Error matrices in gas-electron diffraction: II. Influence of weight matrix

The properties of three different forms of error matrices in electron diffraction are investigated, assuming the presence of stationary, Gaussian, Markovian noise in the primary data. The error matrices studied are M_x^p based on the optimum weight matrix P the bona fide error matrix M_x^w based on the nonoptimum weight matrix W, and the false error matrix M_x^o commonly calculated by diffractionists using the formula for the optimum error matrix while incorporating a nonoptimum weighting. Simple formulae relating the elements of the various matrices are derived in the case where W is the best diagonal weight matrix and where geometric constraints are not imposed on parameters. The influence of geometric constraints is tested. Calculations indicate that diagonal weight matrices in ordinary circumstances give results imperceptibly inferior to the results obtained with the best nondiagonal weight matrices. Elements of M_x^w closely approach those of M_x^p whereas elements of the false error matrix, taken alone, may be very misleading.     

Effects of the A-site cation number on the properties of Ln5/8M3/8MnO3 manganites

The properties of manganites can be tuned by changing the doping level x in Ln_1−xM_xMnO₃. A second mechanism allows tuning of magnetic and electronic properties, for fixed x values, by varying the average A-cation radius, 〈r_A〉. Moreover, for fixed x and 〈r_A〉 values, the changes in the A-cation size variance, σ², also modify the ferromagnetic and metal-insulator transition temperatures. Here, we investigate the influence of the number of A-site cations on Ln_5/8M_3/8MnO₃ manganites, where x, 〈r_A〉 and σ² values are kept constant, and in the absence of phase separation phenomena. We have found that the number of cation species at the A site (N_A) has a strong influence on the width of the ferromagnetic and metal-insulator transitions, and a small influence on the average transition temperature. This behavior is opposite to that observed for increasing values of the variance σ² in manganites, with the same x and 〈r_A〉 values, where average transition temperatures are strongly reduced.     

Quantitation of major elements with secondary ion mass spectrometry by using M 2 + -molecular ions

A new quantitation method, based on the detection of M ₂ ⁺ molecular ions, is presented. It has been shown that M ₂ ⁺ molecular ions are formed by a recombination process between independently sputtered M and M⁺ particles. Based on this formation mechanism, it will be demonstrated that M ₂ ⁺ molecular ions can be used to quantitate major elements. The method will be used for quantitation of an Al _x Ga_1?x As multilayer. Furthermore, it will be shown that some matrix effects can be explained by the energy dependence of instrument transmission.     

Predissociation of the C2Σu+ state of N2+

Two mechanisms for the predissociation of the C²Σ_u⁺ state of N₂⁺ are discussed - the accidental mechanism and a direct, homogeneous process C → B²Σ_u⁺. The matrix elements for the latter channel are dominated by a contribution from the nuclear kinetic energy operator, containing a Franck-Condon integral of form 〈?|?/?R|υ′〉.     

Phase relations in the dioxide-trioxide region of some 3d transition Metal-WO ternary systems

The phases occurring in the MnWO, FeWO, CoWO, and NiWO systems at 1373°K have been determined using X-ray diffraction and electron and optical microscopy. Experimentally most attention was given to the MnWO system, where it was found that Mn entered as the Mn²⁺ ion into the WO₃ host matrix and formed a perovskite-related bronze Mn_xWO₃. The highest observed x-value in the bronze is about 0.027. In addition a metastable θ_w(Mn) oxide with the Mo₅O₁₄ structure and a disordered oxide of overall composition approximately (Mn, W)O_2.82 were found. The FeWO system was similar to the MnWO system but significant differences occurred in the CoWO and NiWO systems where M_xWO₃ bronze phases were not observed to form at 1373°K. The stability of the M_xWO₃ and the θ_w(M) oxides formed are discussed in terms of the ionic size of the M ions involved. It is suggested that M_xWO₃ bronzes are metastable if these M ions are small.     

Influence of M2+ ions substitution on the structure of lanthanum hexaaluminates with magnetoplumbite structure

A series of compounds with the initial composition LaM_xAl₁₁O_18+x has been studied with x ranging from 0 to 1, and M = Mn, Co, Cu. They exhibit a more or less distorted and defective magnetoplumbite arrangement. Their effective compositions have been determined by X-ray structure refinement. The smaller the content of M²⁺, the higher the disorder in the crystal lattice, the worse the crystal growth, and more intense the diffuse scattering in (001) planes. The role of M²⁺ is compared to that of M²⁺ stabilizing γ-Al₂O₃ to give MAl₂O₄ spinels.     

Structure and photoluminescence properties of Ce-doped novel silicon-oxynitride Ba4−zMzSi8O20−3xN2x (M=Mg, Ca, Sr)

Structural and photoluminescence properties of undoped and Ce³⁺-doped novel silicon-oxynitride phosphors of Ba_4−zM_zSi₈O_20−3xN_2x (M=Mg, Sr, Ca) are reported. Single-phase solid solutions of Ba_4−zM_zSi₈O_20−3xN_2x oxynitride were synthesized by partial substitutions of 3O²⁻→2N³⁻ and Ba→M (M=Mg, Ca, Sr) in orthorhombic Ba₂Si₄O₁₀. The influences of the type of alkaline earth ions of M, the Ce³⁺ concentration on the photoluminescence properties and thermal quenching behaviors of Ba₃MSi₈O_20−3xN_2x (M=Mg, Ca, Sr, x=0.5) were investigated. Under excitation at about 330 nm, Ba₃MSi₈O_20−3xN_2x:Ce³⁺ (x=0.5) exhibits efficient blue emission centered at 400-450 nm in the range of 350-650 nm owing to the 5d→4f transition of Ce³⁺. The emission band of Ce³⁺ shifts to long wavelength by increasing the ionic size of M due to the modification of the crystal field, as well as the Ce³⁺ concentrations due to the Stokes shift and energy transfer or reabsorption of Ce³⁺ ions. Among the silicon-oxynitride phosphors of Ba₃MSi₈O_18.5N:Ce³⁺, M=Sr_0.6Ca_0.4 possesses the best thermal stability probably related to its high onset of the absorption edge of Ce³⁺.     

Three-layer Aurivillius phases containing magnetic transition metal cations: Bi2−xSr2+x(Nb,Ta)2+xM1−xO12, M=Ru, Ir, Mn, x≈0.5

We report the synthesis of Aurivillius-type phases incorporating magnetic M⁴⁺ cations (M=Mn, Ru, Ir), based on the substitution of M⁴⁺ for Ti⁴⁺ in Bi₂Sr₂(Nb,Ta)₂TiO₁₂. The key to incorporating these magnetic transition metal cations appears to be the partial substitution of Sr²⁺ for Bi³⁺ in the α-PbO-type layer of the Aurivillius phase, leading to a concomitant decrease in the M⁴⁺ content; i.e., the composition of the prepared compounds was Bi_2−xSr_2+x(Nb,Ta)_2+xM_1−xO₁₂, x≈0.5. These compounds only exist over a narrow range of x, between an apparent minimum (x≈0.4) Sr²⁺ content in the α-PbO-type [Bi₂O₂] layer required for Aurivillius phases to form with magnetic M⁴⁺ cations, and an apparent maximum (x≈0.6) Sr²⁺ substitution in this [Bi₂O₂] layer. Rietveld-refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data making use of anomalous dispersion at the Nb and Ru K edges show that the overwhelming majority of the incorporated M cations occupy the central of the three MO₆ octahedral layers in the perovskite-type block. Magnetic susceptibility measurements are presented and discussed in the context of the potential for multiferroic (magnetoelectric) properties in these materials.     

The Crystal Chemistry of Lithium in the Alluaudite Structure: A Study of the (Na1−xLix)CdIn2(PO4)3 Solid Solution (x=0 to 1)

Several compounds of the (Na_1−xLi_x)CdIn₂(PO₄)₃ solid solution were synthesized by a solid-state reaction in air, and pure alluaudite-like compounds were obtained for x=0.00, 0.25, and 0.50. X-ray Rietveld refinements indicate the occurrence of Cd²⁺ in the M(1) site, and of In³⁺ in the M(2) site of the alluaudite structure. This non-disordered cationic distribution is confirmed by the sharpness of the infrared absorption bands. The distribution of Na⁺ and Li⁺ on the A(1) and A(2)′ crystallographic sites cannot be accurately assessed by the Rietvled method, probably because the electronic densities involved in the Na⁺→Li⁺ substitution are very small. A comparison with the synthetic alluaudite-like compounds, (Na_1−xLi_x)MnFe₂(PO₄)₃, indicates the influence of the cations occupying the M(1) and M(2) sites on the coordination polyhedra morphologies of the A(1) and A(2)′ crystallographic sites.     

Tunnel and intergrowth structures in the gallia-rich gallium titanate system

Phase analysis studies of the homologous series Ga₄Ti_m?4O_2m?2 by electron microscopy and diffraction reveals that m = 5 and 7 may occur but they are metastable, appearing only in incompletely reacted specimens. Thus m = 9 is the lowest stable member of the series. The observation of and structure determination of a new tetragonal tunnel structure, containing hollandite-type tunnels separated by elements of the β-gallia and rutile structure types, are also reported. The stoichiometry range M_xGa_10+2xTi_6?2xO₂₇ (M = Al₂O²⁺; 0.80 < x < 1.20) is suggested for this phase, since Al³⁺ is necessary to stabilize this phase. Lattice image studies of Ga₂TiO₅ reveal that it does not have the pseudobrookite structure, as assumed by previous authors, but instead adopts the “low-temperature” Ti₃O₅ structure type.     

An interpretation of the polarized crystal spectra of Mn(II) and Co(II) in D2h symmetry

Crystals of TMAM_xM′_1?xCl₃ · 2H₂O where TMA = (CH₃)₃NH⁺ and M = Mn²⁺, M′ = Co²⁺ are strikingly pleochroic. The polarized spectra of these highly colored orthorhombic salts are reported and transition assignments are made based on D_2h symmetry. Peaks in the Mn(II) spectra are explained as electric dipole transitions while peaks in the Co(II) spectra are explained as magnetic dipole transitions.     

Perovskite-like La1−xKxMnO3 and related compounds: Solid state chemistry and the catalysis of the reduction of NO by CO and H2

The new compounds La_1?xM_xMnO₃ (0.05 ? x ? 0.4 for M = K; x = 0.2 for M = Na, Rb) have been prepared. La_1?xK_xMnO₃ (0.05 ? x ? 0.4), LaMnO_3.01, LaMnO_3.15, La_0.8Na_0.2MnO₃, and La_0.8Rb_0.2MnO₃ have been used as catalysts in the reduction of NO. La_0.8K_0.2MnO₃ has also been used in the catalytic decomposition of NO. The activity of these catalysts is related to the presence of a Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ mixed valence and to the relative ease of forming oxygen vacancies in the solid. The presence of cation vacancies in LaMnO_3.15 and the substitution of La³⁺ by alkali ions in LaMnO₃ increases the catalytic activity. The reduction of NO involves both molecular and dissociative adsorption of NO.     

Crystal Structure and Electrical Conductivity of Palladium Sulfide BronzesMP3S4(M=La,Nd, and Eu)

Palladium sulfide bronzesMPd₃S₄(M=La, Nd, and Eu) were prepared in single phase. The bronzes are cubic with twoMatoms in (0,0,0; 1/2,1/2,1/2) and six palladium atoms in (1/4,0,1/2⥀) positions. The sulfur positions (x,x,x⥀) were determined with a guide of theRfactors. Thexvalues were 1/4 for La and Nd compounds (i.e., space groupPm3n), while a plot of theRfactors of EuPd₃S₄gave a very broad curve showing thexvalue rather displaced from 1/4. This result is considered to be associated with the mixed valency of europium (Eu²⁺and Eu³⁺) in this compound.MPd₃S₄(M=La, Nd, and Eu) exhibited metallic conductions with the electrical conductivities decreasing with increasing temperature in the experimental range from ∼15 K to room temperature. At 300 K, σ were 2.77, 2.42, and 2.28 S m⁻¹forMPd₃S₄(M=La, Nd, and Eu), respectively. From the Hall coefficient measurements, the carriers were found to be the electrons with their numbers 1.71, 1.68, and 0.82 per unit cell of the crystals ofM=La, Nd, and Eu compounds, respectively. These values suggest the formulas to beM³⁺(Pd²⁺₃e⁻)S²⁻₄for La and Nd compounds, and to be Eu²⁺_0.5Eu³⁺_0.5(Pd²⁺₃e⁻_0.5)S²⁻₄for Eu compound.     

Stabilization of unusual electronic configurations of transition elements in elongated six-coordinated oxygen sites of a K2NiF4 structure

The A′_xA_2?xLi_0.5M_0.5O₄ matrix deriving from the K₂NiF₄ structure has an elongated MO₆ octahedron; it has been used to stabilize anisotropic electronic configurations such as high-spin Fe⁴⁺, low-spin Co⁴⁺, medium-spin Co³⁺, low-spin Ni³⁺, or low-spin Cu³⁺. The choice of ions to be stabilized was based on a simple model for predicting the electronic configuration of a dⁿ ion in a tetragonally distorted octahedral environment.     

Solubility product and related thermodynamic quantities of silver and barium chromates in formamide

The values of ΔG⁰, ΔH⁰, and ΔS⁰ for the dissolution process, M₂(CrO₄)_x + solvent — 2 M^x+ (solvated) + xCrO₄^2? (solvated), where M is Ag or Ba, and x is 1 or 2, have been determined in formamide from solubility studies. The negative value of ΔS⁰ indicates that there is more order in the dissolved state than in the undissolved state.     

The influence of Ni2+ lons on the distribution of Mg2+ and Cu2+ lons in spinel ferrites

Cation distribution in quenched and furnace-cooled samples of composition Ni_xM_1?xFe₂O₄ (where M is either Mg²⁺ or Cu²⁺) has been studied through magnetization measurements. It has been found that cation distribution in these mixed ferrites cannot be predicted by site preference energies. In magnesium-nickel ferrites, cation distribution is controlled by heat treatment up to x = 0.5, beyond which the effect of heat treatment diminishes. Addition of Ni²⁺ ions in copper ferrite reduces the diffusibility of Cu²⁺ ions and the distribution tends toward inverse spinel in the high-nickel region.     

Cation ordering in the fluorite-like transparent conductors In4+xSn3−2xSbxO12 and In6TeO12

The cation ordering in the fluorite-like transparent conductors In_4+xSn_3−2xSb_xO₁₂ and In₆TeO₁₂, was investigated by Time of Flight Neutron Powder Diffraction and X-ray Powder Diffraction (tellurate). The structural results including atomic positions, cation distributions, metal-oxygen distances and metal-oxygen-metal angles point to a progressive cation ordering on both sites of the Tb₇O₁₂-type structure with a strong preference of the smaller 4d¹⁰ cations (Sn⁴⁺, Sb⁵⁺, Te⁶⁺) for the octahedral sites. The corresponding increase of the overall structure-bonding anisotropy is analyzed in terms of the crystal chemical properties of the OM₄ tetrahedral network of the antistructure. The relationships between the M₇O₁₂ and the M₂O₃ bixbyite-type structures are explored. Within the whole series of compositions In_4+xM_3−xO₁₂ (M=Sn, Sb, Te) there exists an increase of the symmetry gap between the more symmetrical bixbyite structure and the M₇O₁₂ type. This is tentatively correlated with the progressive weakening of thermal stability of these compositions from Sn to Te via Sb.     

Composition-dependent microhardness and its relationship to bonding in sodium tungsten bronzes

The technique of microhardness measurements using diamond indenters is outlined and assessed for its potential use in quantifying bonding changes and studying reactions in nonstoichiometric crystals. Results are presented for both Vickers and Knoop hardness values on {001} and {011} crystal planes of cubic sodium tungsten bronzes, Na_xWO₃, with x in the range 0.5 to 0.75. The Knoop data show that in only one direction, 〈110〉 on {001}, is the hardness sensitive to changes in composition. Hardness in the 〈110〉 directions and the degree of anisotropy increase as the sodium content of the bronze increases. All the crystal faces examined showed marked anisotropic behavior, with 〈110〉 being about 50% harder than 〈100〉 on {001} faces, while on {011} planes hardness increases in the sequence $\text{〈100〉:〈21}\text{1}\text{〉:〈11}\text{1}\text{〉 ≈ 〈01}\text{1}\text{〉}$. Hardness results from isomorphous and isoelectronic ReO₃ are considered with the Na_xWO₃ data to show the dominant role played by Na⁺WO₃ matrix interactions in determining the properties of these materials. The results are discussed in terms of current bonding theories for bronzes.     

Liquid-liquid phase equilibria for some polystyrene-methylcyclohexane mixtures

Liquid-liquid cloud point diagrams of solutions of nearly monodisperse samples of polystyrene (PS), and binary mixtures of nearly monodisperse PS’s, both in methylcyclohexane (MCH), were determined for several polymer molecular weights (M_w) at 0.1 MPa. The bimodal mixtures (PS[M_w(1),ρ(1)] + PS[M_w(2),ρ(2)], M_w(1)=90×10³ g/mol, M_w(2)=13×10³ g/mol, 5.78 × 10³ g/mol, and 2.2 × 10³ g/mol, ρ=1.06) were prepared constraining 〈M_w〉=38.6×10³ g/mol, ρ=M_w/M_n is the polydispersity index. In each case the cloud point curves (CPC’s) for the bimodal mixtures are strongly skewed, lying well above CPC for 〈M_w〉 when φ<φ_CRITICAL, and below CPC for 〈M_w〉 when φ>φ_CRITICAL; φ is volume fraction polymer in the polymer/solvent mixture. The experimental results are discussed in the context of empirical and mean-field representations.     

Optimisation des facteurs influencant la conductivité anionique dans quelques fluorures de structure fluorine

The large influence in the M_1?xM′_xF_2+x solid solutions (M = Sr, Pb, M′ = Y, In, Sb, Bi) of the covalency of the MF₂ “starting lattice” on the electrical properties of fluorides of fluorite-type structure is clearly shown in a comparative investigation. The influence of the polarizability of the substituting trivalent ion is only significant as far as the starting lattice contains a weakly polarizable cation. Enhancement of the electrical performances of β-PbF₂ by substitution of Pb²⁺ by trivalent cations seems to be due mainly to increasing disordering within the anionic sublattice and hence the role of cationic polarizability is apparently a second-order effect.