In its magnetic susceptibility, the divergence between the zero-field cooled and field cooled susceptibilities appears below 3.4 K. The specific heat has a λ-type anomaly at the same temperature. From the field dependence of magnetization at 1.8 K, the Eu²⁺ ion was found to be in the ferromagnetic state with the saturation magnetization M_S=6.7 μ_B.     

Magnetic and Transport Properties of RESnxSb2 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm; x=0.5, 0.7)

The nonstoichiometric rare-earth tin antimonides RESn_xSb₂ (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were characterized by ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy and their transport and magnetic properties were measured. The presence of nearly zero-valent Sn is suggested by the similarity of the ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer parameters in LaSn_xSb₂ (0.1≤x≤0.7) to those of elemental β-Sn. All RESn_0.7Sb₂ compounds exhibit metallic behavior. CeSn_0.7Sb₂ and NdSn_0.7Sb₂ show drops in resistivity below 8 K; this is attributed to a transition to a magnetically ordered state. At 25 K, CeSn_0.7Sb₂ also displays a resistivity minimum characteristic of ordered Kondo lattices. Magnetic studies indicate that, below 4 K, CeSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) orders ferromagnetically, whereas NdSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) orders antiferromagnetically and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at H_C=5.5 T and 2 K. Neither PrSn_xSb₂ nor SmSn_xSb₂ (x=0.5, 0.7) displays long-range magnetic ordering above 2 K.     

Magnetic dilution of the iron sublattice in CoFe2−xScxO4 (0≤x≤1)

Substitution of Fe for Sc in CoFe₂O₄ spinel structure is presented. All CoFe_2−xSc_xO₄ compounds crystallize in the spinel type structure (space group Fd3?m). By using X-ray diffraction studies, magnetic measurements and in-field ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectrometry, the limit of substitution has been determined to be equal to x=0.56. An increase in the cell parameter and the strains and a decrease in the apparent crystallites size are observed. For x>0.3, a partial oxidation of cobalt is evidenced and Co³⁺ is stabilized in the structure. A ferromagnetic behavior has been observed for all investigated compounds. As x increases, the Curie temperature and the hyperfine fields decrease. Following the Stephenson model, the diminution of T_C is ascribed to a decrease of the main J_AB interaction.     

Structure and magnetic properties of Ca2Fe1−xMnxAlO5+δ

Ca₂Fe_1−xMn_xAlO₅ (0?x?1) compounds were prepared by a self-combustion method under air (x=0, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3) and nitrogen (x=0.5, 0.7 and 1.0). The samples prepared under nitrogen were successfully oxidized after short annealing under air. Both X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) Rietveld analysis and electron diffraction revealed that all compounds adopt the brownmillerite-type structure. All samples present an overall antiferromagnetic behaviour and data from magnetic measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy allowed to conclude that the transition temperature decreases as Mn content increases for x?0.3 and increases in the case of the x?0.5 compounds. Except for x=1, chemical disorder due to the occupancy of both octahedral and tetrahedral sites by different metals as well as the competition between different moments’ orientation induce a complex magnetic behaviour characterized by magnetic frustration and canted antiferromagnetism. Mössbauer spectroscopy and chemical titrations also allowed to conclude about the preferential oxidation of Mn³⁺ over Fe³⁺, obtained by thermal treatment under air of the x=0.5 and 0.7 compositions.     

Crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mixed-valence iron phosphate Na1/2Cu4/3Fe2(PO4)3

Single crystals of a new mixed-valent iron phosphate Na_1/2Cu_4/3Fe₂(PO₄)₃ have been synthesized by a flux method and structurally characterized from X-ray diffraction data. Crystal data: space group ; ; ; ; α=105.881(1)°; β=107.202(1)°; γ=101.467(1)°; Z=2; R₁=0.03; wR₂=0.093. The three-dimensional structure was found to be closely related to that of the well known Howardevansite structural type. It results from infinite chains of CuO₅ and FeO₆ polyhedra, joined together by (Cu,□)O₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra by corner-sharing. The large cavities in framework are occupied by Na⁺ ions. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behavior with Neel temperature of approximately 40 K. The Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of iron in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.     

Eu and Sb Mössbauer spectroscopy of EuSbSe3 and EuBiSe3

¹⁵¹Eu and ¹²¹Sb Mössbauer spectroscopy of EuSbSe₃ and EuBiSe₃ were measured at different temperatures. The presence of divalent europium and trivalent antimony were confirmed. The largely negative values of the isomer shift in ¹⁵¹Eu spectrum show highly ionic bonding within these two compounds. Both of them show magnetic hyperfine field splitting at 4.2 K, which indicates a change in the orientation of the EFG principal axis with respect to the magnetic hyperfine field direction. EuSbSe₃ has slightly smaller electron density at the antimony nuclei, compared to Sb₂Se_3.     

Synthesis, structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer and Raman spectroscopies of the new oxyphosphate Fe0.50TiO(PO4)

A new iron titanyl oxyphosphate Fe_0.50TiO(PO₄) was synthesized by both solid-state reaction and Cu²⁺-Fe²⁺ ion exchange method. The material was then characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy, magnetic susceptibility measurements and Raman spectroscopy. The crystal structure of the compound was refined, using X-ray powder diffraction data, by Rietveld profile method; it crytallizes in the monoclinic system, space group P2₁/c (No.14), with , , , β=120.36°(1), and Z=4. The volume of the title compound is comparable to those of the M_0.50^IITiO(PO₄) series, where M^II=Mg, Co, Ni and Zn. The framework is built up from [TiO₆] octahedra and [PO₄] tetrahedra. [TiO₆] octahedra are linked together by corners and form infinite chains along the c-axis. Ti atoms are displaced from the center of octahedral units showing an alternating short distance (1.73 Å) and a long one (2.22 Å). These chains are linked together by [PO₄] tetrahedra. Fe²⁺ cations occupy a triangle-based antiprism sharing two faces with two [TiO₆] octahedra. Mössbauer and magnetic measurements show the existence of iron only in divalent state, located exclusively in octahedral sites with high spin configuration (t_2g⁴e_g²). Raman study confirms the existence of Ti-O-Ti chains.     

Characterization by X-ray diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of a new alluaudite-like phosphate:: Na4CaFe4(PO4)6

A single crystal of a new sodium calcium iron (III) phosphate, Na₄CaFe₄(PO₄)₆, has been synthesized by a flux method and characterized by X-ray diffraction, Mössbauer spectroscopy and magnetic susceptibility measurements. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c(a=12.099(5) Å, b=12.480(5) Å, c=6.404(2) Å, β=113.77(3)°, Z=2, R₁=0.022, R_w2=0.066). The crystal structure belongs to the alluaudite type, characterized by the X(2)X(1)M(1)M(2)₂(PO₄)₃ general formula. The open framework results from Fe₂O₁₀ units of edge-sharing FeO₆ octahedra, which alternate with M(1)O₆ octahedra (M(1)=Na+Ca) that form infinite chains. These chains are linked together through the common corners of PO₄ tetrahedra yielding two distinct tunnels of sodium cation occupation. This compound is antiferromagnetic with a Néel temperature of 35 K. Mössbauer parameters are consistent with the structural results.     

Mössbauer studies of the interaction of oxygen with solid β-Fe-phthalocyanine

Oxygen has been diffused into the interplanar spacings of solid β-Fe^IIPc at relatively low temperatures in the dry state and in aqueous suspensions. A variety of oxygen adducts are stabilized in the solid matrix, which do not exist in solution. Tentative assignment of species have been made with the help of Mössbauer and IR spectroscopy.     

Magnetic Investigations and 151Eu Mössbauer Spectroscopy of MYbSi4N7 with M = Sr,Ba, Eu

The isotypic nitridosilicates MYb[Si₄N₇] (M = Sr, Ba, Eu) were obtained by the reaction of the respective metals with Si(NH)₂ in a radiofrequency furnace below 1600 °C. On the basis of powder diffraction data of MYb[Si₄N₇] Rietveld refinements of the lattice constants were performed; these confirmed the previously published single‐crystal data. The compounds contain a condensed network of corner‐sharing [N(SiN₃)₄] units. The central nitrogen thus exhibits ammonium character. Magnetic susceptibility measurements of MYb[Si₄N₇] (M = Sr, Ba, Eu) show paramagnetic behavior with experimental magnetic moments of 3.03(2), (Sr), 2.73(2) (Ba), and 9.17(2) (Eu) μ_B per formula unit. In EuYbSi₄N₇ the europium and ytterbium atoms are in stable divalent and trivalent states, respectively. According to the non‐magnetic character of the alkaline earth cations, ytterbium has to be in an intermediate valence state Yb^III‐x in the strontium and barium compound. Consequently, either a partial exchange N^3—/O^2— resulting in compositions MYb^III‐x[Si₄N_7—xO_x] or an introduction of anion defects according to MYb^III‐x[Si₄N_7—x/3□_x/3] has to be assumed. The phase width 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4 was estimated according to the magnetic measurements. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectra of EuYb[Si₄N₇] at 78 K show a single signal at an isomer shift of δ = —12.83(3) mm s^—1 subject to quadrupole splitting of ΔE_Q = 5.7(8) mm s^—1, compatible with purely divalent europium.     

Structure, magnetic properties and Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy of PrRhSn

PrRhSn was synthesized in polycrystalline form by a reaction of praseodymium, rhodium, and tin in an arc-melting furnace. The sample was investigated by powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction: ZrNiAl type, space group a=742.49(7), c=415.05(5) pm, wR₂=0.0737, 353F² values and 14 variables. The PrRhSn structure has two crystallographically independent rhodium sites with a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination, i.e. [Rh1Sn₃Pr₆] and [Rh2Sn₆Pr₃]. The rhodium and tin atoms build up a three-dimensional [RhSn] network with short Rh-Sn contacts (278 and 285 pm), in which the praseodymium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. The magnetic and electronic properties of PrRhSn have been studied by means of AC and DC magnetic susceptibility measurements as well as ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. A transition from a paramagnetic to a ferromagnetic state was found at .     

Structure, magnetic properties and Mössbauer spectroscopy of GdRhSn

Polycrystalline GdRhSn was obtained by a reaction of the elements in a sealed tantalum tube in a high-frequency furnace. The sample was investigated by X-ray diffraction on powder and a single crystal: ZrNiAl type, space group , a=752.6(1),c=386.38(6) pm, wR₂=0.0353, 454 F² values and 14 variables. Both crystallographically independent rhodium atoms have a tricapped trigonal prismatic coordination, i.e. [Rh1Sn₃Gd₆] and [Rh2Sn₆Gd₃]. The shortest distances occur for the Rh-Sn contacts (274 and 283 pm). Together the rhodium and tin atoms build up a three-dimensional [RhSn] network in which the gadolinium atoms fill distorted hexagonal channels. The magnetic and electronic properties of GdRhSn have been studied by means of magnetic AC and DC susceptibility measurements as well as ¹¹⁹Sn and ¹⁵⁵Gd Mössbauer spectroscopy. A transition from a paramagnetic to an antiferromagnetic state with non-collinear magnetic ordering takes place at .