Rare earth metal-rich indides RE 4IrIn ( RE = Gd–Er), RE 4IrInO0.25 ( RE = Gd, Er), and RE 4 T In1– x Mg x ( RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir)

The rare earth-transition metal-indides RE ₄IrIn (RE = Gd–Er) and the solid solutions RE ₄ TIn_1–x Mg _x (RE = Y, Gd; T = Rh, Ir) were prepared by arc-melting of the elements and subsequent annealing. The rare earth sesquioxides were used as oxygen source for the suboxides RE ₄IrInO_0.25 (RE = Gd, Er). Single crystals of the indides were grown via slowly cooling of the samples and they were investigated via X-ray powder diffraction and single crystal diffractometer data: Gd₄RhIn type, F 3m, a = 1372.3(6) pm for Gd₄IrIn, a = 1365.3(6) pm for Tb₄IrIn, a = 1356.7(4) pm for Dy₄IrIn, a = 1353.9(4) pm for Ho₄IrIn, a = 1344.1(4) pm for Er₄IrIn, a = 1370.3(5) pm for Y₄RhIn_0.54Mg_0.46, a = 1375.6(5) pm for Gd₄IrIn_0.55Mg_0.45, a = 1373.0(3) pm for Gd₄IrInO_0.25, and a = 1345.1(4) pm for Er₄IrInO_0.25. The rhodium and iridium atoms have a trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. Condensation of the RhRE ₆ and IrRE ₆ prisms leads to three-dimensional networks which leave voids that are filled by regular In₄ or mixed In_4–x Mg _x tetrahedra. The indium (magnesium) atoms have twelve nearest neighbors (3In(Mg) + 9RE) in icosahedral coordination. The rare earth atoms build up a three-dimensional, adamantane-like network of condensed, edge and face-sharing octahedra. For Gd₄IrInO_0.25 and Er₄IrInO_0.25 the RE1₆ octahedra are filled with oxygen. The crystal chemical peculiarities of these rare earth rich compounds are discussed. Correspondence: Rainer P?ttgen, Institut für Anorganische und Analytische Chemie, Westf?lische Wilhelms-Universit?t Münster, Germany.     

NASICON phases of variable composition K1? x A1? x R1+ x (MoO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2–0.6), where A = Ni, Mg, Co, or Mn and R = Yb, Lu, or Sc

Phases of variable composition K_1−x A_1−x R_1+x (MoO₄)₃) (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2–0.6), where A = Ni, Mg, Co, or Mn and R = Yb, Lu, or Sc, which crystallize in a NASICON-type structure (space group R c) were synthesized by solid-phase reactions. Their crystal parameters were calculated, and IR and Raman spectra described. Original Russian Text ? N.M. Kozhevnikova, T.N. Khamaganova, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 5, pp. 864–865.     

Structure and thermal properties of [Ir(NH3)5Cl]x[Rh(NH3)5Cl]1?xMO4 (x = 0.5, 1; M = Mo, W)

Complex salts [Ir(NH₃)₅Cl]x[Rh(NH₃)₅Cl]_1−x MO₄ (x = 0.5, 1; M = Mo, W) are synthesized and their thermal properties are studied. The crystal structures are determined for [Ir(NH₃)₅Cl]WO₄ and [Ir(NH₃)₅Cl]MoO₄. In the structures, the ions are linked by N-H...O hydrogen bonds, the shortest ones being 2.868(2)–3.422(2) ?. and 2.860(4)–3.434(3) ?. respectively. The thermal properties of the complex salts are studied in the hydrogen atmosphere and in hydrogen-helium mixtures. It is demonstrated that the final products are the mixtures of nanocrystalline powders of Ir and binary or ternary solid solutions with the hcp lattice.     

Ag1 ? xMg1 ? x R1 + x(MoO4)3 Ag+-conducting NASICON-like phases, where R = Al or Sc and 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5

Ag_{1 − x} Mg_{1 − x} R_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ NASICON-like solid solutions, where R = Al or Sc and 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5, were prepared; their crystal lattice parameters and thermal stabilities were determined. Silver-ion conductivity was measured, and conductivity activation energy values were calculated for various temperature ranges. Above 400°C, Ag_{1 − x} Mg_{1 − x} R_{1 + x} (MoO₄)₃ phases have ionic conductivities comparable to the conductivities of sodium-ion and lithium-ion NASICON-like conductors. The conductivity increases as the tervalent cation radius increases or the amount of mobile silver ions increases.     

Phase formation in the Ba3? x Sr x Y(BO3)3 system (0 < x < 3)

Phases of a variable composition in the Ba_3−x Sr _x Y(BO₃)₃, system (0 < x < 3) have been investigated for the first time using the solid-phase reactions method. The formation of two series of solid solutions crystallizing in different structural types have been established using X-ray diffraction (D-8 Advance diffractometer, CuK _α radiation, graphite monochromator). Crystal characteristics of obtained phases have been determined. Original Russian Text ? T.N. Khamaganova, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 553–556.     

(p, ρ, T, x) properties for CO2/isobutane binary mixtures at T = (280 to 440) K and (3 to 200) MPa

The (p, ρ, T, x) properties for binary mixtures of CO₂ (volume fraction purity 0.99999) and isobutane (mole fraction purity 0.99988) {x₁ CO₂ + x₂ isobutane (x₁ = 0.2482, 0.4718, and 0.7506)} were measured in the compressed liquid phase using a metal-bellows variable volumometer. Measurements were conducted from T = (280 to 440) K and (3 to 200) MPa. The expanded uncertainties (k = 2) were estimated to be: temperature, <3 mK; pressure, 1.5 kPa (p ? 7 MPa), 0.06% (7 MPa < p ? 50 MPa), 0.1% (50 MPa < p ? 150 MPa), 0.2% (p > 150 MPa); density, 0.10%; and composition, 4.4 · 10⁻⁴. At >100 MPa and T = (280 or 440) K, the uncertainties in the density measurements increased to 0.14% and 0.22%, respectively. The data are compared with the available equation of state. The excess molar volumes, , of the mixtures were calculated and plotted as a function of temperature and pressure.     

Structure of complex salts [Co(NH3)6][Rh(NO2)6] and [Co(NH3)6][(NO2)3Rh(μ-NO2)1+x(μ-OH)2?xRh(NO2)3]·(2-x)(H2O), x = 0.17

The structures of two salts [Co(NH₃)₆][Rh(NO₂)₆] (I) and [Co(NH₃)₆][(NO₂)₃Rh(μ-NO₂)_1+x (μ-OH)_2−x Rh(NO₂)₃]·(2−x)(H₂O), x = 0.17 (II) are solved. Single crystals of the salts are obtained by the counter diffusion method through the gel of aqueous solutions of [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ and Na₃[Rh(NO₂)₆]. The structure of [Co(NH₃)₆][Rh(NO₂)₆] is consistent with the diffraction data for a polycrystalline sample of poorly soluble fine salt formed in the exchange reaction between aqueous solutions of [Co(NH₃)₆]Cl₃ and Na₃[Rh(NO₂)₆]. The structure of [Co(NH₃)₆][(NO₂)₃Rh(μ-NO₂)_1+x (μ-OH)_2−x Rh(NO₂)₃]·(2−x)(H₂O), x = 0.17 exhibits the stabilizing effect of a large cation in the formation of novel, unknown previously coordination ions: [(NO₂)₃Rh(μ-NO₂)(μ-OH)₂Rh(NO₂)₃]³⁻ and [(NO₂)₃Rh(μ-NO₂)₂(μ-OH)Rh(NO₂)₃]³⁻.     

Transport numbers and ionic conduction of eutectic methacomposites {(1 ? x )MeWO4 · x WO3}) (Me = Sr, Ba; x = 0?0.55)

Transport numbers of oxygen ions, , in methacomposites (1 − x)MeWO₄ · xWO₃, where Me = Sr and Ba and x = 0−0.55, are determined in the temperature interval 600 to 900°C by a method of the emf of an oxygen-air galvanic cell. It is demonstrated that the region of small contents of the additive (x ≤ 0.2) is predominantly characterized by oxygen-ion conduction ( = 1), which gives way to electronic conduction (t _e = 1) at x > 0.35. It is confirmed once again that subeutectic compositions (1 − x)MeWO₄ · xWO₃ where Me = Sr and Ba and x = 0−0.2 belong in the class of ion-conducting methacomposites. The threshold of percolation of electronic conduction (t _e ≥ 0.5, < 0.5) occurs at x _t ≥ 0.3. Dependences of the transport numbers of the oxygen ions on the volume ratio between components in both composites resemble one another; specifically, the threshold composition contains nearly 20 vol % of WO₃. The dramatic amplification (by 1–1.5 orders of magnitude) of the ionic conductivity in the methacomposites occurs at small contents of tungstic oxide (x ≤ 0.01). A chemical transport removal of excess tungstic oxide, which is segregated in the form of the surface compound MeW-s, from the surface of the MeWO₄ grains destroys MeW-s, leading to a 10–15-fold drop of the ionic conductance. At x ≥ 0.05, the oxygen-ion conductance in the methacomposites is practically independent of their composition. A model for the formation and architecture of the methacomposites is qualitatively modified. The modified model takes into account doubled surface activity and mobility of the MeW-s phase with respect to MeWO₄ and WO₃. Original Russian Text ? N.N. Pestereva, A.Yu. Zhukova, A. Ya. Neiman, 2007, published in Elektrokhimiya, 2007, Vol. 43, No. 11, pp. 1379–1386.     

Potassium-conductive solid electrolytes in systems K2 ? 2 x M2 ? x V x O4(M = Al, Fe)

New high-conductivity solid electrolytes based on potassium monoaluminate and monoferrite are synthesized by partial substitution of V⁵⁺ for three-charged cations. In both systems, the introduction of vanadium cations leads to a substantial increase in the conductivity, with the maximum values corresponding to upper boundaries of the monophase solid solution regions. The principal factors responsible for the high conductivity are the formation of potassium vacancies at the substitutions M³⁺ → V⁵⁺ + 2V’ _K and the extension of the temperature range of existence of high-temperature modifications of KAl(Fe)O₂. Original Russian Text ? E.I. Burmakin, G.V. Nechaev, B.D. Antonov, G.Sh. Shekhtman, 2008, published in Elektrokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 44, No. 10, pp. 1261–1264.     

Study of anionic conductors R1 ? y Sr y F3 ? y (R = Ce, Pr, Gd) and M1 ? x Y x O2 ? x /2 (M = Zr, Hf) using four-electrode method

The anionic conductivity parameters are determined for R_{1 − y} Sr _y F_{3 − y} (R = Ce, Pr, Gd), Zr_0.88Y_0.12O_1.94 single crystals and Zr_0.88Y_0.12O_1.94|M_0.88Y_0.12O_1.94 (M = Zr, Hf) bicrystals using an ac (5 Hz to 100 kHz) four-electrode method. The obtained conductometric data are compared with the results of studying these crystals using a two-electrode method. It is shown that physical parameters of R_{1 − y} Sr _y F_{3 − y} fluoride crystals with the tysonite (LaF₃) structure are stable at heating in air up to the temperatures of 200–300°C, which is important for their practical application. Original Russian Text ? N.I. Sorokin, B.P. Sobolev, 2008, published in Elektrokhimiya, 2008, Vol. 44, No. 9, pp. 1111–1115.     

Phases of variable composition in the system Ba3 ? x Sr x Er(BO3)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 3.0)

The possibility of preparing two series of solid solutions in the system Ba_{3 − x} Sr _x Er(BO₃)₃ (0 ≤ x ≤ 3.0), crystallizing in different structural types, was examined. Samples of the phases of variable composition were synthesized by the method of solid-phase reactions, and their X-ray phase analysis was done. The X-ray diffraction characteristics of the phases synthesized were determined. Original Russian Text ? T.N. Khamaganova, 2008, published in Zhurnal Prikladnoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 81, No. 7, pp. 1210–1212.     

Crystal structure and electrical conductivity of cubic fluorite-based (YO1.5) x (WO3)0.15(BiO1.5)0.85- x (0?≤ ?x ≤?0.4) solid solutions

(WO₃)_0.15(BiO_1.5)_0.85 exhibits a tetragonal structure derived from the fluorite subcell. The electrical conductivity of (WO₃)_0.15(BiO_1.5)_0.85 is lower than that of Y₂O₃-doped Bi₂O₃. The structure and electrical conductivity of samples formulated as (YO_1.5) _x (WO₃)_0.15(BiO_1.5)_{0.85- x} (x = 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4) were investigated. The as-sintered (YO_1.5)_0.1(WO₃)_0.15(BiO_1.5)_0.75 exhibited a single cubic structure that is isostructural with δ-Bi₂O₃. For x = 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4, the as-sintered samples consisted of a cubic fluorite structure and rhombohedral Y₆WO₁₂. After heat treatment at 600 °C for 200 h, the cubic structures are stable for x = 0.1, 0.3, and 0.4. A transformation from cubic to rhombohedral phase after heat treatment at 600 °C for 200 h was observed in the sample originally formulated as (YO_1.5)_0.2(WO₃)_0.15(BiO_1.5)_0.65.     

Synthesis and thermolysis of substitutional solid solutions (Cu1?yMy)2(OH)PO4·xH2O (x = 0.1?0.2; M = Zn, Co, Ni)

Substitutional solid solutions (Cu_1−y Zn _y )₂(OH)PO₄·xH₂O (0 ≤ y ⩽ 0.26, x = 0.1−0.2), (Cu_1−y Co _y )₂(OH)PO₄·xH₂O (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.10, x = 0.1−0.2), and (Cu_1−y Ni _y )₂(OH)PO₄·xH₂O (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.08, x = 0.1−0.2) were synthesized. The unit cell parameters of the resulting phosphates were determined, and their IR absorption spectra were measured. The reactants were H3PO4 and mixtures of hydrous carbonates of the appropriate metals. Thermolysis of the solid solutions was examined with (Cu_1−y Co _y )₂(OH)PO₄·xH₂O (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.10, x = 0.1−0.2) as an example.     

Mechanism studies and electrochemical performance optimization on xLiFePO4·(1 ? x)Li3V2(PO4)3 hybrid materials

Hybrid materials xLiFePO₄·(1 − x)Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ were synthesized by sol–gel method, with phenolic resin as carbon source and chelating agent, methylglycol as surfactant. The crystal structure, morphology and electrochemical performance of the prepared samples were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic charge–discharge test and particle size analysis. The results show that LiFePO₄ and Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ co-exist in hybrid materials, but react in single phase. Compared with individual LiFePO₄ and Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ samples, hybrid materials have smaller particle size and more uniform grain distribution. This structure can facilitate Li ions extraction and insertion, which greatly improves the electrochemical properties. The sample 0.7LiFePO₄·0.3Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃ retains the advantages of LiFePO₄ and Li₃V₂(PO₄)₃, obtaining an initial discharge capacity of 166 mA h/g at 0.1 C rate and 109 mA h/g at 20 C rate, with a capacity retention rate of 73.3% and an excellent cycle stability.     

Existence region, structure, and properties of YBa(Cu1? x Fe x )2O5+δ and (Y1? y Ba y )2 CuFeO5+δ solid solutions

We study the effect of Y³⁺ ↔ Ba²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ↔ Fe³⁺ substitutions on the structure, thermal expansion, electrical conductivity, and thermal e.m.f. of layered ferrocuprate YBaCuFeO_{5 + δ} · YBa(Cu_1−x Fe _x )₂O_{5 + δ} solid solutions with 0.45≤x≤0.55 are formed. The unit cell parameters, thermal expansivity, and oxygen nonstoichiometry index of the YBaCuFeO_{5 +δ} phase (δ) are almost independent of variations in the cationic composition of this phase. The electrical conductivity of layered yttrium barium ferrocuprate increases, whereas the activation energy of conductivity decreases in response to Ba²⁺ → Y³⁺ and Cu²⁺ → Fe³⁺ substitutions (with increasing copper(III) proportion in samples). The thermal e.m.f. of ceramics decreases when composition deviates from the cationic stoichiometry (YBaCuFeO_{5 +δ}). Original Russian Text ? A.I. Klyndyuk, E.A. Chizhova, V.M. Kononovich, 2008, published in Zhurnal Neorganicheskoi Khimii, 2008, Vol. 53, No. 10, pp. 1672–1676.     

Crystal structures of new double complex salts [M(NH3)5Br][AuBr4]2·H2O, where M = Ir, Rh and complex salt [Ir(NH3)5Br]Br2

The crystal structures of double complex salts [M(NH₃)₅Br][AuBr₄]₂·H₂O (M = Ir, Rh) are determined by single crystal XRD. The compounds crystallize in the triclinic system, P-1 space group, Z = 4. Crystallographic characteristics: [Ir(NH₃)₅Br][AuBr₄]₂·H₂O: a = 8.2982(3) ?, b = 15.3045(4) ?, c = 17.4378(6) ?, α = 73.064(1)°, β = 88.938(1)°, γ = 86.221(1)°, V = 2113.95(12) ?³, d _x = 4.419 g/cm³, R = 0.0469; [Rh(NH₃)₅Br][AuBr₄]₂·H₂O: a = 8.2855(2) ?, b = 15.2881(3) ?, c = 17.4053(4) ?, α = 73.015(1)°, β = 88.913(1)°, γ = 86.267(1)°, V = 2104.08(8) ?³, d _x = 4.165 g/sm³, R = 0.0480. The crystal structure of [Ir(NH₃)₅Br]Br₂ is determined. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic system, Pnma space group, Z = 4. Crystallographic characteristics: a = 13.8521(3) ?, b = 10.8570(2) ?, c = 6.9908(1) ?, V = 1049.31(3) ?³, d _x = 3.273 g/cm³, R = 0.0127.     

Chloroaqua Complexes [M3S4(H2O)9?xClx](4?x)+ (M = Mo, W; x = 4, 6, 7) and Their Supramolecular Compounds with Cucur[8]uril

Compounds of trigonal cluster chloroaqua complexes with cucurbit[8]uril were synthesized by slowly evaporating HCl solutions of chalcogenides heterometallic cubane cluster complexes of molybdenum and tungsten with cucurbit[8]uril in air; the complexes were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis: (H₃O)₈[Mo₃S₄(H₂O)_2.5Cl_6.5]₂Cl(PdCl₄)·(C₄₈H₄₈N₃₂O₁₆)· 29H₂O (a = 13.3183(17) Å, b = 13.7104(18) Å, c = 18.225(3) Å; α = 80.263(3)°, β = 77. 958(3)°, γ = 87.149(4)°, V = 3207.4(7) ų, space group P , Z = 1, ρ(calc) = 1.900 g/cm³), (H₃O)₄ [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₃Cl₆]₂·(C₄₈H₄₈N₃₂O₁₆)₃·68H₂O (a = 21.413(6) Å, c = 49.832(10) Å; γ = 120°, V = 19788(8) ų, space group R , Z = 3, ρ(calc) = 1.695 g/cm³), (H₃O)₆ [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₃Cl₆]₂Cl₂·(C₄₈H₄₈N₃₂O₁₆)·12H₂O (a = 15.881(2) Å, b = 17.191(2) Å, c = 23.276(4) Å; β = 98.865(15)°, V = 6278.7(15) ų, space group P2₁/c, Z = 2, ρ(calc) = 1.638 g/cm³), [W₃S₄(H₂O)₅Cl₄]₂·(C₄₈H₄₈N₃₂O₁₆)₃·35H₂O (a = 21.038(3) Å; α = 61.20(1)°, V = 6762.0(14) ų, space group R , Z = 1, ρ(calc) = 1.582 g/cm³). The [Mo₃S₄(H₂O)₃Cl₆]²⁻ anion complex was isolated as three geometrical isomers.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2004 by E. V. Chubarova, D. G. Samsonenko, H. G. Platas, F. M. Dolgushin, A. V. Gerasimenko, M. N. Sokolov, Z. A. Starikova, M. Yu. Antipin, and V. P. Fedin__________Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 45, No. 6, pp. 1049–1058, November–December, 2004.     

Composition and structure refinement of superconducting crystals Y1? x Tb x Ba2Cu3O6+δ ( x = 0.10; δ = 0.75)

Crystals of Y_0.90Tb_0.10Ba₂Cu₃O_6.75 have been prepared by spontaneous crystallization from slowly cooled non-stoichiometric melt of the system Y-Tb-Ba-Cu-O. Average size of platelet crystals having mirror surface is 2×2, the largest — 8×9 mm with thickness 0.1–0.2 mm. The crystals have been characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and electron microprobe analysis. Tetragonal symmetry of the crystals has been determined by X-ray diffraction. Magnetic susceptibility measurements have revealed that the crystals manifest transition to superconducting state without additional annealing (T _c = 60 K). Structures and compositions — Y/Tb ratio (σ = 0.01) and oxygen content (σ = 0.04) — have been refined for two single crystals. Possibility of rhombic distortion of the tetragonal symmetry is discussed. __________ Translated from Zhurnal Strukturnoi Khimii, Vol. 49, No. 6, pp. 1101–1107, November–December, 2008. Original Russian Text Copyright ? 2008 by L. P. Kozeeva, N. V. Podberezskaya, N. V. Kuratieva, M. Yu. Kamaneva, and A. G. Blinov     

Crystal structure of [Pd(NH3)4]3[Ir(NO2)6]2·H2O

A single crystal of [Pd(NH₃)₄]₃[Ir(NO₂)₆]₂·H₂O double complex salt is studied by X-ray diffraction. Crystallographic characteristics are as follows: a = 21.0335(5) ?, b = 8.0592(2) ?, c = 21.3452(5) ?, β = 91.254(1)°, V = 3617.43(15) ?³, P2₁/c space group, Z = 4, d _x = 2.714 g/cm³. Single-layer pseudohexagonal packing of complex anions is determined along the [−1 0 1] direction in the structure. Complex cations and crystallization water molecules are located between the mentioned layers.