Mössbauer study of the thermal decomposition products of BaFeO4

A pure sample of a hexavalent iron compound, BaFeO₄, was decomposed at temperatures below 1200°C at oxygen pressures from 0.2 to 1500 atm. In addition to the already known BaFeO_x (2.5 ≦ x < 3.0) phases with hexagonal and triclinic symmetry, two new phases were obtained as decomposition products at low temperatures. One of the new phases, with composition BaFeO_{2.61 – 2.71}, has tetragonal symmetry; lattice constants are a₀ = 8.54 Å, c₀ = 7.29 Å. The phase is antiferromagnetic with Néel temperature estimated to be 225 ± 10 K. Two internal fields observed on its Mössbauer spectra correspond to Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺. In the other new phase, with composition BaFeO_2.5, all Fe³⁺ ions had the same hyperfine field; it too is antiferromagnetic with a Néel temperature of 893 ± 10 K. Mössbauer data on the hexagonal phase coincided with earlier results of Gallagher, MacChesney, and Buchanan [J. Chem. Phys.43, 516 (1965)]. In the triclinic-I BaFeO_2.50 phase, internal magnetic fields were observed at room temperature, and it was supposed that there were four kinds of Fe³⁺ sites. The phase diagram of BaFeO_x system was determined as functions of temperature and oxygen pressure.     

Magnetic susceptibilities of UO2ThO2ZrO2 solid solutions

Magnetic susceptibilities were measured from 2.2 K to room temperature for solid solutions of UO₂ThO₂ZrO₂ of which the lattice parameters are the same as that of UO₂, i.e., Th_0.7yZr_0.3yU_1−yO₂ solid solutions. The Néel temperature decreases linearly with decreasing uranium concentration, the critical concentration being 69 mole% UO₂. The Néel temperatures of the present solid solutions are nearly in the middle of UO₂ThO₂ solid solutions and UO₂ZrO₂ solid solutions, which indicates that the magnetic dilution effect of ZrO₂ is larger than that of ThO₂. The effective magnetic moment decreases with decreasing uranium concentration, which is due to a decrease in the magnetic interactions with adjacent uranium ions, not due to a change of the strength of crystalline field. The Weiss constant decreases almost linearly with decreasing uranium concentration.     

Magnetic studies on ScyU1−yO2+x solid solutions

Magnetic susceptibilities of Sc_yU_1−yO_2+x solid solutions have been measured from 2.7 K to room temperature. The magnetic moment and Weiss constant have been determined in the temperature range in which the Curie-Weiss law holds. For the solid solutions showing antiferromagnetic transition, the Néel temperature has also been determined. The substitution of Sc³⁺ for U⁴⁺ was found to effect not only magnetic dilution of UO₂, but also oxidation of U⁴⁺ to U⁵⁺. Excess oxygen ions which entered the interstitial sites, weakened the antiferromagnetic interaction between uranium ions and oxidized U⁴⁺ to U⁵⁺. The effect of oxygen vacancies on the antiferromagnetic interaction was small in the concentration range of this experiment (0.8 a/o).     

The crystal and magnetic structures of Sr2YRuO6

Time-of-flight powder neutron diffraction data have been used to refine the crystal structure of the ordered, distorted perovskite Sr₂YRuO₆. Yttrium and ruthenium are octahedrally coordinated in this material with average MO bond lengths of 2.202 and 1.955 Å, respectively. Constant wavelength neutron diffraction data show that Sr₂YRuO₆ is a Type I antiferromagnet at 4.2 K with an ordered magnetic moment of 1.85 μ_B per Ru⁵⁺ ion. The Néel temperature of Sr₂YRuO₆ was determined to be 26 K. The data suggest that the 4d³ electrons in this material are localized rather than itinerant.     

Electrophysical characteristics and stability of solid apatite-like electrolytes La x Si6O12 + 1.5x and La x Ge6O12 + 1.5x

Oxygen-ion conduction in apatite-like compounds based on silicates and germanates of lanthanum La _x A₆O_{12 + 1.5x} (A = Si, Ge; x = 9.11–10.22) is studied. The compounds are shown to be purely ionic conductors at 600–900°C and partial oxygen pressures 10^?16 to 10⁵ Pa. The electroconductivity of the best conducting specimens of La _x A₆O_{12 + 1.5x} (A = Si, Ge; x = 9.77–10) exceeds that of electrolyte YSZ at moderate temperatures. The electroconductivity of lanthanum germanate is substantially greater than that of lanthanum silicate, specifically, 7.85 × 10^?2 and 2.35 × 10^?2 S cm^?1, respectively, at 800°C. An inflection is discovered at ～750°C in the temperature dependences of electroconductivity of La _x Ge₆O_{12 + 1.5x} (x = 9.77–10.22). A dilatometric examination points to a second-kind phase transition that may be due to the oxygen sublattice disordering. The behavior of apatite-like electrolytes La _x A₆O_{12 + 1.5x} (A = Si, Ge) during long exploitation periods in the interval of working temperatures of electrochemical devices is studied for the first time ever. The electrolytes’ aging at 800°C in air for 1000 h was investigated by the electroconductivity method. The electroconductivity of lanthanum germanates decayed with time by 5% and that of lanthanum silicates, by 9.5%. The steady-state values of electroconductivity of all compounds studied is reached after 600–700 h. The compounds studied form a class of materials that hold some promise as solid electrolytes for medium-temperature fuel cells and other electrochemical devices.     

Oxygen vacancy ordering and magnetism in the rare earth stabilised perovskite form of “SrCoO3−δ”

We have demonstrated that SrCoO_3−δ can be stabilised into phase pure perovskite forms by the introduction of small amounts ∼5% of certain rare earth ions (Sm³⁺Yb³⁺). At the same doping levels, La³⁺ and Pr³⁺ crystallise with the same isostructural trigonal structure as Sr₆Co₅O₁₅; while the Nd³⁺ composition shows a mixture of both structure types. Powder X-ray diffraction showed only a simple cubic perovskite structure, however, a combination of electron and neutron diffraction has revealed a tetragonal (P4/mmm) a_p×a_p×2a_p superstructure. Strontium and the rare earth ions are disordered over a single site, while the oxygen vacancies are localised on the apical O2 sites. Magnetisation measurements show that these materials undergo transitions to a spin-glass state at temperatures below 150 K, and that significant coupling occurs between the rare earth ions and the mixed Co^3+/4+ ions. Magnetisation measurements as a function of applied field reveals that below the transition temperature ferromagnetic ordering takes place at relatively large fields.     

A study of the new cubic,ordered perovskites BaLaMRuO6 (M = Mg,Fe, Co,Ni, or Zn) and the related phases La2MRuO6 (M = Mg,Co, Ni,or Zn) by 99Ru Mössbauer spectroscopy and other techniques

⁵⁷Fe and ⁹⁹Ru Mössbauer spectroscopy, coupled with magnetic susceptibility measurements down to 4.2 K, have been used to study the electronic and magnetic properties of the new cubic-ordered perovskites BaLaMRuO₆ (M = Mg, Fe, Co, Ni, or Zn). The ruthenium is present in the +5 oxidation state in all the compounds except BaLaFeRuO₆ which contains iron(III) and ruthenium(IV). All the compounds exhibit long-range antiferromagnetic order, with Néel temperatures in the range 20–40 K. Mössbauer spectra for the new compound La₂CoRuO₆ and the isostructural cubic perovskites La₂MRuO₆ (M = Mg, Ni, or Zn) confirm the presence of ruthenium(IV) in these phases and indicate that they are not ordered magnetically at 4.2 K.     

Fe1−yO Nanoparticles: Organometallic Synthesis and Magnetic Properties

Non‐stoichiometric wüstite particles (Fe_1?yO) are synthesized using the controlled room‐temperature hydrolysis of the organometallic precursor {Fe[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂}. Particles stabilized by hexadecylamine with a diameter of ～5 nm are obtained. For such small nanoparticles, a distorted crystallographic structure is evidenced by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering at room temperature and reported for the first time. The study of the magnetic properties indicates that these particles are composed of an antiferromagnetic core surrounded by a ferromagnetic shell. According to the Néel theory, we demonstrate that this shell consists of 1.5 % of Fe³⁺ ions ferromagnetically coupled with Fe²⁺ ions.     

Magnetoresistance in the ferromagnetic metallic perovskite SrFe1−xCoxO3

The investigation of the magnetic and transport properties of the oxygen deficient perovskites SrFe_1−xCo_xO_3−δ shows that these compounds exhibit both ferromagnetism and metallicity in a wide compositional range (0≤x≤0.70). Negative magnetoresistance is evidenced for the first time in these oxides, in contrast to SrCoO_3−δ. These properties are explained by superexchange interactions between cobalt and iron according to the scheme Fe³⁺OCo⁴⁺↔Fe⁴⁺OCo³⁺. This model is strongly supported by ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer measurements which show the existence of two sites at room temperature, high spin localized Fe⁴⁺ and delocalized Fe^3+α sites, whereas magnetic disordering suggesting spin fluctuations is observed at 5 K as soon as cobalt is introduced into the SrFeO₃ structure.     

Study of Pr1−xMn1+xO3 perovskites

The structural and magnetic properties of the Pr_1?xMn_1+xO₃ perovskites were studied. The increase of x (i.e., $\text{Pr}\text{Mn}\text{< 1}$) leads to the decrease of the orthorhombic deformation and of the Néel temperature and, simultaneously, to an increase of the ferromagnetic contribution. The latter effect is explained from the suggested distribution of the cations (Pr³⁺_1?xMn²⁺_x)_A(Mn³⁺_1?xMn⁴⁺_x)O^2?₃ by the double exchange of Mn³⁺Mn⁴⁺ pairs at the B—sublattice.     

Behavior of Mn3+ ions in four-layered hexagonal (Sr1−x−yLaxBay)MnO3

Stoichiometric four-layered hexagonal (4H) (Sr_1?x?yBa_xLa_y)MnO₃ was synthesized using a standard ceramic technique. Rietveld analysis at room temperature indicated that the Mn–O(1) distance increased and the Mn–O(2) distance decreased with the increase in x. The samples were n-type semiconductors and exhibited hopping conductivity in a small-polaron model below 533 K. The Mn³⁺ ion acted as a donor and the electron transfer became active through the Mn³⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺ path. The samples were antiferromagnetic and the Néel temperature (T_N) was constant regardless of y when x was fixed to 0.3, whereas T_N shifted to a high temperature when y was fixed to 0.02. The face-sharing Mn³⁺–O(2)–Mn⁴⁺ interaction strengthened as the Mn–O(2) distance decreased, and T_N shifted to a high temperature as a result.     

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigation of perovskites La1−x Sr x FeO3−y (0 ≤x < 1.0), prepared via a mechanochemical route

Perovskite-structure oxides La_1?x Sr _x FeO_3?y (x = 0, 0.2, 0.6, 1) were synthesized by the mechanochemical method. In order to refine the stoichiometric composition and the charge state of ions, these samples were studied by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). An investigation of perovskites with x = 0, 0.2, and 0.6 in air at room temperature showed that these samples do not contain oxygen vacancies (y = 0), i.e., they are fully oxidized. Hence, to produce electrical neutrality, these samples should contain iron(4+) cations in an amount proportional to the degree of substitution (x) of strontium(2+) for lanthanum(3+). However, no Fe⁴⁺ cations were found in the oxides. All perovskites contain only Fe³⁺ cations, oxygen ions O^2? along with oxygen ions with reduced electron density (O^?). These data provid evidence of the possible electron density redistribution from oxygen ions to iron cations. The fact that the oxides contain oxygen ions with reduced electron density suggests that weakly bound lattice oxygen in substituted perovskites is represented by O^? ions.     

Improvement of lithium-ion conductivity in A-site-disordered lithium lanthanum titanates by V5+/Nb5+ substitution

The V⁵⁺/Nb⁵⁺-substituted lithium lanthaum titanates are synthesized by a conventional solid-state reaction method at high temperature in air. The structural and conductivity studies of the obtained perovskite oxide samples are investigated by x-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, and impedance spectroscopy. From the powder XRD patterns, it is clearly observed that the synthesized samples exhibit a well-defined cubic structure with the Pm3m (Z = 1) space group. The lattice parameter is decreased with increasing vanadium content in Li_0.5?x La_0.5Ti_1?x V _x O₃, but increased with the increasing niobium content in Li_0.5?x La_0.5Ti_1?x Nb _x O₃. The scanning electron microscope measurements confirmed that these materials consist of fairly ordered grains throughout the surface area. The conductivity variations with the substitution of vanadium/niobium are also reported. The bulk ionic conductivity measured in the temperature range from room temperature to 150 °C is about the same as reported earlier for the related lithium lanthanum titanate. However, the low activation energies for ionic conduction observed for these samples encourage further investigations for better conductors in this system.     

Influence of charge-compensating ions on the luminescence of vanadium-activated sulfates

Samples CaSO₄V⁵⁺, Me³⁺ show mainly unassociated-vanadate emission if Me³⁺ is smaller than the Ca²⁺ ion and mainly associated-vanadate emission if Me³⁺ is about as large as the Ca²⁺ ion. Samples MgSO₄V⁵⁺, Me³⁺ show efficient yellow emission at room temperature.     

Iron-57 Mössbauer spectroscopy of Cr2TeO6 and Fe2TeO6

Iron-57 Mössbauer spectroscopy has been used to determine the hyperfine field at a chromium site in Cr₂TeO₆ which is found to be 525 kOe. The Néel temperature for Cr₂TeO₆ containing 0.4% ⁵⁷Fe is found to be 90%K; the angle θ between V_zz and the magnetic axis is 42 ± 4°. These data are compared with those for Fe₂TeO₆ where H_eff (T = 0) = 530 kOe T_N = 203°K and θ = 90°.     

Magnetic Investigation of Various NiFe<Subscript>2−<Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>Bi<Subscript><Emphasis Type="Italic">x</Emphasis></Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> Ferrite Nanostructures Synthesized by Ball Milling Technique

NiFe_2?x Bi _x O₄ (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3) nanoparticles with various grain sizes were synthesized via annealing treatment followed by ball milling of its bulk component materials. Commercially available bismuth, nickel and iron oxide powders were first mixed and then annealed at 1200 °C in an oxygen environment furnace for 4 h. The samples were then milled for 2 h by high-energy ball milling. X-ray diffraction (XRD) pattern indicated that in this stage the samples are single phase. The microstructure investigation was carried out by a scanning electron microscope with maximum magnification of 30,000. The average grain size for different samples was estimated by XRD technique and transmission electron microscopy. Magnetic behavior of the samples at room temperature was studied using an alternating gradient force magnetometry. The Néel temperature of the powders was measured by a Faraday balance. Based on magnetic studies, increase in bismuth content leads to a decrease in the saturation magnetization, coercive field and Néel temperature. This can be attributed to the substitution of Bi³⁺ ion in the ferrite system as a nonmagnetic cation.     

Characteristics of the La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.8Co0.2O3 − δ electrode in contact with the lanthanum gallate-based electrolyte

Lowering the working temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is the main trend in their development, which requires selection of materials for electrolyte and electrodes. A highly conducting lanthanum gallate-based electrolyte is a promising material for creating medium-temperature SOFCs. The electrochemical characteristics of the La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_0.8Co_0.2O_{3 ? δ} cathode that contacted with the La_0.88Sr_0.12Ga_0.82Mg_0.18O_2.85 electrolyte subject to electrode formation temperatures have been investigated. It was found that at optimum bake-on temperatures of 1200–1250°C, the cathode polarization resistance at 800°C was ～0.08 Ohm cm², which is comparable to the world’s best achievements.     

Magnetic interactions in ternary cobalt oxides with cubic perovskite structure

Magnetic properties were measured on the cubic perovskite systems SrCoO_3?δ, (La_1?xSr_x)CoO₃ (0.5 ≦ x ≦ 1.0), and Sr(Co_1?xMn_x)O₃ (0 ≦ x ≦ 1.0). It is found that S²⁺ and La³⁺ ions strongly affect the spin state of the Co²⁺ ion and that the Mn⁴⁺ ion located at the octahedral site affects the spin state of Co⁴⁺ ion. The magnetic properties (T_c, T_θ, and σ) are explained by the magnetic interaction Co³⁺OCo³⁺, Co³⁺OCo⁴⁺, Co⁴⁺OCo⁴⁺, Mn⁴⁺OMn⁴⁺, and Mn⁴⁺OCo⁴⁺ in these systems.     

Structural investigation of La9.33Si6O26- and La9AESi6O26+δ-doped apatites-type lanthanum silicate (AE=Ba, Sr and Ca) by neutron powder diffraction

Crystalline structures of La_9.33Si₆O₂₆ and La₉AESi₆O_26+δ (AE=Ba, Sr and Ca) doped apatites-type lanthanum silicates were investigated by X-ray and neutron powder diffraction at room temperature. The results obtained after different models testing show that the apatite structure is best described using the P6₃ space group. The loss of the mirror symmetry perpendicular to the ionic conduction channel direction results from heterogeneous La³⁺/AE²⁺ distribution of the sites so-called “4f”. The Rietveld refinements do not show splitting of the conduction oxygen site but rather a very large spread of the nuclear density associated to this site. This effect is more pronounced for the La₉AESi₆O_26+δ-doped compounds. Large anisotropic thermal displacement parameters are also observed for the oxygens associated to the isolated [SiO₄], suggesting a rotation of this tetrahedron around the Si site. Lastly, vacancies were also systematically observed in the lanthanum nine-coordinated sites.     

Synthesis and characterization of La1+xSr2−xCoMnO7−δ (x=0,0.2; δ=0,1)

The n=2 Ruddlesden-Popper phases LaSr₂CoMnO₇ and La_1.2Sr_1.8CoMnO₇ have been synthesized by a sol-gel method. The O6-type phases LaSr₂CoMnO₆ and La_1.2Sr_1.8CoMnO₆ were produced by reduction of the O7 phases under a hydrogen atmosphere. The materials crystallize in the tetragonal I4/mmm space group with no evidence of long-range cation order in the neutron and electron diffraction data. Oxygen vacancies in the reduced materials are located primarily at the common apex of the double perovskite layers giving rise to square pyramidal coordination around cobalt and manganese ions. The oxidation states Co³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ and Co²⁺/Mn³⁺ predominate in the as-prepared and reduced materials, respectively. The materials are spin glasses at low temperature and the dominant magnetic interactions change from ferro- to antiferromagnetic following reduction.