Sn-doped Li<Subscript>1.2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.54</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode materials for lithium-ion batteries with enhanced electrochemical performance

Sn-doped Li-rich layered oxides of Li_1.2Mn_0.54-x Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn _x O₂ have been synthesized via a sol-gel method, and their microstructure and electrochemical performance have been studied. The addition of Sn⁴⁺ ions has no distinct influence on the crystal structure of the materials. After doped with an appropriate amount of Sn⁴⁺, the electrochemical performance of Li_1.2Mn_0.54-x Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn _x O₂ cathode materials is significantly enhanced. The optimal electrochemical performance is obtained at x = 0.01. The Li_1.2Mn_0.53Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn_0.01O₂ electrode delivers a high initial discharge capacity of 268.9 mAh g^?1 with an initial coulombic efficiency of 76.5% and a reversible capacity of 199.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.1 C with capacity retention of 75.2% after 100 cycles. In addition, the Li_1.2Mn_0.53Ni_0.13Co_0.13Sn_0.01O₂ electrode exhibits the superior rate capability with discharge capacities of 239.8, 198.6, 164.4, 133.4, and 88.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C, respectively, which are much higher than those of Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ (196.2, 153.5, 117.5, 92.7, and 43.8 mAh g^?1 at 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, and 5 C, respectively). The substitution of Sn⁴⁺ for Mn⁴⁺ enlarges the Li⁺ diffusion channels due to its larger ionic radius compared to Mn⁴⁺ and enhances the structural stability of Li-rich oxides, leading to the improved electrochemical performance in the Sn-doped Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ cathode materials.     

Effects of Mg,Al Co-doping into Mn site on electrochemical performance of LiNi<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>

In order to study the influence of multiple ions doping into single-site on the structure and electrochemical properties of Ni-rich layered-structure cathode material LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3O₂, the coprecipitation of hydroxides was applied to synthesize Mg, Al co-doped cathode material LiNi_0.5Co_0.2Mn_0.3–x Mg_1/2x Al_1/2x O₂ (x = 0.00, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04) in this paper. Morphology and structure, kinetic parameter, impedance and electrochemical performance of the material were respectively characterized by SEM, XRD, CV, EIS and galvanostatic charge/discharge test. The results of comprehensive analysis showed that the properties of material were improved obviously when the amount of doping was 0.02. At this amount of doping, the corresponding material has smaller cation mixing, higher hexagonal ordering of layered-structure, larger Li⁺ ion diffusion coefficients which are 2.444 × 10^–10 and 4.186 × 10^–10 cm² s^–1 for Li+ intercalation and deintercalation respectively, smaller impedance which is 33.93 Ω, higher specific capacity of first-discharge which is 168.01 mA h g^–1 and higher capacity retention rate which is up to 95.06% after 20 cycles at 0.5 C (100 mA g^–1).     

Improving rate performance of cathode material Li<Subscript>1.2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.54</Subscript>Co<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.13</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> via niobium doping

As a promising Li-ion battery cathode active material, lithium-rich manganese-based layer-structured oxides suffer from inferior cycle performance and poor rate capability. Herein, Nb-doped Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ is prepared by a sol-gel method, and the effects of Nb doping on its electrochemical performance are investigated. It is concluded that the Nb-doped Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂, has a good layered structure along c-axis independent on the amount of Nb dopant and little cationic mixing. Nb doping for Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ has no obvious influence on its morphology. It is found that Nb doping can enhance the electrochemical activity of Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂, such as improved rate performance and cycle performance under high rate conditions. Li_1.2Mn_0.54Ni_0.13Co_0.13O₂ doped with 0.015 Nb shows the best cycle performance under the high rate with the capacity maintenance of 95.4% after 100 cycles under 5 C rate, which is higher than that of the undoped one by 10.5%.

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Graphical abstract Rate performance of Li_1.2Mn_0.54-xCo_0.13Ni_0.13Nb _x O₂ materials

     

Effects of Nb substitution on structure and electrochemical properties of LiNi<Subscript>0.7</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.3</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript> cathode materials

Nb-doped cathode materials with the formula Li(Ni_0.7Mn_0.3)_1?xNb_xO₂ (x?=?0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04) have been prepared successfully by calcining the mixtures of LiOH·H₂O, Nb₂O₅, and Ni_0.7Mn_0.3(OH)₂ precursor formed through a simple continuous co-precipitation method. The effects of Nb substitution on the crystal structure and electrochemical properties of LiNi_0.7Mn_0.3O₂ were studied systematically by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and various electrochemical measurements. The results show that the lattice parameters of the Nb substitution LiNi_0.7Mn_0.3O₂ samples are slightly larger than that of pure LiNi_0.7Mn_0.3O₂, and the basic α-NaFeO₂ layered structure does not change with the Nb doping. What’s more, better morphology, lower resistance, and good cycle stability were obtained after Nb substitution. In addition, CV test exhibits that Nb doping results in lower electrode polarization and XPS results indicate that the valence of Mn kept constant but the component of Ni³⁺ decreased after doping. All the results indicate that Nb doping in LiNi_0.7Mn_0.3O₂ is a promising method to improve the properties of Ni-rich lithium-ion batteries positive-electrode materials.     

Structure and electrical conductivity of cobalt-doped Bi<Subscript>26</Subscript>Mo<Subscript>10</Subscript>O<Subscript>69</Subscript>

The existence boundaries, structures, and transport parameters of Bi_{1 ? x} Co _x [Bi₁₂O₁₄]Mo₅O_{20 ± δ} and Bi[Bi₁₂O₁₄]Mo_{5 ? y} Co _y O_{20 ± δ} solid solutions, which have a unique columnar structure, were studied. Electrical conductivity in these solid solutions was studied by impedance spectroscopy.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the new complex cobalt and nickel oxide Sr<Subscript>2.25</Subscript>Y<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>Co<Subscript>1.25</Subscript>Ni<Subscript>0.75</Subscript>O<Subscript>6.84</Subscript>

The complex cobalt and nickel oxide Sr_2.25Y_0.75Co_1.25Ni_0.75O_6.84 has been synthesized by the citrate method. The oxygen content of the oxide has been determined by iodometric titration. The crystal structure of the compound has been refined using X-ray powder diffraction data (a = 3.7951(2) Å, c = 19.700(1) Å, χ₂ = 1.15, R _F ² = 0.0586, R _p = 0.0365, R _wp = 0.0462). Sr_2.25Y_0.75Co_1.25Ni_0.75O_6.84 has the structure of the second member of the Ruddlesden-Popper series A _{n + 1}B_nO_{3n + 1}.     

LiMO<Subscript>2</Subscript>@Li<Subscript>2</Subscript>MnO<Subscript>3</Subscript> positive-electrode material for high energy density lithium ion batteries

Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ (NCM 111) is a promising alternative to LiCoO₂, as it is less expensive, more structurally stable, and has better safety characteristics. However, its capacity of 155 mAh g^?1 is quite low, and cycling at potentials above 4.5 V leads to rapid capacity deterioration. Here, we report a successful synthesis of lithium-rich layered oxides (LLOs) with a core of LiMO₂ (R-3m, M?=?Ni, Co) and a shell of Li₂MnO₃ (C2/m) (the molar ratio of Ni, Co to Mn is the same as that in NCM 111). The core–shell structure of these LLOs was confirmed by XRD, TEM, and XPS. The Rietveld refinement data showed that these LLOs possess less Li⁺/Ni²⁺ cation disorder and stronger M*–O (M*?=?Mn, Co, Ni) bonds than NCM 111. The core–shell material Li_1.15Na_0.5(Ni_1/3Co_1/3)_core(Mn_1/3)_shellO₂ can be cycled to a high upper cutoff potential of 4.7 V, delivers a high discharge capacity of 218 mAh g^?1 at 20 mA g^?1, and retains 90 % of its discharge capacity at 100 mA g^?1 after 90 cycles; thus, the use of this material in lithium ion batteries could substantially increase their energy density.

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Graphical Abstract Average voltage vs. number of cycles for the core–shell and pristine materials at 20 mA g^?1 for 10 cycles followed by 90 cycles at 100 mA g^?1

     

Synthesis and magnetic properties of quasi-unidimensional oxide Sr<Subscript>6.3</Subscript>Rh<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>2.35</Subscript>O<Subscript>15</Subscript>

Attempts of the synthesis in air of complex oxides Sr₃RhMnO_x and Sr₄Rh_1.5Mn_1.5O_x resulted in revealing formation of a new oxide phase Sr_6.3Rh_2.35Mn_2.35O₉ related to quasi-unidimensional family A_3n+3m A′ _n B_3m+n O_9m+6n at n = 1 and m = 1. Its structural characteristics and magnetic properties are studied. X-ray data of the obtained phase is indicated on the basis of trigonal cell (spatial group P321) with the parameters: a 9.6239(4) Å; c ₁ 4.1130(4) Å, c ₂ 2.4946(2) Å. Manganese and rhodium exist in the compound as the cations Mn⁴⁺, Rh³⁺ and Rh⁴⁺, as follows from the data of measuring of magnetic susceptibility in the range 2–300 K.     

High-Temperature X-Ray Diffraction Investigation of the Decomposition Process in Manganese-Gallium Spinel Mn<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>Ga<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>

The stability of spinel-type mixed Mn_1.5Ga_1.5O₄ oxide prepared in an inert medium (1000 °C, Ar) is studied by thermogravimetry and high-temperature X-ray diffraction in air in a wide temperature range 30–1000 °C. On heating, reversible decomposition processes of initial spinel are observed. From 30 °C to 600 °C oxygen atoms attach to the surface layer of initial Mn_1.5Ga_1.5O₄ spinel to form a new phase distinct from parent oxide by the oxygen stoichiometry (cation vacancies are formed). The product of decomposition is two oxides: Mn_1.5Ga_1.5O₄ and Mn_1.5–xGa_1.5–x[·]_xO₄. On the contrary, above 600 °C a loss of oxygen occurs, the concentration of cation vacancies decreases in Mn_1.5–xGa_1.5–x[·]_xO₄, and the reverse process of single phase oxide crystallization takes place. At 1000 °C the spinel phase forms again whose composition is similar to that of the initial parent phase Mn_1.5Ga_1.5O₄. On cooling the decomposition of this phase is again observed due to oxygen attachment.     

Phase equilibria in the system LaMnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SrMnO<Subscript>3</Subscript>-SrCrO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-LaCrO<Subscript>3</Subscript>

A continuous solid solution LaMn_1?y Cr _y O₃ with an orthorhombic structure is found to exist in the range of 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 1.0. An orthorhombic solid solution La_1?x Sr _x CrO₃ exists in the range of 0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.1. The stability boundaries are determined for the perovskite phase La_1?x Sr _x Mn_1?y Cr _y O₃. An isobaric-isothermal section LaMnO₃-SrMnO₃-SrCrO₄-LaCrO₃ of the system La₂O₃-SrO-Mn₃O₄-Cr₂O₃ in air at 1100°C is designed.     

Synthesis,structural, spectral,thermal and comparative biological activity studies of [V<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>2</Subscript>(SO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>(H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O)<Subscript>6</Subscript>]

The hydrothermal reaction of a mixture of V₂O₅, VCl₃, 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and diluted H₂SO₄ for 68 h at 180°C gives a blue colored solution which yields prismatic blue crystals of IV ₂ ^IV O₂(SO₄)₂(H₂O)₆] (1) in 32% yield (based on V). Complex 1 was investigated by means of elemental analysis (C, H and S), TGA, FT-IR, manganometric titration, Single Crystal X-ray Diffraction Methods and also comparative antimicrobial activities. Crystal data for the compound: monoclinic space group P2₁/c and unit cell parameters are a = 7.3850(12) Å, b = 7.3990(7) Å, c = 12.229(2) Å, β = 108.976(12)° and Z = 2. Although structure of 1 as a natural mineral has been previously determined, this work covers new preparation method and full characterization of 1 along with comparison of antibacterial activity between 1 and the commercial vanadium(IV) oxide sulfate hydrate compounds, VOSO₄ · xH₂O (Riedel-de Haën and Alfa Aesar brand names). 1 was evaluated for the antimicrobial activity against gram-positive, gram-negative bacteria, yeasts and mould compared with the commercial VOSO₄ · xH₂O compounds. 1 showed weak activity against bacteria Bacillus cereus, Nocardia asteroides and yeast Candida albicans. A good antimicrobial activity was recorded against Cirtobacter freundii (15 mm). There are only a few reproducible well-defined vanadium(IV) starting materials to use for exploring the synthesis of new materials. VCl₄, VO(acac)₂, VOSO₄ · xH₂O and [V(IV)OSO₄(H₂O)₄] · SO₄ · [H₂N(C₂H₄)₂NH₂] are common starting materials for such applications. In addition to these compounds, 1 can be used as an oxovanadium precursor.     

Synthesis and study of the phosphate Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>0.5</Subscript>Zr<Subscript>1.5</Subscript>(PO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

The new phosphate Cs₂Mn_0.5Zr_1.5(PO₄)₃ was synthesized for the first time and characterized by X-ray diffraction. Its crystal structure was refined in space group P2₁3, Z = 4 at 25°C (a = 10.3163(1) Å, V = 1097.93(1) ų), by the Rietveld method using the powder X-ray diffraction data. The structure is built of an octahedral-tetrahedral framework {[Mn_0.5Zr_1.5(PO₄)₃]^2?}_3∞ with cesium atoms being located in large cavities. The hydrolytic stability of the powdered phosphate containing ¹³⁷Cs radionuclide was studied. The minimum achieved ¹³⁷Cs leaching rate was 4 × 10^?8 g/cm₂ day.     

A study of phase formation in the subsolidus region of the system Na<Subscript>2</Subscript>MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-MnMoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-Cr<Subscript>2</Subscript>(MoO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>

Phase relationships in the subsolidus region of the system Na₂MoO₄-MnMoO₄-Cr₂(MoO₄)₃ were studied by means of X-ray diffraction and differential-thermal analyses. The possibility of obtaining a variablecomposition phase Na_1?x Mn_1?x Cr_1+x (MoO₄)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) and ternary molybdate NaMn₃Cr(MoO₄)₅ was examined. The temperature dependence of the conductivity of the phase Na_1?x Mn_1?x Cr_1+x (MoO₄)₃ was analyzed.     

Phase composition,formation parameters,and morphology of precipitates in the LiVO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-VOSO<Subscript>4</Subscript>-H<Subscript>2</Subscript>O system

The phase and chemical compositions of the precipitates formed in the LiVO₃-VOSO₄-H₂O system at initial pH within 1 ≤ pH ≤ 4 and 90°C were studied. The following phases were prepared: an α phase Li_1.4(VO)_1.3[H₂V₁₀O₂₈] · nH₂O and a β phase Li_{0.6 ? x} H_{1.4 + x} [V₁₂O_{31 ? y/2}] · nH₂O (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, 1.3 ≤ y ≤ 2.0) with a layered structure. Li_0.4V₂O₅ · H₂O nanorods with the interlayer distance 10.30 ± 0.08 Å were synthesized at 180°C in an autoclave. The morphology, IR spectra, and main formation processes for these polyvanadates were studied.     

Theoretical study of V<Subscript>20</Subscript>O<Subscript>50</Subscript> oxovanadate cluster compounds with alkali metal atoms

The energies and structural and spectroscopic characteristics of model М _n V₂₀O₅₀ systems corresponding to compounds of the V₂₀O₅₀ oxovanadate cluster with alkali metal atoms (M = Li, K; n = 1–20) have been calculated by the density functional theory method (B3LYP). It has been demonstrated that, in the K _n V₂₀O₅₀ compounds, all the metal atoms are coordinated in the outer sphere to the edges of the hollow dodecahedral V₂₀O₅₀ cage to form three-center O_t?K?O_t bridges with terminal oxygen atoms. In the Li _n V₂₀O₅₀ compounds, the metal atoms can be coordinated both outside and inside the V₂₀O₅₀ cage. At n = 4, the most favorable isomer is endohedral Li₄O₄@V₂₀O₄₆ in the quintet state (S = 5), in which the four Li atoms are located in the inner cavity of the inverted O₄@V₂₀O₄₆ isomer of the oxovanadate cluster with four O atoms oriented to the cage center and form with them a corrugated eight-membered ring Li₄O₄. The decrease in energy caused by the formation of the endohedral isomer (4Li + V₂₀O₄₅₀ → Li₄O₄@V₂₀O₄₆) is estimated at ~377 kcal/mol. The exohedral isomer 4Li ? V₂₀O₅₀ (S = 5), in which the Li atoms are coordinated to the outside of the V₂₀O₅₀ cage, is ~23 kcal/mol less favorable. For the other members of the Li series with n from 4 to 20, the endohedral isomers with the inner Li₄O₄ ring remain preferable. At n > 4, the extra Li atoms fill the outer sphere of the cage, being coordinated to its edges to form three-center O_t?Li?O_t bridges with terminal oxygen atoms. The specific energy of formation of Li _n V₂₀O₅₀ (by the scheme nLi + V₂₀O₄₅₀ → Li₄O₄@V₂₀O₄₆Li_n-4) per Li atom monotonically decrease from ~98 (n = 2) to ~80 kcal/mol (n = 20). For K _n V₂₀O₅₀, these energies are ~20?25 kcal/mol lower than for the lithium analogues and decrease from ~80 (n = 2) to ~64 kcal/mol (n = 12). The atoms of both alkali metals in the M _n V₂₀O₅₀ systems have large positive effective charges (0.85e?0.92e for K and 0.65e?0.78e for Li), which also monotonically decrease with increasing n. The addition of each alkali metal atom is accompanied by its ionization (М → М⁺) along with the reduction of one of the neighboring pentavalent vanadium atoms to the tetravalent state (V^V → V^IV) and localization of the unpaired electron in its 3d shell. For all Li _n V₂₀O₅₀ complexes, the states with maximal multiplicity and parallel spins are the most preferable.     

Synthesis and structure of [UO<Subscript>2</Subscript>(C<Subscript>2</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript>){CONH<Subscript>2</Subscript>N(CH<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>2</Subscript>}<Subscript>2</Subscript>]

The single crystals of [UO₂(C₂O₄){CONH₂N(CH₃)₂}₂] were synthesized and studied by X-ray diffraction. The crystals are monoclinic, a = 7.461(2) Å, b = 8.828(2) Å, c = 11.756(2) Å, β = 107.21(3)°, space group Pc, Z = 2, R = 2.94%. The structure comprises infinite chains [UO₂(C₂O₄){CONH₂N(CH₃)₂}₂] extended along [001] and corresponding to the AT¹¹M ₂ ¹ crystallochemical group (A = UO ₂ ²⁺ , T¹¹ = C₂O ₄ ^2? , M¹ = N,N-CONH₂N(CH₃)₂) of uranyl complexes. The chains are connected into a three-dimensional framework by hydrogen bonds involving the oxygen atoms of oxalate and uranyl ions and the N,N-dimethylcarbamide methyl groups.     

The thermodynamic properties of the [(Me<Subscript>3</Subscript>Si)<Subscript>7</Subscript>C<Subscript>60</Subscript>]<Subscript>2</Subscript> fullerene complex

The temperature dependence of the heat capacity C _p ^o of the [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ fullerene complex was measured for the first time using precision adiabatic vacuum calorimetry over the temperature range 6.7–340 K and high-accuracy differential scanning calorimetry at 320–635 K. For the most part, the error in the C _p ^o values was about ±0.5%. An irreversible endothermic effect caused by the splitting of the dimeric bond between fullerene fragments and the thermal decomposition of the complex was observed at 448–570 K. The thermodynamic characteristics of this transformation were calculated and analyzed. Multifractal analysis of the low-temperature (T < 50 K) heat capacity was performed, and conclusions were drawn concerning the character of the heterodynamicity of the structure. The experimental data obtained were used to calculate the standard thermodynamic functions C _p ^o (T), H ^o (T) ? H ^o (0), S ^o (T) ? S ^o (0), and G ^o (T) ? H ^o (0) over the temperature range from T → 0 to 445 K and estimate the standard entropy of formation of the compound from simple substances at 298.15 K. The standard thermodynamic properties of [(Me₃Si)₇C₆₀]₂ are compared with those of the (C₆₀)₂ dimer, the [(η⁶-Ph₂)₂Cr]⁺[C₆₀]^?? fulleride, and the initial C₆₀ fullerene.     

Influence of Li source on tap density and high rate cycling performance of spherical Li[Ni<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Co<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>Mn<Subscript>1/3</Subscript>]O<Subscript>2</Subscript> for advanced lithium-ion batteries

Spherical Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ cathode materials with different microstructure have been prepared by a continuous carbonate co-precipitation method using LiOH⋅H₂O, Li₂CO₃, CH₃COOLi⋅2H₂O and LiNO₃ as lithium source. The effects of Li source on the physical and electrochemical properties of Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ are investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical measurements. The results show that the morphology, tap density and high rate cycling performance of Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ spherical particles are strongly affected by Li source. Among the four Li sources used in this study, LiOH⋅H₂O is beneficial to enhance the tap density of Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂, and the tap density of as-prepared sample reaches 2.32 g cm⁻³. Meanwhile, Li₂CO₃ is preferable when preparing the Li[Ni_1/3Co_1/3Mn_1/3]O₂ with high rate cycling performance, upon extended cycling at 1 and 5C rates, 97.5% and 92% of the initial discharge capacity can be maintained after 100 cycles.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of two complexes [Cu<Subscript>2</Subscript>(NiL)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>4</Subscript>] and [Cd<Subscript>2</Subscript>(CuL)<Subscript>2</Subscript>Cl<Subscript>4</Subscript>]

Macrocyclic and supermolecular complexes [Cu₂(NiL)₂Cl₄] (I) and [Cd₂(CuL)₂Cl₄] (II) (H₂L = 2,3-dioxo-5,6,14,15-dibenzo-1,4,8,12-tetraazacyclo-pentadeca-7,13-diene) have been synthesized and structurally determined by X-ray diffraction and IR spectrum. Complex I crystallizes in the monoclinic system with P2₁/n group, a = 10.9019(15), b = 14.3589(19), c = 12.4748(17) 0A, β = 108.645(2)°, Z = 4. Complex II crystallizes in the monoclinic system with P2₁/n group, a = 10.9784(16), b = 14.580(2), c = 12.8904(18) Å, β = 109.339(2)°, Z = 4.     

Synthesis and X-ray investigation of Rb<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Pd(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>] and Cs<Subscript>2</Subscript>[Pd(NO<Subscript>3</Subscript>)<Subscript>4</Subscript>]

Powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies have been performed for anhydrous nitrate complexes Rb₂[Pd(NO₃)₄] (I) and Cs₂[Pd(NO₃)₄] (II). Crystal data for I: a = 7.843(1) Å, b = 7.970(1) Å, c = 9.725(1) Å; β = 100.39(1)°, V = 597.9(1) Å ³, space group P2₁/c, Z = 2, d _calc = 2.918 g/cm³; for II: a = 10.309(2) Å, b = 10.426(2) Å, c = 11.839(2) Å; β = 108.17(3)°, V = 1209.0(4) ų, space group P2₁/c, Z = 4, d ^calc = 3.408 g/cm³. The structures are formed by isolated [Pd(NO₃)₄]^2? complex anions and alkali metal cations. The plane-square environment of the Pd atom is formed from the oxygen atoms of the monodentate nitrate groups. The geometrical characteristics of the complex anions are analyzed. Compound II has a short contact Pd...Cs 3.252 Å.