On the characterization of BiMO2NO3 (M=Pb, Ca, Sr, Ba) materials related with the Sillén X1 structure

The compounds BiMO₂NO₃, with M=Pb, Ca, Sr, and Ba, were obtained as single-phase products from solid-state reactions in an atmosphere of nitrous gases. The oxide nitrates with Pb and Ca crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4/mmm with two formula units per unit cell; the oxide nitrates with Sr and Ba crystallize in the orthorhombic space group Cmmm with four formula units per unit cell. Lattice parameters at room temperature are a=397.199(4), c=1482.57(2) pm for M=Pb; a=396.337(5), c=1412.83(3) pm for M=Ca; a=1448.76(3), b=567.62(1), c=582.40(1) pm for M=Sr and a=1536.50(8), b=571.67(3), c=597.55(3) pm for M=Ba. The structures, which were refined by powder X-ray diffraction, consist of alternating [BiMO₂]⁺ and [NO₃]⁻ layers stacked along the direction of the long axis. IR and thermogravimetric data are also given. The various M²⁺ cations in BiMO₂NO₃ are compatible with each other; therefore and because of their layer-type structure, these compounds are interesting precursors for oxide materials, e.g., the HTSC compounds (Bi,Pb)₂Sr₂Ca_n−1Cu_nO_x.     

Revisiting the Sr–Cr(IV)–O system at high pressure and temperature with special reference to Sr3Cr2O7

High pressure and temperature are used to synthesise perovskite related phases in the Sr–Cr(IV)–O system. The n = 1, 2 and ∞ members of the Sr_n+1Cr_nO_3n+1 family have been obtained. Another new member, n = 3 as well as an hexagonal layered perovskite have also been observed by transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction. The average structure of Sr₃Cr₂O₇ as determined by XRD has space group I4/mmm, whereas its microstructure includes a large amount of defects both in the layer stacking and within the layers. 2D magnetism and a large electrical resistance in Sr₃Cr₂O₇ are observed as opposed to the nonlocalized electronic behaviour of SrCrO₃.     

Structural studies of five layer Aurivillius oxides: A2Bi4Ti5O18 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb)

The room temperature structures of the five layer Aurivillius phases A₂Bi₄Ti₅O₁₈ (A=Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb) have been refined from powder neutron diffraction data using the Rietveld method. The structures consist of [Bi₂O₂]²⁺ layers interleaved with perovskite-like [A₂Bi₂Ti₅O₁₆]²⁻ blocks. The structures were refined in the orthorhombic space group B2eb (SG. No. 41), Z=4, and the unit cell parameters of the oxides are a=5.4251(2), b=5.4034(1), c=48.486(1); a=5.4650(2), b=5.4625(3), c=48.852(1); a=5.4988(3), b=5.4980(4), c=50.352(1); a=5.4701(2), b=5.4577(2), c=49.643(1) for A=Ca, Sr, Ba and Pb, respectively. The structural features of the compounds were found similar to n=2-4 layers bismuth oxides. The strain caused by mismatch of cell parameter requirements for the [Bi₂O₂]²⁺ layers and perovskite-like [A₂Bi₂Ti₅O₁₆]²⁻ blocks were relieved by tilting of the TiO₆ octahedra. Variable temperature synchrotron X-ray studies for Ca and Pb compounds showed that the orthorhombic structure persisted up to 675 and 475 K, respectively. Raman spectra of the compounds are also presented.     

LaxSr2−xFeyRu1−yO4±δ: a new family of K2NiF4 type oxides

The phases La_xSr_2−xFe_yRu_1−yO_4±δ (x=0.2-0.8; y=0.6-0.9) have been synthesized by solid-state techniques and yield tetragonal structures with I4/mmm symmetry. The oxygen stoichiometry and high-temperature structures have been examined using diffraction techniques and in situ Mössbauer spectroscopy at temperatures up to ∼600°C. Furthermore, new reduced phases that adopt structures with Immm symmetry have been discovered. Unusual coordination numbers have been determined for the most highly reduced samples with square planar coordination evident for the B site cations. The reduced orthorhombic Immm phases were found to readily reoxidize in air to the tetragonal I4/mmm structure at relatively low temperatures of only ∼500°C.     

Tl2D coordination polymer involving close Tl?π (aromatic) contacts, [Tl3(μ-BPC)2(μ-NO3)]n

A two-dimensional polymer, [Tl₃(μ-BPC)₂(μ-NO₃)]_n [BPC = biphenyl-2-carboxylate], has been synthesized and characterized. Its single-crystal X-ray structure shows three types of Tl^I-ions with coordination numbers of 5 (Tl1 and Tl2), and 4 (Tl3). Two of the thallium atoms, Tl1 and Tl3, contain close Tl^I?π (aromatic) contacts, thus attaining a total hapticity of 11 and 10 with environments Tl1O₅C₆ and Tl3O₄C₆, respectively.     

Phase equilibria and crystal structures of complex oxides in systems La-M-Fe-O (M = Ca or Sr)

Phase equilibria in systems La-M-Fe-O (M = Ca or Sr) at 1100° in air were studied. The homogeneity ranges and structures of solid solutions La_{1 ? x} M _x FeO_{3 ? δ} (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.3 for M = Ca and 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.8 for M = Sr), Sr_{2 ? y} La _y FeO_{4 ? δ} (0.8 ≤ y ≤ 1.0), and Sr_{3 ? z} La _z Fe₂O_{7 ? δ} (0 ≤ z ≤ 0.2) were determined using X-ray powder diffraction. The structural parameters of complex oxides were refined using the full-profile Rietveld technique. Correlations between the unit cell parameters and the compositions of solid solutions were derived. Isobaric/isothermal phase diagrams were constructed for systems La-M-Fe-O (M = Ca or Sr) at 1100°C in air.     

Coordination chemistry of the alkaline earth metal ions with Zwitterionic forms of the Schift bases. X-Ray studies and other spectroscopic properties

The non-ionized forms of tetradentate Schiff bases NN′-ethylenebis(salicylideneimine), H₂L and NN′-propane-1,3-diylbis(salicylideneimine), H₂L′ react with hydrated alkaline earth halide and nitrate to give complexes of the type: M(H₂L)Cl₂·nH₂O [M = Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II); n = 0–4], M(H₂L)₂Cl₂ [M = Ca(II), Sr(II), M(H₂L)_nBr₂ [M = Ca(II), Sr(II); n = 2, 3 and Mg₂(H₂L)₃Br₄], M(H₂L)_nI₂ [M = Mg(II), Ca(II), Sr(II), Ba(II); n = 2, 3)], M(H₂L)_n(NO₃)₂ and M(H₂L′)_n(NO₁)₂[M = Mg(II), Ca(II);n = 1, 2)]. Because of distinct spectral similarities with structurally known Ca(H₂L′)(NO₃)₂ compound, the Schiff bases are coordinated through the negatively charged phenolic oxygen atoms and not the nitrogen atoms of the azomethine groups, which carry the protons transferred from phenolic groups on complexation. Halide and nitrate are coordinated to the central metal ion except in 2:1 nitrato complexes where the presence of both ionic and coordinated nitrate groups are evident and also in 3:1 halide complexes where the presence of non-coordinated halide cannot be excluded. X-Ray powder photographs showed no marked similarities between Ca(H₂L′)(NO₃)₂ and Mg(H₂L′)(NO₃)₂ while there are some isomorphic features between the same types of halide complexes. Infrared spectra and other structural information revealed the polymeric nature of the complexes. Therefore the coordination numbers exhibited by the alkaline earth metal cations would be 4, 6 or 8 in these series of Schiff base complexes.     

Polymerization by alkaline earth metal compounds—II Polymerization of 2- and 4-vinylpyridine,styrene and butadiene by triphenylmethyl derivatives of calcium,strontium and barium

Investigations are reported on polymerizations of 2- and 4- vinylpyridine, styrene and butadiene by a series of related alkaline earth metal initiators, Ph₃CMX(THF)_n (M = Ca, Ba, X = Cl, n = 2; M = Ca, X = Br, n = 4; M = Sr, X = Cl, n = 4; M = Sr, X = Br, n = 5) in tetrahydrofuran (THF) or 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) at various temperatures and in the absence of solvent. The polymers have been examined by GPC and aspects of their microstructures determined by ¹³C and/or ¹H NMR spectroscopy and, for polybutadiene, i.r. spectroscopy. Poly-2-vinylpyridine produced by Ph₃CMX(THF)_n is rich in isotactic content; the isotacticity is higher for polymer formed in THF than DME solution, falls with change of initiator in the order M = Ca > Sr > Ba and, in DME, is greater when X = Br. The tacticities of poly-4-vinylpyridine and polystyrene are similar to those obtained from related organometallic initiators. The 1,4-content of polybutadiene decreases with initiator Ph₃CMX(THF)_n in the order M = Ba > Sr > Ca; the trans-1,4 structure generally predominates except when M = Ba from which cis-1,4 links are formed in comparable amounts.     

The compound Tl4Cu4(P2O7)3, a new three-dimensional structure with interconnected tunnels

Tl₄Cu₄(P₂O₇)₃ has the following crystallographic features: orthorhombic space group Pcca with a=20.171(2), b=10.558(1), c=9.676(1) Å and Z=4. A total of 1303 reflections with I>2(I) were used for structure solution and refinements. The agreement factors R₁ and WR² converged to 0.040 and 0.093, respectively. GOF=1.103. Tl₄Cu₄(P₂O₇)₃ presents a three-dimensional structure, its anionic framework consists of corner sharing CuO₅ polyhedra and P₂O₇ groups delimiting several types of interconnected tunnels wherein the thallium cations reside.     

Relationship between interlayer hydration and photocatalytic water splitting of A′1−xNaxCa2Ta3O10·nH2O (A′=K and Li)

Partial replacement of alkaline metals in anhydrous KCa₂Ta₃O₁₀ and LiCa₂Ta₃O₁₀ was studied to control interlayer hydration and photocatalytic activity for water splitting under UV irradiation. A′_1−xNa_xCa₂Ta₃O₁₀·nH₂O (A′=K and Li) samples were synthesized by ion exchange of CsCa₂Ta₃O₁₀ in mixed molten nitrates at 400 °C. In K_1−xNa_xCa₂Ta₃O₁₀·nH₂O, two phases with the orthorhombic (C222) and tetragonal (I4/mmm) structures were formed at x?0.7 and x?0.5, respectively. Upon replacement by Na⁺ having a larger enthalpy of hydration (ΔH_h⁰), the interlayer hydration occurred at x?0.3 and the hydration number (n) was increased monotonically with an increase of x. Li_1−xNa_xCa₂Ta₃O₁₀·nH₂O showed a similar hydration behavior, but the phase was changed from I4/mmm (x<0.5, n∼0) via P4/mmm (x∼0.5, n∼1) to I4/mmm (x∼1.0, n∼2). The photocatalytic activities of these systems after loading 0.5 wt% Ni were quite different each other. K_1−xNa_xCa₂Ta₃O₁₀·nH₂O exhibited the activity increasing in consistent with n, whereas Li_1−xNa_xCa₂Ta₃O₁₀·nH₂O exhibited the activity maximum at x=0.77, where the rates of H₂/O₂ evolution were nearly doubled compared with those for end-member compositions (x=0 and 1).     

Thermoanalytical study of the formation of compounds in the PbO−MO (M=Ca,Sr, Ca+Sr) system

In order to clarify the effect of PbO addition on the formation steps of the superconducting phases in the system Bi₂O₃?SrO?CaO?CuO, a study of solid-state reactions under non-isothermal conditions, in the PbO?MO (M=Ca, Sr, Ca+Sr) system has been carried out. Results suggest that the reactivity of the components in the system containing PbO and CaO is much higher than in the system containing SrO. The Ca₂PbO₄ compound is formed first even in the system whereM=Ca+Sr. It is confirmed that Ca₂PbO₄ systems containing PbO.     

Preferential occupation of alkaline-earth metal sites in a seemingly disordered solid solution of Ca11−xSrxSb10: Single crystal structures of Ca8.63(5)Sr2.37Sb10 and Ca3.66(7)Sr7.34Sb10

Two new antimony based intermetallic phases, Ca_8.63(5)Sr_2.37Sb₁₀(1) and Ca_3.66(7)Sr_7.34Sb₁₀(2), crystallizing in Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type (tetragonal, I4/mmm) have been synthesized and characterized. Although both Ca₁₁Sb₁₀ and Sr₁₁Sb₁₀ are known to be isostructural (Ho₁₁Ge₁₀ structure type) and hence all Ca sites should be accessible to Sr as well, it appears that certain sites are preferentially ordered by Ca in the mixed (Ca/Sr)₁₁Sb₁₀ compounds reported here. The crystal structure of Ca_8.63(5)Sr_2.37Sb₁₀ and Ca_3.66(7)Sr_7.34Sb₁₀ has been solved from single crystal X-ray data using direct methods and refined using full-matrix least-squares method. The structure can be described as bonded network of A-Sb (A=Ca, Sr) with Sb existing as isolated Sb³⁻, diantimony and square units. Simple valence electron count reveals these compounds to be Zintl phases. It is found that the larger Sr or Sr/Ca ions preferentially occupy sites that are closer to the diantimony anions as compared to the smaller Ca ions.     

Transforming n=1 members of the Ruddlesden-Popper phases to a n=3 member through metathesis: synthesis of a new layered perovskite, Ca2La2CuTi2O10

We report the formation of a new n=3 Ruddlesden-Popper (R-P) layered perovskite oxide, Ca₂La₂CuTi₂O₁₀ (I), in the metathesis reaction between NaLaTiO₄ and Ca₂CuO₂Cl₂ (n=1 R-P phases) at 700°C in air. Rietveld refinement of powder XRD data shows that I is isostructural with Sr₄Ti₃O₁₀ (space group I4/mmm; a=3.8837(5), c=27.727(6) Å), consisting of triple perovskite CuTi₂O₁₀ sheets wherein Cu and Ti are ordered at the central and terminal octahedral sites, respectively. Magnetization data provide support for the presence of strong antiferromagnetically coupled CuO₂ sheets in the structure. I is metastable decomposing at higher temperatures (∼950°C) to a mixture of perovskite-like CaLa₂CuTi₂O₉ and CaO. Interestingly, the reaction between NaLaTiO₄ and Sr₂CuO₂Cl₂ follows a different metathesis route, 2NaLaTiO₄+Sr₂CuO₂Cl₂→La₂CuO₄+2SrTiO₃+2NaCl, revealing multiplicity of reaction pathways for solid-state metathesis reactions.     

Layer structure: The oxides A3Ti5MO14

Five new oxides, K₃Ti₅MO₁₄, Rb₃Ti₅MO₁₄ (M = Ta, Nb), and Tl₃Ti₅NbO₁₄, have been synthesized. The structure of these oxides consists of octahedral layers similar to those observed for Na₂Ti₃O₇ and held together by monovalent ions; the sheets consist of blocks of 2 × 3 edge-sharing octahedra, which are then joined to each other by the corners of the octahedra. The relative disposition of the layers is similar to that observed for Tl₂Ti₄O₉. These oxides can be considered as the member n = 3 of a series of closely related structures with formula A_nB_2nO_4n+2, where n indicates the number of octahedra which determines the width of the blocks of 2 × n octahedra.     

Cation disorder and phase transitions in the four-layer ferroelectric Aurivillius phases ABi4Ti4O15 (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb)

Crystal structures of a series of bi-layered compounds ABi₄Ti₄O₁₅ (A=Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb) have been investigated using a combination of synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data. All four oxides adopt an orthorhombic structure at room temperature and the structures have been refined in space group A2₁am. This orthorhombic structure is a consequence of a combination of rotation of the TiO₆, resulting from the less than optimal size of the A-type cation, and displacement of the Ti atoms towards the Bi₂O₂ layers. There is partial disorder of the Bi and A-type cations over two of the three available sites, which increases in the order Ca<Sr and Pb<Ba.     

Cluster intergrowth of perovskite and defect sodium chloride type structures in the K---Nb---O system: The structure of KNb4O6

A new reduced potassium niobate (KNb₄O₆) of intergrowth type structure containing condensed Nb₆O₁₂ clusters has been found. The structure has been determined from HREM images. The atomic positions have been refined with the Rietveld technique using X-ray powder diffraction data. The space group of KNb₄O₆ is P4/mmm; Z = 1, and its unit cell parameters are a = 4.1393(1) and c = 8.2537(2). KNb₄O₆ consists of alternating slabs of KNbO₃ (perovskite) and NbO (ordered deficient NaCl-type) both being a single unit thick. The structure is closely related to that of A₂Nb₅O₉ (A = Ba, Sr). Both phases can be considered as members (n = 1 and 2 respectively) of a homologous series A_nNb_3+nO_3+3n. Electron microscopy studies show the presence of defects, both as extra perovskite layers and missing NbO slabs, together with areas of more disordered intergrowth. The profile refinement and microanalysis of individual crystal fragments both indicate the structure to be niobium deficient according to the formula K_1+x/2Nb_4−xO₆.     

Synthesis and characterization of the novel Nb3O5F5 niobium oxyfluoride: the term n=3 of the NbnO2n−1Fn+2 series

The solid-state synthesis of the oxyfluoride Nb₃O₅F₅, its crystal structure determined from X-ray powder diffraction data as well as some physical characterizations, are reported. Nb₃O₅F₅ constitutes the term n=3 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series related to the Dion-Jacobson phases. It crystallizes, at room temperature, in the tetragonal system (space group I4/mmm (no. 139); Z=4; a=3.9135(1) Å, c=24.2111(2) Å, and V=370.80(3) Å³). The crystal structure appears to be an in-between of the three-dimensional network of NbO₂F and the two-dimensional packing of NbOF₃ (term n=1 of the Nb_nO_2n−1F_n+2 series). This layered structure consists of slabs made of three Nb(O,F)₆ corner-linked octahedra in thickness (n=3) shifted one from another by a ()/translation. Oxygen and fluorine atoms are randomly distributed over all the ligand sites.     

A reinvestigation of quaternary layered bismuth oxyhalides of the Sillén X1 type

A family of layered bismuth oxyhalides, L^I_0.5Bi_1.5O₂X and L^IIBiO₂X has been reinvestigated. Formation of X1-type Sillén compounds has been established for L^I=Li, Na, L^II=Ca, Sr, Ba, and X=Cl, Br, I, but the details of their crystal structures are different. While all L^I_0.5Bi_1.5O₂X, CaBiO₂Br, and CaBiO₂I adopt the disordered tetragonal Nd₂O₂Te structure, all compounds of L^II=Sr and Ba are orthorhombic and isostructural to PbSbO₂Cl, due to L/Bi cation ordering. Crystal structures have been determined for CaBiO₂I, SrBiO₂Br, SrBiO₂I, and BaBiO₂I. We discuss the factors which determine the occurrence and type of cation ordering in the quaternary bismuth and antimony X1-type oxyhalides. We also predict that more isostructural compounds can be prepared with antimony.     

P/RS intergrowth type phases in the Ln<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript>–MO–Al<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>3</Subscript> systems

Regularities of formation of complex aluminates with structure of P/RS intergrowth type phases in the Ln₂O₃–MO–Al₂O₃ systems (Ln = rare-earth element, M = Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba) have been considered. Systematization of the data on formation of complex compounds coexisting with one-layer phases in the Ln₂O₃–MO–Al₂O₃ systems and analysis of geometry criteria of LnMAlO₄ stability is a promising approach to prediction of novel compounds with structure of Ruddlesden–Popper phase.     

Chemischer Transport ternärer Oxide in den Systemen Ca/Mo/O und Sr/Mo/O

Chemical Vapour Transport of Ternary Oxides in the Systems Ca/Mo/O and Sr/Mo/O The chemical vapour transport behaviour of ternary phases in the Ca/Mo/O and Sr/Mo/O systems has been investigated using Cl₂ as transport agent in a temperature gradient 1423 to 1323 K. MMoO₄ (M= Ca, Sr) migrate in the above‐mentioned temperature gradient with rates of 0.1 to 0.2 mg/h. Starting from three phase mixtures crystals of the compounds MMo₅O₈ have been grown (migration rates: M = Ca 0.1 mg/h, M = Sr 0.01 mg/h). The observed transport behaviour is compared with predictions given by thermo dynamical model calculations and the influences of source composition and the moisture contents are described in detail.