Synthesis and characterization of layered perovskite oxides La1 + x Sr2 − x MnCrO7 (x = 0.2, 0.5)

Intergrowth perovskite type complex oxides of composition La_1.2Sr_1.8MnCrO₇ and La_1.5Sr_1.5MnCrO₇ have been synthesized by ceramic method. Rietveld profile analysis shows that the phases crystallize with tetragonal unit cell in the space group I4/mmm. Both the phases behave as insulators in the high temperature region and the linearity of log ρ versus T ^?1/4 plot in the temperature range 150–300 K shows that the electronic conduction occurs by a 3D variable range hopping mechanism. The phases show insulator-metal transition at low temperature which could be due to the mixed valence state of Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺ by double exchange mechanism. The ferromagnetic interactions observed for the samples arises from double exchange interaction between Mn ³⁺ and Mn⁴⁺ and Cr³⁺ and Mn³⁺ ions.     

Synthesis and characterization of layered perovskite-type oxides LnSr2MnFeO7 (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, and Dy)

Layered perovskite-type oxides LnSr₂MnFeO₇, with Ln?=?La, Nd, Gd, and Dy, have been synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction method. Rietveld refinement shows that all the phases were found to crystallize with tetragonal unit cell in the space group I4/mmm. The unit cell parameters a and c decrease monotonically with decreasing effective ionic radius of the lanthanide ion. The phases show insulating behavior with no anomalous features in the entire temperature range of 150–350 K and the electrical conduction occurs by Mott’s variable range hopping mechanism. The magnetic studies suggest that the phases are antiferromagnetic and the Weiss constant (θ) increases with decreasing ionic radius of lanthanide ion.     

Synthesis and characterization of K2NiF4-type phases Ln0.5Sr1.5Mn0.5Fe0.5O4 (Ln = La, Nd, Gd, and Dy)

A systematic investigation of layered perovskite oxides with general formula Ln_0.5Sr_1.5Mn_0.5Fe_0.5O₄ (Ln?=?La, Nd, Gd, and Dy) has been undertaken mainly to understand their structural, magnetic, as well as electrical behavior. The materials were prepared by the ceramic method. X-ray data have been analyzed by using program Checkcell and the variations of various parameters are explained. It has been concluded that not only A-site cation radius, <r _A>, but also the size variance factor (σ ²) influence electrical and magnetic properties. A systematic study of electrical resistivity of all the four materials was undertaken as a function of temperature to understand the conduction mechanism. On analyzing the electrical resistivity data, it has been concluded that variable range hopping model is found to fit well. The magnetic studies suggest that the phases are antiferromagnetic and this behavior could arise from Mn⁴⁺–O–Mn⁴⁺, and Fe³⁺–O–Fe³⁺ superexchange interaction.     

Single-phase Bi2+x(Ca,Sr) n+1 Cu n O2n+4+δ, n = 0, 1, 2, 3 AND ∞, and some substitutional DERIVATIVES

The preparation, structure and properties of five members of the homologous series Bi_2+x(Ca,Sr) _n+1 Cu _n O_2n+4+δ are discussed, namely for n = 0, 1, 2, 3 and ∞. The two end members are insulating phases with a fixed oxygen stoichiometry but the members n = 1, 2 and 3 are superconducting phases with T_c depending on the calcium to strontium ratio and on oxygen stoichiometry as determined by annealing temperature and oxygen partial pressure. Maximum zero resistance T_c 's obtained are n = 1: 76 K, n = 2: 91 K and n = 3: 106 K. The effects of Pb-substitution in n = 2 and n = 3 are discussed with particular reference to the stabilisation of the latter phase. Rare-earth substitution is shown to raise T_c for n = 2 to at least 101 K without the introduction of the n = 3 phase.     

Structural characterization,magnetic properties and magnetocaloric effects of La0.75Sr0.25Mn1–x Cr x O3 (x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25)

The effect of Cr doping on the structural, magnetic and magnetocaloric properties of perovskite manganites La_0.75Sr_0.25Mn_1–x Cr _x O₃ (x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25) has been investigated. Crystalline structure and magnetic properties are investigated by using X-ray powder diffraction and magnetization measurements, respectively. All samples show a single phase and are found to crystallize in the distorted rhombohedral system with \( R\overline{3} \,c \) space group. A monotonous change of Curie temperature (T _C), from 314 to 253 K, is observed when content doping increases. Substantial magnetic entropy change reaching 4.20 J/kg K is revealed. Relative cooling power was estimated as well. It was found to reach 289, 323, and 386 J/kg for x = 0.15, 0.20, and 0.25, respectively. Field dependence of the magnetic entropy change showing the power law dependence \( \Delta S_{\rm M} \propto \,\,\left( {\mu_{ 0} \rm H} \right)^{n} \) is also analyzed and discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of (1 − x)(La0.6Ca0.4MnO3)/x(Sb2O3) ceramic composites

The composites ((1???x)(La_0.6Ca_0.4MnO₃)/x(Sb₂O₃)) (x?=?0.00, 0.07 and 0.12) were synthesized by conventional solid-state reaction method. The results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and SEM indicate that Sb₂O₃ and LCMO coexist in the composites and Sb₂O₃ mainly segregates at the grain boundaries of LCMO. Furthermore, the magnetic study shows a typical variation. The resistivity of the composite samples was measured at the applied magnetic fields of 0T, 2T and 5T. All the specimens undergo a metallic–semiconductor transition at the temperature T_ρ. The temperature dependence of resistivity shows that the transport behavior of the composites is governed by the grain boundaries. It is suggested that the Sb₂O₃ addition, acts as a separation layer between grains. The ρ-T fit well with the phenomenological equation for conductivity under a percolation approach. Magnetoresistance (MR) has been found to reach a maximum value with Sb₂O₃ addition. The magnetocaloric properties of LCMO based on resistivity measurements were investigated. We measure the magnetic entropy change ΔS_M from the resistivity which is similar to that calculated from the magnetic measurements. Finally, the TCR curves show good value under zero magnetic field, which makes it a good candidate for bolometer applications.     

Preparation,characterization, and conductivity of YLnTiZrO7 (Ln = La,Nd, Sm,and Eu)

The pyrochlore oxide of composition YLnTiZrO₇ (Ln?=?La, Nd, Sm, and Eu) was prepared by sol–gel method. All the samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), diffused reflectance spectroscopy, and impedance spectroscopy. The powder XRD and Raman studies reveal that these samples were crystallized in cubic lattice with pyrochlore structure. The Rietveld analysis of the samples was carried out to obtain the unit cell parameters and reliability factors. The broad Raman bands observed for all the samples are due to cation/anion disorder in the lattice and nanosize. The XPS analysis of the samples shows the characteristic peaks belonging to Y³⁺, Ln³⁺ (Ln?=?La, Nd, Sm, and Eu), Ti⁴⁺, and Zr⁴⁺. Electrical conductivity of YLaTiZrO₇ (YLTZ) and YEuTiZrO₇ (YETZ) samples was calculated from the impedance as a function of frequency and temperature. These samples have shown conductivity of the order of 10^?5 scm^?1 at 500 °C.     

In-plane London penetration depths near the critical temperature of Tl2Ba2Ca n−1Cu n O2n+4 and (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca n−1 Cu n O2n+4 (n=2,3)

From isothermalM(H) curves nearT _c , measured on polycrystalline Tl₂Ba₂Ca _n–1Cu _n O_2n +4 and (Bi, Pb)₂Sr₂Ca _n–1Cu _n O_2n+4 (n=2,3) samples, we deduce the in-plane penetration depths _ab as functions of temperature. An estimate according to the BCS weak-coupling clean-limit fit, which produces the data nearT _c very well, yields _ab(0)=3100 Å, 2320 Å 2210 Å, and 1960 Å for Bi₂Sr₂CaCu₂O₈, Bi_1.6Pb_0.4Sr₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀, Tl₂Ba₂CaCu₂O₈, and Tl₂Ba₂Ca₂Cu₃O₁₀, respectively. A comparison between strong-coupling and weak coupling fitting curves clearly favours the weak-coupling temperature dependence of _ab nearT _c .     

High-resolution electron microscopy and electron diffraction on Bi2Sr2-x La x Ca n Cu1+n O6+2n+δ

Solid solutions, Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CuO₆₊ withx< 1.3 and Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O₈₊ with probablyx<1.3 are reported. Both solid solutions show considerable nonlinear changes in the unit cell dimensions and a change in the modulation vector from 4.7b to 3.5b forx=0 andx=1.2, respectively. It is shown that Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O₈₊ shows sometimes the absence of the 0.54 nm period alonga, whereas the modulation remains, suggesting both features not to be correlated. The investigation of the solid solution Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O₈₊ with probablyx<1.3 are reported. Both solid solutions show considerable nonlinear changes in the unit cell dimensions and a change in the modulation vector from 4.7b to 3.5b forx=0 andx=1.2, respectively. It is shown that Bi₂Sr_2-x La _x CaCu₂O₈₊ is severly hampered by the presence of the n=0 structure in the reaction product when one starts with stoichiometric mixture. This can be overcome by adding extra Ca and heating directly just below the melting point. However addition of Ca to the mixture leads to changes in the solid solution range, because Ca can replace Sr.     

Structure and chemical valence study of Sr_(n+1)Ru_nO_(3n+1)(n= 1, 2, ∞) series

Effect of structure parameter n and its coupling with the connection mode among RuO6 octahedra of Sr n+1RunO3n+1(n = 1, 2, ∞) are investigated. The gradually enhanced rotation and tilting effect with increasing n are observed in Sr n+1RunO3n+1. Besides, the chemical valence of Ru is not changed, while the one of Sr gradually varies with increasing n, which highlights the great contribution of connection mode to the chemical environment. Our results show a strong n dependence on the connection mode between octahedra in Srn+1RunO3n+1(n = 1, 2, ∞).     

Critical behavior of La0.67−y (Sr, Ba, Ca)0.33+y Mn1−x Sn x O3 (x = 0.01, 0.02, y = 0, 0.07) perovskites

The magnetic critical behavior of the manganese perovskite series $ {\text{La}}_{{0.67 - y}} {\left( {{\text{Sr,}}\,\,{\text{Ba,}}\,\,{\text{Ca}}} \right)}_{{0.33 + y}} {\text{Mn}}_{{1 - x}} {\text{Sn}}_{x} {\text{O}}_{3} The magnetic critical behavior of the manganese perovskite series (x = 0.01, 0.02, y = 0, 0.07) is studied by means of dc magnetic measurements and ¹¹⁹Sn M?ssbauer spectroscopy. The structure can be described by a rhombohedral unit cell (space group R–3C) for the samples where the A-site is occupied by La and Sr or La and Ba ions and orthorhombic unit cell (space group Pnma) for the samples where the A-site is occupied by La and Ca ions. Arrott and scaling plots show that the samples, where the A-site is occupied by La and Sr or La and Ba ions, follow the behavior of a conventional second-order ferromagnetic transition. In contrast, the samples that contain La and Ca ions in the A-site show anomalous behavior around Curie point. M?ssbauer measurements show two magnetic phases below T _c. One of them exhibits stronger exchange interactions with more rapid electron transfer between Mn³⁺/Mn⁴⁺, compared to the other.     

Synthesis and characterization of magnetic diphase ZnFe(2)O(4) /γ-Fe(2)O(3) electrospun fibers

Magnetic nanofibers of ZnFe₂O₄/γ-Fe₂O₃ composite were synthesized by electrospinning from a sol-gel solution containing a molar ratio (Fe/Zn) of 3. The effects of the calcination temperature on phase composition, particle size and magnetic properties have been investigated. Zinc ferrite fibers were obtained by calcinating the electrospun fibers in air from 300 to 800 °C and characterized by thermogravimetric analyses, Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, vibration sample magnetometry and magnetic force microscopy. The resulting fibers, with diameters ranging from 90 to 150 nm, were ferrimagnetic with high saturation magnetization as compared to bulk. An increase in the calcination temperature resulted in an increase in particle size and saturation magnetization. The observed increase in saturation magnetization was most likely due to the formation and growth of ZnFe₂O₄/γ-Fe₂O₃ diphase crystals. The highest saturation magnetization (45 emu/g) was obtained for fibers calcined at 800 °C.     

Structural characterization of Sr–Ti and Ba–Ti catecholate complexes: single source precursors for SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 binary oxides

Titanium catecholate complex H₂Ti(cat)₃ (1) is synthesized from the direct reaction of Ti(OⁱPr)₄ with catechol (H₂cat). Treatment of 1 with NEt₃ gives ionic complex (HNEt₃)₂[Ti(cat)₃] (2). Reactions of 1 with SrCO₃ or with BaCO₃ afford the corresponding catecholate complexes with approximate composition Sr[Ti(cat)₃]3H₂O (3) and Ba[Ti(cat)₃]3H₂O (4), of which the formula was proposed according to the previous literature report and microanalytical data. Water soluble crystalline materials [Sr(H₂O)₅]₂[Ti₂O₂(cat)₄]6H₂O (5) and [Ba(H₂O)₄(C₃H₆O)]₂[Ti₂O₂(cat)₄]2C₃H₆O (6) are isolated in low yields by repeated recrystallization of 3 and 4 from a mixture of water and acetone at room temperature. The single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that they fail to show the discrete Ti(cat)₃²⁻ unit as suggested previously, but they contain a dimeric [Ti₂O₂(cat)₄]⁴⁻ fragment with two bridging oxo ligands and two chelating catecholate ligands associated with each Ti atom. The latter is further linked to the hydrated Sr²⁺ or the Ba²⁺ counter cations through axial oxygen atoms of the catecholate ligands and the unique bridging oxo ligand. Crystal data for 5: a=7.8251(1), b=11.3739(2), c=11.4980(2) Å, α=91.942(1), β=100.441(1), γ=103.061(1)° with Z=1 in space group P1&#x0304;. For complex 6: a=9.6450(3), b=10.2092(3), c=13.3098(4) Å, α=18.192(1), β=85.876(1), γ=73.475(1)° with Z=1 in space group P1&#x0304;. Conversion to the respective SrTiO₃ and BaTiO₃ phases by calcination under oxygen atmosphere is confirmed by TG analysis and X-ray powder analysis.     

Synthesis and characterization of Sr3Al2O6：Eu2＋, Dy3＋ phosphors prepared by sol-gel-combustion processing

A type of red luminescent Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+, Dy3+ phosphor powder is synthesised by sol-gel-combustion processing, with metal nitrates used as the source of metal ions and citric acid as a chelating agent of metal ions. By tracing the formation process of the sol-gel, it is found that it is necessary to reduce the amount of NO3- by dropping ethanol into the solution for forming a stable and homogeneous sol-gel. Thermogravimetric and Differential Scanning Calorimeter Analysis, x-ray diffractionmeter, scanning electron microscopy and photoluminescence spectroscopy are used to investigate the luminescent properties of the as-synthesised Sr3Al2O6:Eu2+, Dy3+. The results reveal that the Sr3Al2O6 crystallises completely when the combustion ash is sintered at 1250 C. The excitation and the emission spectra indicate that the excitation broadband lies mainly in a visible range and the phosphors emit a strong light at 618 nm under the excitation of 472 nm. The afterglow of (Sr0.94Eu0.03Dy0.03)3Al2O6 phosphors sintered at 1250 ℃ lasts for over 1000 s when the excited source is cut off.     

Photoluminescence Enhancement Effect of CeO2 in Rare Earth Composites MM′O3/CeO2 and MM′O3/CeO2: Pr3+ (M = Ca, Sr; M′ = Ti, Zr)

In the context, a modified sol-gel technology was afford to the synthesis of rare earth composite ceramic phosphors MM′O₃/CeO₂ and MM′O₃/CeO₂: Pr³⁺ (M = Ca, Sr; M′ = Ti, Zr) with multicomponent hybrid precursors were composed. The micromorphology, particle size and photoluminescence properties were studied with XRD, SEM and luminescent spectroscopy in detail. Both XRD and SEM indicated the particle sizes were in the submicrometer range of 100 ∼ 300 nm. The photoluminescence for these ceramic phosphors were studied in details with the different component of host (molecular ratio of Sr, Ca and Ti, Zr), presenting a broad spectral band in the visible blue-violet region with the maximum excitation peak at 449 nm and a wide emission range with a maximum peak at 619 nm, which was ascribed to be the characteristic transition of Pr³⁺ (¹D₂ → ³H₄). These phosphors can be expected for visible light conversion (blue → red) materials. Especially it can be found that the introduction of CeO₂ can enhance the luminescence intensity of MM′O₃ and MM′O₃: Pr³⁺.     

Synthesis and sonocatalytic property of rod-shape Sr(OH)2·8H2O

A novel rod-shape sonocatalyst Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O was prepared by a facile precipitation method, and characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy. Comparative sonocatalytic degradation experiments were carried out in different conditions under ultrasonic irradiation by using rhodamine B (RhB) as the model substrate, indicating that Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O was highly sonocatalytic. Total organic carbon experiment demonstrated Sr(OH)₂·8H₂O with mass mineralization of organic carbon. The effects of catalyst amount, initial RhB concentration and ultrasonic energy of degradation were investigated, and the sonocatalyst could be reused 5 times without significant loss of activity. Furthermore, the potent degrading capability was ascribed to ultrasonic cavitation producing flash light/energy which generated radicals (e.g., OH) with high oxidation activity.     

Probing the structural,bonding, electronic and magnetic properties of transition–metal borazine systems: Co m (borazine) n (m = 1, 2; n = 1–3)

ABSTRACT

The geometrical structures of neutral and anionic Co _m (borazine) _n (m?=?1, 2; n?=?1–3) complexes have been determined by using density functional theory. The results indicate that most of the ground state structures for the complexes are similar to those of Co _m (benzene) _n , which might because borazine is isoelectronic and isostructural to benzene. The frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) analyses show that their FMOs mainly arise from the 3d/4s electrons of cobalt atoms and the weak π-cloud of borazine molecule. Furthermore, the magnetic moments of complexes were studied and the results revealed that the Co atoms carry most of the magnetic moments. Comparing with the magnetic moment of a free Co atom (3.0μ_B), the magnetic moments of Co atom in most of Co _m (borazine) _n ^0/- complexes are significantly reduced and even quenched except that the Co(borazine) remains unchanged. More importantly, there is a transition FM-to-AFM between neutral and anionic Co₂(borazine)₂. Finally, natural population analyses were performed to insightfully explore the reliable electronic structure properties.     

Electrical properties of A′Ca2Nb3O10 (A′=K, Rb, Cs) layered perovskite ceramics

The electrical conductivity properties of Dion-Jacobson type layered perovskites A′Ca₂Nb₃O₁₀ (A′=K, Rb, Cs) was investigated under different gas atmospheres. An increase in the electrical conductivity by about 2–5 orders in magnitude in both ammonia and hydrogen atmospheres is observed compared to air. Among the members of the series, the compound with the smallest size of the alkali ion, i.e. KCa₂Nb₃O₁₀, exhibits the highest conductivity. In air and hydrogen, a single activation energy value in the range 0.25 – 0.80 eV is observed, while in ammonia a sharp increase in the electrical conductivity is found at about 500 °C. The activation energy at low-temperatures (300–500 °C) is attributed to ionic motion and at higher temperatures (500–700 °C) to both defect formation and ionic motion. The unusual electrical conductivity behavior in ammonia is explained on the basis of the model developed for alkali halides. EMF measurements reveal that the layered perovskites are ionic (proton) conductors. The electrical conductivity changes as a function of the ammonia gas concentration; accordingly, layered perovskites appear to be useful solid electrolytes in galvanic cells for practical applications, e.g. for gas sensors. Paper presented at the 7th Euroconference on Ionics, Calcatoggio, Corsica, France, Oct. 1–7, 2000.     

Electrical and magnetic properties of La0.67Ba0.33Mn1−x (Me) x O3 perovskite manganites: case of manganese substituted by trivalent (Me = Cr) and tetravalent (Me = Ti) elements

The effects of non-magnetic Ti⁴⁺ substitution on the structural, electrical and magnetic properties of La_0.67Ba_0.33Mn_1?x Ti _x O₃ (0≤x≤0.1) are investigated and compared to those existing in La_0.67Ba_0.33Mn_1?x Cr _x O₃ (magnetic Cr³⁺). The structural refinement by the Rietveld method revealed that Ti-doped samples crystallize in the cubic lattice with space group $\mathrm{Pm}\bar{3}\mathrm{m}$ , while samples with Cr crystallize in the hexagonal setting of the rhombohedral $\mathrm{R}\bar{3}\mathrm{C}$ space group for identical contents of dopant. The most relevant structural features are an increase of the lattice parameters, of the cell volume and of the inter-ionic distances with increasing Ti doping level. Both series of samples show a decrease of the paramagnetic–ferromagnetic transition temperature when the amount of chromium or titanium increases. Transport measurements show that when increasing the metal doping, the resistivity increases whereas the metallic behavior of the parent compound La_0.67Ba_0.33MnO₃ is destroyed. For a substitution higher than 5 at.% of Ti and 10 at.% of Cr, the samples exhibit a semiconducting behavior in the whole range of temperature, for which the electronic transport can be explained by variable range hopping and/or small polaron hopping models.