Structural and optical absorption studies of barium substituted strontium ferrite powder

Attempt has been made to synthesize Ba_xSr_1−xFeO_3−ξ (x = 0–1.0) ferrite powder by decomposition of sol–gel derived oxalate at 800–1000 °C for 5–10 h to study the effect of barium insertion with regard to phase(s), stability, optical behavior, oxidation states of iron, and oxygen deficiency. It is shown that these ferrites possess a perovskite-type cubic phase (a = 3.877–4.020Å, Z = 1, space group Pm3m) for 0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.94, a mixture of 82% rhombohedral (a_R = 5.666Å and α_R = 59.761°, Z = 2, space group R3c) and 18% hexagonal phases for x = 0.96 and a pure hexagonal (a = 5.689Å, c = 13.944Å, Z = 6, space group P6₃/mmc) phase for x = 1. Barium substitution in SrFeO_3−ξ system leads to lattice expansion, weakening of the metal-oxygen bond, reduction of tetravalent iron ions (as evident from Mossbauer analysis), and decrease of oxygen content. The optical absorption peaks observed in the range 3.17–4.11 eV are attributed to charge transfer transitions from O²⁻ (2p) to Fe (3d) band. The values of optical energy band gap of Ba_xSr_1−xFeO_3−ξ are found to be ∼5.48 and ∼4.04 for x = 0.1 and 1.0, respectively. A stable perovskite-type cubic phase in Ba_xSr_1−xFeO_3−ξ system with significant anion deficiency (ξ = 0.26–0.32) may possibly act as an oxygen permeable membrane.     

Phases in the Al–Yb–Zn system between 25 and 50 at% ytterbium

Phases YbZn_1−xAl_x, YbZn_2−xAl_x and YbZn_3−xAl_x were studied by electron microprobe analysis and X-ray single crystal and powder methods. The compound YbZn_0.8Al_0.2 crystallizes with the CsCl-type, a=3.635(2) Å. Four phases were investigated by single crystal X-ray diffraction: YbZn_0.996(6)Al_1.004(6), MgNi₂-type, P6₃/mmc, a=5.573(1), c=18.051(3) Å, Z=8, wR2=0.040 and YbZn_0.88(3)Al_1.12(3), MgCu₂-type, , a=7.860(2) Å, Z=8, wR2=0.060, both showing mixed Zn/Al occupancy; YbZn_2.50(1)Al_0.50(1), CeNi₃-type, P6₃/mmc, a=5.496(1), c=17.336(2) Å, Z=6, wR2=0.036 and YbZn_1.92(2)Al_1.08(2), PuNi₃- or NbBe₃-type, , a=5.499(1), c=26.134(5) Å, Z=9, wR2=0.053, where the zinc atoms are ordered in the CaCu₅ segment, while share the sites with aluminium in the Laves phase segment. In the pseudobinary section YbZn_2−xAl_x four structures occur in sequence with increasing the electron concentration: CeCu₂ or KHg₂ (x=0–0.3), MgZn₂ (x=0.33–0.54), MgNi₂ (x=0.68–1.01) and MgCu₂ (x=1.12–2). This sequence agrees with the results of first-principles calculations, already reported in the literature for other similar series. In the YbZn_3−xAl_x section CeNi₃-type compounds occur with x=0.40–0.88 followed by PuNi₃-type compounds with x=0.92–1.10. The stability ranges of these phases are related to the valence electron concentration.     

Straw-based biochar mediated potassium availability and increased growth and yield of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)

Potassium (K) being the major limiting factor affecting cotton yield and quality has received massive research attention and the effects of various K fertilization techniques/organic amendments have been studied extensively. However, it is not clear whether the straw based, high pH biochar affects K availability, lint yield and quality of the cotton crop in alkaline calcareous soils. In the present study, we carried out a field experiment on a moderate to strongly calcareous silt loam soil to demonstrate the effect of straw-based biochar and potassium application levels on the growth, seed cotton yield and the lint quality. The experimental treatments comprised of two factors, A) biochar types i) Control no biochar, ii) Rice husk biochar (RHB), iii) Wheat straw biochar (WSB), and iv) Rice straw biochar (RSB), factor B) potassium application levels (i) control, no K fertilizer application, ii) K at 15 kg ha⁻¹, and iii) K at 30 kg ha⁻¹ (4 × 3 × 3, n = 36). Results showed that overall cotton growth and yield was significantly improved with increasing rates of potassium application. Three biochar sources affected seed cotton yield and quality with varying effects. For instance, the RSB increased plant height (11.71% to 22.47%), number of bolls per plant (0.74% to 13.75%), average boll weight (35.44% to 36.22%), the seed cotton yield was increased by 14.48% over the control when rice straw biochar was applied in combination with potassium at 30 kg ha⁻¹. However, the ginning out turn (%) was declined with potassium application in combination with all three-biochar compared to control (no biochar addition). The WSB increased staple length and micronaire by 4.32% and 24.50% without potassium application. The potential effects of straw based biochar and potassium application on seed cotton yield and quality deserve further studies to identify the most suitable biochar as per soil chemical properties.     

Two new barium borate bromides: Ba2BO3Br and Ba3BO3Br3

Two new barium borate bromide crystals, Ba₂BO₃Br and Ba₃BO₃Br₃, have been obtained by spontaneous crystallization. Ba₂BO₃Br crystallizes in P−3m1 space group, with cell parameters of a = 5.5157(10) Å, c = 11.019(4) Å, and Z = 2, its structure is build up by alternately stacking along c-axis of [Ba₂(BO₃)₂]²⁻ layers and bromide [Ba₂Br₂]²⁺ layers. The solved structure is analog to Ba₂(BO₃)_1−x(CO₃)_xCl_1+x except the interstitial halogen atoms at (0, 0, 1/2) is missing and accordingly the partly CO₃ substitution for BO₃ has not been observed. Ba₃BO₃Br₃ crystallizes in a new structure type with P−1 space group and cell parameters of a = 9.280(4) Å, b = 9.349(7) Å, c = 13.025(9) Å, α = 92.71(3)°, β = 98.29(3)°, γ = 116.200(18)° and Z = 4. The basic structural unit in Ba₃BO₃Br₃ is the clusters composed of 4 BO₃ groups and 12 Ba atoms, which in turn are linked by eight Ba–O bonds with other four clusters to form sheets extend in the (001) plane.     

Synthesis and thermal characterization of NZP compounds Na1?xLixZr2(PO4)3 (x?=?0.00–0.75)

Sodium zirconium phosphate (NZP) composition Na_1−x Li _x Zr₂(PO₄)₃, x = 0.00–0.75 has been synthesized by method of solid state reaction method from Na₂CO₃·H₂O, Li₂CO₃, ZrO₂, and NH₄H₂PO₄, sintering at 1050–1250 °C for 8 h only in other to determine the effect on thermal properties, such as the phase formation of the compound. The materials have been characterized by TGA and DTA thermal analysis methods from room temperature to 1000 °C. It was observed that the increase in lithium content of the samples increased thermal stability of the samples and the DTA peaks shifted towards higher temperatures with increase in lithium content. The thermal stability regions for all the sample was observed to be from 640 °C. The sample with the highest lithium content, x = 0.75, exhibited the greatest thermal stability over the temperature range.     

Atmospheric chemistry of n‐CH3(CH2)xCN (x = 0–3): Kinetics and mechanisms

Smog chamber/Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) techniques were used to measure the kinetics of the reaction of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) with Cl atoms and OH radicals: k(CH₃CN + Cl) = (1.04 ± 0.25) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + Cl) = (9.20 ± 3.95) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + Cl) = (2.03 ± 0.23) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + Cl) = (6.70 ± 0.67) × 10⁻¹¹, k(CH₃CN + OH) = (4.07 ± 1.21) × 10⁻¹⁴, k(CH₃CH₂CN + OH) = (1.24 ± 0.27) × 10⁻¹³, k(CH₃(CH₂)₂CN + OH) = (4.63 ± 0.99) × 10⁻¹³, and k(CH₃(CH₂)₃CN + OH) = (1.58 ± 0.38) × 10⁻¹² cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ at a total pressure of 700 Torr of air or N₂ diluents at 296 ± 2 K. The atmospheric oxidation of alkyl nitriles proceeds through hydrogen abstraction leading to several carbonyl containing primary oxidation products. HC(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, ClC(O)OONO₂, and HCN were identified as the main oxidation products from CH₃CN, whereas CH₃CH₂CN gives the products HC(O)CN, CH₃C(O)CN, NCC(O)OONO₂, and HCN. The oxidation of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 2–3) leads to a range of oxygenated primary products. Based on the measured OH radical rate constants, the atmospheric lifetimes of n‐CH₃(CH₂)_xCN (x = 0–3) were estimated to be 284, 93, 25, and 7 days for x = 0,1, 2, and 3, respectively.     

Thermal behaviour and spectroscopic studies of complexes of some divalent transitional metals with 2-benzoil-pyridil-izonicotinoylhydrazone

New complexes of 2-benzoyl-pyridil-isonicotinoylhydrazone (L) with Cu(II), Co(II), Ni(II) and Mn(II), having formula of type [ML₂] SO₄·xH₂O (M = Cu²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, x = 2 and M = Mn²⁺, x = 3), have been synthesised and characterised. All complexes were characterised on the basis of elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, UV–VIS–NIR, EPR, as well as thermal analysis and determination of molar conductivity and magnetic moments. The thermal behaviour of complexes was studied using thermogravimetry (TG), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The structure of L hydrazone was established by X-ray study on single crystal. The ligand works as tridentate NNO, being coordinated through the azomethine nitrogen, the pyridine nitrogen and carbonylic oxygen. Heats of decomposition, ΔH, associated with the exothermal effects were also determined.     

Tuning luminescent properties through solid-solution in (Ba1−xSrx)9Sc2Si6O24:Ce3+,Li+

A solid-solution of cerium-substituted alkaline earth scandium silicate phosphors, (Ba_1−xSr_x)₉Sc₂Si₆O₂₄:Ce³⁺,Li⁺ (x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1), have been prepared by solid-state reaction. The structures, characterized using synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, show the solid-solution closely follows Vegard's law. The substitution of Sr for Ba results in a decrease of the alkaline earth–oxygen bond distances by more than 0.1 Å at all three crystallographic sites, leading to changes in optical properties. The room temperature photoluminescent measurements show the structure has three excitation peaks corresponding to Ce³⁺ occupying the three independent alkaline earth sites. The emission of (Ba_1−xSr_x)₉Sc₂Si₆O₂₄:Ce³⁺,Li⁺ is red-shifted from the near-UV (λ_max = 384 nm) for x = 0 to blue (λ_max = 402 nm) for x = 1. The red-shifted photoluminescent quantum yield also increases when Sr is substituted for Ba in these compounds.     

Synthesis and characterization of mesoporous Mn–Ni oxides for supercapacitors

Mesoporous Mn–Ni oxides with the chemical compositions of Mn_1-x Ni _x O _δ (x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4) were prepared by a solid-state reaction route, using manganese sulfate, nickel chloride, and potassium hydroxide as starting materials. The obtained Mn–Ni oxides, mainly consisting of the phases of α- and γ-MnO₂, presented irregular mesoporous agglomerates built from ultra-fine particles. Specific surface area of Mn_1–x Ni _x O _δ was 42.8, 59.6, and 84.5 m² g⁻¹ for x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4, respectively. Electrochemical properties were investigated by cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge in 6 mol L⁻¹ KOH electrolyte. Specific capacitances of Mn_1-x Ni _x O _δ were 343, 528, and 411 F g⁻¹ at a scan rate of 2 mV s⁻¹ for x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4, respectively, and decreased to 157, 183, and 130 F g⁻¹ with increasing scan rate to 100 mV s⁻¹, respectively. After 500 cycles at a current density of 1.24 A g⁻¹, the symmetrical Mn_1–x Ni _x O _δ capacitors delivered specific capacitances of 160, 250, and 132 F g⁻¹ for x = 0, 0.2, and 0.4, respectively, retaining about 82%, 89%, and 75% of their respective initial capacitances. The Mn_0.8Ni_0.2O _δ material showed better supercapacitive performance, which was promising for supercapacitor applications.     

Review of the thermodynamic and transport properties of EuBr<Subscript>2</Subscript>–RbBr binary system

Differential Scanning Calorimetry was used to study phase equilibrium in EuBr₂–RbBr binary system. It was established that this system includes two eutectics and three stoichiometric compounds. First of them, Rb₂EuBr₄, decomposes peritectically at 778 K. Second one, RbEuBr₃, undergoes the solid–solid phase transition at 732 K and melts incongruently at 852 K. Third compound, RbEu₂Br₅, melts congruently at 888 K. The composition and temperature values of eutectics were determined as x(EuBr₂) = 0.316; T _eut = 776 K and x(EuBr₂) = 0.797; T _eut = 859 K. Mixing enthalpy was measured by direct calorimetry on the whole composition range. The minimum of the mixing enthalpy occurs around the composition x(EuBr₂) ≈ 0.4. The electrical conductivity of liquid mixtures was also investigated over the whole composition range and measured down to temperatures below solidification. The specific conductance (liquid phase) plotted against the mole fraction of EuBr₂ shows a broad minimum at x(EuBr₂) ~ 0.6. The activation energy for conductivity changes with temperature. Results obtained are discussed in terms of possible complex formation.     

Phase diagram and electrical conductivity of the DyBr<Subscript>3</Subscript>–RbBr binary system

Phase equilibrium in the DyBr₃–RbBr binary system was established from differential scanning calorimetry measurements. This system exhibits three compounds, namely Rb₃DyBr₆, Rb₂DyBr₅, and RbDy₂Br₇, and two eutectics located at DyBr₃ molar fraction x = 0.116 (T = 886 K) and x = 0.458 (T = 702 K), respectively. Rb₃DyBr₆ undergoes a solid–solid phase transition at 726 K and melts congruently at 1,059 K. Rb₂DyBr₅ and RbDy₂Br₇ melt incongruently at 737 and 748 K, respectively. The electrical conductivity of DyBr₃–RbBr liquid mixtures was measured over the whole composition range. Results obtained are discussed in term of possible complex formation.     

An investigation of magnetocaloric effect and its implementation in critical behavior study of La1−xNdxMn2Si2 compounds

The magnetic properties of La_1−xNd_xMn₂Si₂ (x = 0.30–0.45) compounds are studied over the temperature range 5 K ≤ T ≤ 375 K. We report inverse and conventional magnetic entropy change values of La_1−xNd_xMn₂Si₂ (x = 0.35 and 0.40) compounds over the temperature range 5 ≤ T ≤ 375 K. In addition, we study critical behavior of La_1−xNd_xMn₂Si₂ (x = 0.35 and 0.40) compounds around their Curie temperatures. The field dependence of the magnetic entropy change is brought out and implemented to deduce the critical exponents. The critical behavior study shows that the magnetic interactions for the x = 0.35 sample have the same behavior below and above T_C. However, for the x = 0.40 sample has different behavior below and above T_C. Thus, the x = 0.40 sample behaves as a multiphase compound.     

Rate coefficients for reactions of OH radicals with CH3D,CH2D2, CHD3, and CD4

Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) smog chamber techniques were used to investigate the atmospheric chemistry of the isotopologues of methane. Relative rate measurements were performed to determine the kinetics of the reaction of the isotopologues of methane with OH radicals in cm³ molecule⁻¹ s⁻¹ units: k(CH₃D + OH) = (5.19 ± 0.90) × 10⁻¹⁵, k(CH₂D₂ + OH) = (4.11 ± 0.74) × 10⁻¹⁵, k(CHD₃ + OH) = (2.14 ± 0.43) × 10⁻¹⁵, and k(CD₄ + OH) = (1.17 ± 0.19) × 10⁻¹⁵ in 700 Torr of air diluent at 296 ± 2 K. Using the determined OH rate coefficients, the atmospheric lifetimes for CH_4–xD_x (x = 1–4) were estimated to be 6.1, 7.7, 14.8, and 27.0 years, respectively. The results are discussed in relation to previous measurements of these rate coefficients.     

Hydrolysis behavior of a precursor for bridged polysilsesquioxane 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene: a <Superscript>29</Superscript>Si NMR study

The hydrolysis behavior of 1,4-bis(triethoxysilyl)benzene (BTB), a precursor of bridged polysilsesquioxane, was investigated with high-resolution ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance (²⁹Si NMR) spectroscopy at ambient temperature in a system with BTB:ethanol:water:HCl = 1:10:x:0.8 × 10⁻⁴ (x = 3, 6 or 9). Signals due to hydrolyzed triethoxysilyl groups as well as unhydrolyzed triethoxysilyl groups [−Si(OEt)₃, −Si(OEt)₂(OH), −Si(OEt)(OH)₂ and −Si(OH)₃ (OEt = OCH₂CH₃)] formed four sub-regions based on the number of hydroxyl groups bound to a silicon atom. In addition, one silicon environment influenced the other silicon environment by an intra-molecular interaction between two silicon atoms, and each sub-region for monomeric species thus contained four signals. Based on the development of signal intensity, it is revealed that one of the two triethoxysilyl groups in BTB is hydrolyzed preferentially. Thus, when a triethoxysilyl group is hydrolyzed, the −Si(OH) _x (OEt)_3−x (x = 1, 2) groups formed undergo further hydrolysis, which is opposite to the tendency expected from the hydrolysis behavior of organotrialkoxysilanes under acidic conditions.     

The influence of partial substitution of phosphorus by arsenic in monoclinic CsH2PO4. X-ray single crystal,vibrational and phase transitions in the mixed CsH2(PO4)0.72(AsO4)0.28

Partial substitution of P by As, leading to the solid solution CsH₂(PO₄)_1−x(AsO₄)_x, with x=0.28 (abbreviated as CDAP) has been shown. The structural characteristics of the crystals were analyzed by means of X-ray diffraction, which revealed that the new title compound is nearly isomorphous with the monoclinic phase of CsH₂PO₄ (CDP). The structure was solved from 796 independent reflections with R₁=0.0292 and Rw₂=0.0702, refined with 59 parameters. The following results have been obtained: space group P2₁, a=4.9250(4) Å, b=6.4370(3) Å, c=7.9280(6) Å, β=107.316(3)°, V=239.94(3) Å³, Z=2 and ρ_cal=3.349 g cm⁻³. The hydrogen bonds are clearly distinguished in the electron density maps which display distributions corresponding to order of protons. The shorter bond (2.452(4) Å), links the phosphate–arsenate groups into chains running along the b-axis and the longer bond (2.531(3) Å), crosslinks the chains to form (001) layers. The Raman and infrared spectra of CDAP recorded at room temperature in the frequency ranges 15–1200 cm⁻¹ and 400–4000 cm⁻¹, respectively, confirm the presence of PO³⁻₄ and AsO³⁻₄ groups in the crystal. Differential scanning calorimetry traces show three phase transitions at 333, 449 and 490 K in this material, which are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction at high temperature.     

Synthesis,crystal structure and physical properties of Yb11Bi10 − xSnx

The intermetallic phase Yb₁₁Bi_{10 − x}Sn_x (x = 0 and 4.8) crystallizing in the Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type was synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure was established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction data in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (no.139), Pearson code tI84, Z = 4, a = 12.2043(4) Å, c = 17.7227(9) Å, and V = 2639.7(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.040, 763 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, and a = 12.0183(5) Å, c = 17.413(1) Å, and V = 2515.1(2) Å³, R_gt(F) = 0.027, 762 observed reflections for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8. The crystal structure of Yb₁₁Bi₁₀ contains three discrete anionic moieties: isolated Bi³⁻ anions, Bi₂⁴⁻ dimers and Bi₄⁴⁻ squares. In Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8, the square units are formed solely by Sn, and the structure shows a mixed Bi/Sn occupancy at the 8i and 16m Wyckoff sites. Magnetization measurements show that the title phase contains ytterbium exclusively in the 4f¹⁴ configuration up to 400 K. The Yb-L_III X-ray absorption spectrum attests also the presence of Yb with a 4f¹⁴ (Yb²⁺) configuration for Yb₁₁Bi₁₀, while the average valence of ytterbium was found to be 2.09 for Yb₁₁Bi_5.2Sn_4.8.     

Synthesis and structure of Cu3PO4[1,2,4-triazole]2OH with a hybrid layered structure: A new organically templated copper (II) hydroxyphosphate

A new layered copper hydroxyphosphate Cu₃PO₄(1,2,4-triazole)₂OH was synthesized by the mild hydrothermal route and the crystal structure was solved by the single crystal X-ray diffraction method. This compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/a with: a = 10.1456(5) Å, b = 7.8756(4) Å, c = 12.9008(6) Å, β = 111.64(2)°, V = 960.86(8) Å³, Z = 4, D_x = 3.033 g cm^?3. The Cu(II) atoms are embedded in deformed square-pyramidal (Cu1 and Cu3) or octahedral (Cu2) sites made of N and O (or OH) atoms. Both Cu1 and Cu2 polyhedra form dimers connected one to each other, via OH groups, in ribbons which built a bidimensional (001) layer through PO₄ connections. The Cu3 polyhedra built a (001) double-sheet layer through triazol connections. These layers are bridged by triazole and PO₄ groups along the c-direction yielding a lamellar arrangement. Its structural analysis evidences a two-dimensional character for this copper hybrid material which could begin a new series of MOF compounds.     

Preparation and thermal behaviour of divalent transition metal complexes of pyromellitic acid with hydrazine

Hydrazine forms two different types of complexes with divalent metal ions and pyromellitic acid (H₄pml) in aqueous medium: (i) hydrazinium complexes of formulae, (N₂H₅)₂M(pml)·xH₂O, where x = 3 for M=Ni and x = 4 for M=Co or Zn, and (N₂H₅)₂Mn(H₂pml)₂, at pH 4.5, (ii) neutral hydrazine complexes with formulae, M₂(pml)(N₂H₄) _n ·xH₂O where M=Co or Ni when n = 4 and x = 5 or 4 and M=Zn or Cd when n = 2, and x = 4 or 3 at pH 7, and M(H₂pml)(N₂H₄)·xH₂O where x = 4; M=Cu and x = 0; M=Hg, at pH 3, 7.5, respectively. All the complexes are insoluble in water, alcohol and ether. The N–N stretching frequency (990–1,007 cm⁻¹ for coordinated hydrazinium ion and 956–985 cm⁻¹ for bridged neutral hydrazine) indicates the nature of hydrazine present in the complexes. Simultaneously TG-DTA analysis indicates that hydrazinium complexes undergo dehydration and dehydrazination in a single step endothermally in the range of 289–300 °C whereas neutral hydrazine complexes undergo endothermic dehydration (~100 °C) followed by exothermic dehydrazination in the temperature range, 253–332 °C. The anhydrous metal carboxylates further decompose exothermally to leave the respective metal oxides or metal carbonates except zinc, which gives its oxalate as the end product. X-ray powder patterns indicate that even the complexes with the same formulation possess no isomorphism.     

Investigation of structural and hydrogen absorption properties in the LaNi5−xPtx-H2 system

The substitution of nickel by platinum in the binary LaNi₅ compound (CaCu₅ structure type, a=5.019(1) Å, c=3.981(1) Å, space group P6/mmm) and its effect on the hydrogenation properties was studied. The phase LaNi_5−xPt_x has a homogeneity domain ranging from x=0 to 5. For x<3, platinum substitutes almost exclusively on site 3g and also replaces nickel on site 2c for x>3. Contrary to what is observed in other systems, the hydrogen absorption plateau pressure was found to increase as a function of the cell volume. Powder neutron diffraction experiments were conducted for two deuterated compounds with x=0.25 and 0.75. Deuterium partial ordering occurs in the case of x=0.25 leading to a symmetry decrease to the space group P6mm (LaNi_4.75Pt_0.25D_5.23, a=4.225(1) Å, c=5.357(1) Å, Z=1, R_Bragg=3.3%). For x=0.75, an orthorhombic superstructure based on the CaCu₅-type lattice was found (LaNi_4.25Pt_0.75D_2.61, a_orth=√3a_hex=9.089(1) Å, b_orth=b_hex=5.272(1) Å, c_orth=2c_hex=8.145(1) Å, Z=4, SG Ibam, R_Bragg=6.1%).     

Synthesis,growth, structure and characterization of nickel(II)-doped hexaaquacobalt(II) dipotassium tetrahydrogen tetra-o-phthalate tetrahydrate crystals

Single crystals of K₂[Co_(1−x)Ni_x(H₂O)₆] (C₈H₅O₄)₄·4H₂O (x = 0.25) (PCNHP), a semiorganic black colored transparent crystal of size ∼20 × 13 × 4 mm³, are grown from an aqueous solution of potassium hydrogen phthalate enriched with cobalt chloride and nickel chloride by slow evaporation solution growth technique at room temperature. Structural analysis by single crystal X-ray diffraction reveals that the crystal belongs to monoclinic system with space group P2₁/c and the cell parameters are a = 10.41(3) Å, b = 6.84(2) Å, c = 29.46(9) Å, Z = 4. Incorporation of both Co(II) and Ni(II) into the potassium hydrogen phthalate (KHP) crystal lattice is well confirmed by EDS and chemical tests. Powder XRD profiles indicate the crystallinity and FT-IR studies reveal the vibrational patterns. The UV–vis optical absorption spectrum of PCNHP shows the lower optical cut-off at ∼300 nm and the crystal was transparent in the entire visible region. The crystalline perfection of the grown crystal analysed by high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analysis reveals that the diffraction curve (DC) contains multi-peaks with low angular spread indicating the possibility of low angle structural grain boundaries. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) studies indicate the structure defect centers. The dielectric, thermal and mechanical behaviors of the specimen were also investigated.