Crystal Structure and Magnetic Properties of a New Iron(III) Silicophosphate Fe3P5SiO19 Studied by Neutron Diffraction and Mössbauer Techniques

Fe₃P₅SiO₁₉ has been prepared by solid state reaction of Fe(PO₃)₃, FePO₄, and SiO₂ at 1000°C. The structure has been determined from a single crystal through direct methods and difference Fourier synthesis and refined to R=0.052. The unit cell is hexagonal, space group P6₃, with a=14.4804(8) Å, c=7.4256(2) Å, and Z=4. The three-dimensional framework is built up from [Fe₂O₉] units of two faces sharing octahedra and Si₂O₇ disilicates linked by PO₄ tetrahedra. Fe₃P₅SiO₁₉ is isotypic with V₃P₅SiO₁₉. Fe₃P₅SiO₁₉ is antiferromagnetic below T_N=35 K. The magnetic structure has been determined by means of powder neutron diffraction methods: the magnetic moments are antiferromagnetically coupled inside the [Fe₂O₉] units, in agreement with the Goodenough rules. These units are linked to each other through several Fe-O-P-O-Fe super-superexchange pathways and form antiferromagnetic [001] rows. The moment direction lies in the (001) plane (μ_Fe=4.56(5) μ_B at 2 K). There is a competition between the intra- and interunits interactions which all are antiferromagnetic and cannot be simultaneously satisfied without frustration. Mössbauer spectra are fitted with two doublets and two sextuplets in the paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic states, respectively. Their rather high isomer shifts are explained by the inductive effect. The magnetic interactions are discussed.     

Synthesis, Crystal and Magnetic Structures of the Sodium Ferrate (IV) Na4FeO4 Studied by Neutron Diffraction and Mössbauer Techniques

The alkali sodium ferrate (IV) Na₄FeO₄ has been prepared by solid-state reaction of sodium peroxide Na₂O₂ and wustite Fe_1−xO, in a molar ratio Na/Fe=4, at 400°C under vacuum. Powder X-ray and neutron diffraction studies indicate that Na₄FeO₄ crystallizes in the triclinic system P−1 with the cell parameters= a=8.4810(2) Å, b=5.7688(1) Å, c=6.5622(1) Å, α=124.662(2)°, β=98.848(2)°, γ=101.761(2)° and Z=2. Na₄FeO₄ is isotypic with the other known phases Na₄MO₄ (M=Ti, Cr, Mn, Co and Ge, Sn, Pb). The solid solution Na₄Fe_xCo_1−xO₄ exists for x=0-1 and we have followed the evolution of the cell parameters with x to determine the lattice parameters of the triclinic cell of Na₄FeO₄. A three-dimensional network of isolated FeO₄ tetrahedra connected by Na atoms characterizes the structure. This compound is antiferromagnetic below T_N=16 K. At 2 K the magnetic cell is twice the nuclear cell and the magnetic structure is collinear (μ_Fe=3.36(12) μ_B at 2 K). This black compound is highly hygroscopic. In water or on contact with the atmospheric moisture it is disproportionated in Fe³⁺ and Fe⁶⁺. The Mössbauer spectra of Na₄FeO₄ are fitted with one doublet (δ=− 0.22 mm/s, Δ=0.41 mm/s at 295 K) in the paramagnetic state and with a sextet at 8K. These parameters characterize Fe⁴⁺ high-spin in tetrahedral FeO₄ coordination.     

Electronic state of Fe used as Mössbauer probe in the perovskites LaMO3 (M=Ni and Cu)

For the first time a comparative study of rhombohedral LaNiO₃ and LaCuO₃ oxides, using ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer probe spectroscopy (1% atomic rate), has been carried out. In spite of the fact that both oxides are characterized by similar crystal structure and metallic properties, the behavior of ⁵⁷Fe probe atoms in such lattices appears essentially different. In the case of LaNi_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, the observed isomer shift (δ) value corresponds to Fe³⁺ (3d⁵) cations in high-spin state located in an oxygen octahedral surrounding. In contrast, for the LaCu_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, the obtained δ value is comparable to that characterizing the formally tetravalent high-spin Fe⁴⁺(3d⁴) cations in octahedral coordination within Fe(IV) perovskite-like ferrates. To explain such a difference, an approach based on the qualitative energy diagrams analysis and the calculations within the cluster configuration interaction method have been developed. It was shown that in the case of LaNi_0.99Fe_0.01O₃, electronic state of nickel is dominated by the d⁷ configuration corresponding to the formal ionic “Ni³⁺-O²⁻” state. On the other hand, in the case of LaCu_0.99Fe_0.01O₃ a large amount of charge is transferred via Cu-O bonds from the O:2p bands to the Cu:3d orbitals and the ground state is dominated by the d⁹L configuration (“Cu²⁺−O” state). The dominant d⁹L ground state for the (CuO₆) sublattice induces in the environment of the ⁵⁷Fe probe cations a charge transfer Fe³⁺+O⁻(L)→Fe⁴⁺+O²⁻, which transforms “Fe³⁺” into “Fe⁴⁺” state. The analysis of the isomer shift value for the formally “Fe⁴⁺” ions in perovskite-like oxides clearly proved a drastic influence of the 4s iron orbitals population on the Fe−O bonds character.     

Magnetic and calorimetric studies on rare-earth iron borates LnFe3(BO3)4 (Ln=Y, La-Nd, Sm-Ho)

A series of rare-earth iron borates having general formula LnFe₃(BO₃)₄ (Ln=Y, La-Nd, Sm-Ho) were prepared and their magnetic properties have been investigated by the magnetic susceptibility, specific heat, and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectrum measurements. These borates show antiferromagnetic transitions at low temperatures and their magnetic transition temperatures increase with decreasing Ln³⁺ ionic radius from 22 K for LaFe₃(BO₃)₄ to 40 K for TbFe₃(BO₃)₄. In addition, X-ray diffraction, specific heat, and differential thermal analysis (DTA) measurements indicate that the phase transition occurs for the LnFe₃(BO₃)₄ compounds with Ln=Eu-Ho, Y, and its transition temperature increases remarkably with decreasing Ln³⁺ ionic radius from 88 K for Ln=Eu to 445 K for Ln=Y.     

Crystal Structures and Magnetic Properties of the Two Misfit Layer Compounds: [SrGd0.5S1.5]1.16 NbS2 and [Sr(Fe,Nb)0.5S1.5]1.13 NbS2

Crystal structures of two new misfit compounds, [SrGd_0.5S_1.5]_1.16NbS₂ and [Sr(Fe,Nb)_0.5S_1.5]_1.13NbS₂, were determined through the composite approach, i.e., by refining each subpart (Q, H-parts, and the common part) of these composite materials, separately. The Q-part is a three-atom-thick layer, with the NaCl-type structure, where external SrS planes enclose the inner GdS or (Fe,Nb)S plane; the structural difference between these two compounds lies in the central layer within the Q-part: Gd and S atoms are in special positions (octahedral coordination), while Fe and S atoms are statistically distributed on split (×4) positions (tetrahedral coordination) around a central unique site (=special position occupied by Nb). The H-part is a sandwich of sulfur planes enclosing the inner Nb plane as observed for the structure of the binary compound NbS₂ itself. The Sr-Gd derivative shows a paramagnetic behavior in the whole studied temperature range (2-300 K). On the other hand, antiferromagnetic interactions occur in the Sr-Fe derivative; the complex magnetic behavior of this compound is related to the statistical distribution of Fe atoms which leads to frustration of the magnetic interactions. At room temperature, experimental values obtained from Mössbauer spectrum correspond to Fe³⁺ in tetrahedral sulfur environment: isomer shift δ=0.32 mm s⁻¹, and quadrupole splitting ΔE=0.48 mm s⁻¹.     

The actual structure of K6(VO)2(V2O3)2(PO4)4(P2O7): Ordered distribution of P2O7 groups and charge ordering of vanadium

The actual structure of the vanadium phosphate K₆(VO)₂(V₂O₃)₂(PO₄)₄(P₂O₇) has been determined, using a much larger single crystal than previously used for the isostructural Rb-phase. The actual supercell is four times larger than the corresponding orthorhombic subcell with , , , α=β=γ=90°. The structure resolution, performed in the triclinic space group C-1, shows that the P₂O₇ groups alone are responsible for the superstructure, all the other atoms keeping the atomic positions of the orthorhombic subcell. This structural study shows a perfect ordering of the P₂O₇ groups in the actual structure, in contrast to the results obtained from the subcell. Concomitantly, the V⁴⁺ and V⁵⁺ are found to be ordered in the form of [110] stripes.     

A Fe Mössbauer study of charge ordering and phase separation in the rare-earth manganates, Nd0.5Ca0.5MnO3 and Nd0.5Sr0.5MnO3

Mössbauer studies of 2% ⁵⁷Fe-doped Nd_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃ and Nd_0.5Sr_0.5MnO₃ have been carried out over the 4.2-300 K range after ensuring that such doping does not change their basic properties. The charge-ordering transition in these manganates is marked by abrupt changes in the quadrupole splitting. In the case of Nd_0.5Ca_0.5MnO₃, two phases manifest themselves on cooling below the charge-ordering transition temperature. The evolution of the spectra as a function of temperature shows that long-range magnetic order does not occur sharply. The observed evolution with temperature is different in the two materials studied. In Nd_0.5Ca_0.5Mn_0.98⁵⁷Fe_0.02O₃, it resembles that of a disordered magnetic material, whereas the temperature dependence of line shape of Nd_0.5Sr_0.5Mn_0.98⁵⁷Fe_0.02O₃ is typical of a superparamagnetically relaxed magnetic system. Although both the manganates show well-resolved magnetic hyperfine spectra at 4.2 K, the lines are slightly broad indicating possible coexistence of phases at low temperatures. A weak paramagnetic signal is also seen in the spectra of both the manganates at 4.2 K.     

Crystal structure, magnetic susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy of the mixed-valence iron phosphate Na1/2Cu4/3Fe2(PO4)3

Single crystals of a new mixed-valent iron phosphate Na_1/2Cu_4/3Fe₂(PO₄)₃ have been synthesized by a flux method and structurally characterized from X-ray diffraction data. Crystal data: space group ; ; ; ; α=105.881(1)°; β=107.202(1)°; γ=101.467(1)°; Z=2; R₁=0.03; wR₂=0.093. The three-dimensional structure was found to be closely related to that of the well known Howardevansite structural type. It results from infinite chains of CuO₅ and FeO₆ polyhedra, joined together by (Cu,□)O₆ octahedra and PO₄ tetrahedra by corner-sharing. The large cavities in framework are occupied by Na⁺ ions. The magnetic susceptibility study revealed an antiferromagnetic behavior with Neel temperature of approximately 40 K. The Mössbauer spectroscopy confirmed the presence of iron in both +2 and +3 oxidation states.     

Eu and Sb Mössbauer spectroscopy of EuSbSe3 and EuBiSe3

¹⁵¹Eu and ¹²¹Sb Mössbauer spectroscopy of EuSbSe₃ and EuBiSe₃ were measured at different temperatures. The presence of divalent europium and trivalent antimony were confirmed. The largely negative values of the isomer shift in ¹⁵¹Eu spectrum show highly ionic bonding within these two compounds. Both of them show magnetic hyperfine field splitting at 4.2 K, which indicates a change in the orientation of the EFG principal axis with respect to the magnetic hyperfine field direction. EuSbSe₃ has slightly smaller electron density at the antimony nuclei, compared to Sb₂Se_3.     

Hydrothermal Synthesis and Spectroscopic and Magnetic Behavior of the Mn7(HOXO3)4(XO4)2(X=As, P) Compounds. Crystal Structure of Mn7(HOAsO3)4(AsO4)2

The Mn₇(HOXO₃)₄(XO₄)₂ (X=As, P) compounds have been synthesized by using hydrothermal conditions. The arsenate phase was obtained under autogeneous pressure at 170°C. However, more drastic conditions at both pressure and temperature were necessary in the attainment of the phosphate compound. The crystal structure of Mn₇(HOAsO₃)₄(AsO₄)₂ was solved using single-crystal data. The unit-cell parameters are a=6.810(3) Å, b=8.239(2) Å, c=10.011(4) Å, α=104.31(2)°, β=108.94(3)°, γ=101.25(2)°. Triclinic, P-1 with Z=1. The isostructural Mn₇(HOPO₃)₄(PO₄)₂ phase was characterized from X-ray powder diffraction techniques. The crystal structure of both compounds consists of zig-zag chains constructed by dimeric edge-sharing Mn₂O₁₀ octahedra linked through the MnO₅ trigonal bipyramids. The three-dimensional framework is completed by the connection between isolated MnO₆ entities to the dimers octahedra and trigonal bipyramids. The existence of hydrogenarsenate and hydrogenphosphate anions has been confirmed by IR and Raman spectroscopies. Magnetic measurements indicate the existence of antiferromagnetic interactions in both compounds, which are slightly stronger in the arsenate phase.     

Iron valence in double-perovskite (Ba,Sr,Ca)2FeMoO6: isovalent substitution effect

In the Fe-Mo based B-site ordered double-perovskite, A₂FeMoO_6.0, with iron in the mixed-valence II/III state, the valence value of Fe is not precisely fixed at 2.5 but may be fine-tuned by means of applying chemical pressure at the A-cation site. This is shown through a systematic ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy study using a series of A₂FeMoO_6.0 [A=(Ba,Sr) or (Sr,Ca)] samples with high degree of Fe/Mo order, the same stoichiometric oxygen content and also almost the same grain size. The isomer shift values and other hyperfine parameters obtained from the Mössbauer spectra confirm that Fe remains in the mixed-valence state within the whole range of A constituents. However, upon increasing the average cation size at the A site the precise valence of Fe is found to decrease such that within the A=(Ba,Sr) regime the valence of Fe is closer to II, while within the A=(Sr,Ca) regime it is closer to the actual mixed-valence II/III state. As the valence of Fe approaches II, the difference in charges between Fe and Mo increases, and parallel with this the degree of Fe/Mo order increases. Additionally, for the less-ordered samples an increased tendency of clustering of the antisite Fe atoms is deduced from the Mössbauer data.     

Molecular structures of [(Ph3Sn)2O3Se] and [(Ph3Sn)2O4Cr](CH3OH)

Molecular structures of [(Ph₃Sn)₂O₃Se] (1) and [(Ph₃Sn)₂O₄Cr](CH₃OH) (2) have been determined using spectroscopic techniques and X-ray analysis. Each structure consists of polymers containing two types of tin centres: one of them is bridged by two oxygen atoms of the trifunctional oxyanion into a helical chain while the other is pendant to this chain. In the case of the chromato derivative the pendant tin is also bonded to the oxygen atom of the solvent (methanol); hydrogen bonds between the methanol and the non-coordinated oxygen of the chromate generate a three-dimensional structure containing tin atoms in a trigonal bipyramidal environment. In contrast, the two tin centres in the non-solvated selenito derivative have distinct geometries (tetrahedral and trigonal bipyramidal). Variable temperature Mössbauer spectroscopy data are consistent with the polymeric structure of the selenito derivative while NMR spectroscopy shows the presence of monomeric species in solution.     

Oxygen-ion and electron conductivity in Sr2(Fe1−xGax)2O5

High-temperature electrical conductivity measurements, structural data from powder X-ray diffraction and ⁵⁷Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy were combined to study the interrelationship of oxygen ion transport and p- and n-type transport in Sr₂(Fe_1−xGa_x)₂O₅, where x=0, 0.1 and 0.2. Although gallium substitution generally decreases the total ion-electron transport, the transition of the orthorhombic brownmillerite structure to a cubic phase on heating results in the recurrence of the conductivity to the same high level as in the parent ferrite (x=0). The changes of the partial contributions to the total conductivity as a function of x are shown to reflect a complicated interplay of the disordering processes that develop in the oxygen sublattice on heating in response to replacement of iron with gallium.     

Crystal Structure of SrAl2B2O7 and Eu Luminescence

The crystal structure of strontium dialuminodiborate SrAl₂B₂O₇ has been established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal system (space group R c, Z=6) with cell parameters a=4.893(1) Å and c=47.78(1) Å. Aluminium and boron atoms are, respectively, in tetrahedral and triangular oxygen coordination. The assembly of Al₂O₇ units and BO₃ triangles forms double layers between which Sr²⁺ ions are located. The Eu²⁺-doped crystalline powder exhibits a luminescence band with maximum at 415 nm. Luminescence characteristics are compared to those of other strontium borates.     

Synthesis, characterization and magnetic property of a new 3D iron phosphite: |C4N3H14|[Fe3(HPO3)4F2(H2O)2] with intersecting channels

A new open-framework iron (III) phosphite |C₄N₃H₁₄|[Fe₃(HPO₃)₄F₂(H₂O)₂] has been solvothermally synthesized by using diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the structure-directing agent. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C2/c having unit cell parameters a=12.877(3) Å, b=12.170(2) Å, c=12.159(2) Å, β=93.99(3)°, V=1900.9(7) Å³, and Z=4 with R₁=0.0447, wR₂=0.0958. The complex structure consists of HPO₃ pseudo-tetrahedra and {Fe₃O₁₄F₂} trimer building units. The assembly of these building units generates 3D inorganic framework with intersecting 6-, 8-, and 10-ring channels. The DETA cations are located in the 10-ring channels linked by hydrogen bonds. The Mössbauer spectrum shows that there exhibit two crystallographically independent iron (III) atoms. And the magnetic investigation shows the presence of antiferromagnetic interactions. Further characterization of the title compound was performed using X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), infrared (IR) spectra, thermal gravimetric analyses (TGA), inductively coupled plasma (ICP) and elemental analyses.     

Mössbauer investigation of Fe doped La4Ni3O10±y phases

⁵⁷Fe doped La₄Ni_2.97Fe_0.03O_9.95 was synthesized by a citrate method and, afterwards, successfully oxidized and reduced by electrochemical methods. The compounds obtained were investigated by X-ray diffraction, electrical measurements and Mössbauer spectroscopy. The study allowed to follow the variation of the two nickel sites environment with the oxygen stoichiometry and a deeper understanding of the electrical behavior versus oxygen non-stoichiometry was achieved. The Mössbauer study revealed that after both oxidation and reduction treatments, the major modifications were observed on the octahedra adjacent to the La₂O₂ layers, while the middle octahedra of the triple perovskite block remained almost unchanged. The oxygen intercalation (oxidized treatment) takes place essentially in the La₂O₂ layers and the oxygen desintercalation (reduction treatment) occurs in the octahedral sites adjacent to those layers.     

New Compounds of the ThCr2Si2-Type and the Electronic Structure of CaM2Ge2 (M: Mn-Zn)

Two new compounds were synthesized by heating mixtures of the elements at 975-1025 K and characterized by single-crystal X-ray methods. CaZn₂Si₂ (a=4.173(2) Å, c=10.576(5) Å) and EuZn₂Ge₂ (a=4.348(2) Å, c=10.589(9) Å) crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure (space group I4/mmm; Z=2). Magnetic susceptibility measurements of EuZn₂Ge₂ show Curie-Weiss behavior with a magnetic moment of 7.85(5)μ_B/Eu and a paramagnetic Curie temperature of 10(1) K. EuZn₂Ge₂ orders antiferromagnetically at T_N=10.0(5) K and undergoes a metamagnetic transition at a low critical field of about 0.3(2) T. The saturation magnetization at 2 K and 5.5 T is 6.60(5) μ_B/Eu. ¹⁵¹Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic experiments show one signal at 78 K at an isomer shift of −11.4(1) mm/s and a line width of 2.7(1) mm/s compatible with divalent europium. At 4.2 K full magnetic hyperfine field splitting with a field of 26.4(4) T is detected. The already known compounds CaM₂Ge₂ (M: Mn-Zn) also crystallize in the ThCr₂Si₂-type structure. Their MGe₄ tetrahedra are strongly distorted with M=Ni and nearly undistorted with M=Mn or Zn. According to LMTO electronic band structure calculations, the distortion is driven by a charge transfer from M-Ge antibonding to bonding levels.     

磁性Fe_3O_4@SiO_2@ZrO_2对水中磷酸盐的吸附研究

合成了以Fe3O4为核,以SiO2为壳的磁性纳米微粒(Fe3O4@Si O2),并采用沉淀沉积法将ZrO2包覆到材料表面。通过XRD、TEM、VSM、ζ电位、XPS和N2吸附/脱附等手段对材料进行表征,结果表明材料Fe3O4@SiO2@ZrO2上沉积了氧化锆纳米颗粒,具有超顺磁性,可在外加磁场作用下实现从水中快速分离。同时系统研究了材料对水中磷酸盐的吸附行为,结果表明沉积Zr O2使得材料对磷酸盐表现出良好的吸附性能,并且随着沉积量的增大吸附量增加。吸附等温线符合Freundlich方程。吸附动力学可用拟二级动力学模型描述,吸附速率随磷酸盐初始浓度增加而减小。磷酸盐吸附量随溶液p H值的增大而减小,但几乎不受离子强度影响。     

Relationships between Fe NMR, Mössbauer parameters, electrochemical properties and the structures of ferrocenylketimines

A comparative study of the electrochemical properties, ⁵⁷Fe NMR and Mössbauer spectroscopic data of compounds [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe{(η⁵-C₅H₄)-C(R¹)N-R²}] {R¹ = H, R² = CH₂-CH₂OH (1a), CH(Me)-CH₂OH (1b), CH₂C₆H₅ (1c), C₆H₄-2Me (1d), C₆H₄-2SMe (1e) or C₆H₄-2OH (1f) and R¹ = C₆H₅, R² = C₆H₄-2Me (2d)} is reported. The X-ray crystal structure of [(η⁵-C₅H₅)Fe{(η⁵-C₅H₄)-CHN-C₆H₄-2OH}] (1f) is also described. Density functional theoretical (DFT) studies of these systems have allowed us to examine the effects induced by the substituents of the “-C(R¹)N-R²” moiety or the aryl rings (in 1d-1f) upon the electronic environment of the iron(II) centre.     

Neutron Diffraction and TEM Studies of the Crystal Structure and Defects of Nd4Ni3O8

Powder neutron diffraction and electron microscopy studies confirmed the crystal structure of Nd₄Ni₃O₈(space groupI4/mmm;a=b=3.9168(2) Å,c=25.322(2) Å,Z=4; reliability factorsR_p=0.125,R_wp=0.108,χ²=2.81,R_Bragg=0.043,R_F=0.037) previously determined by powder X-ray diffraction [Ph. Lacorre,J. Solid State Chem.97, 495 (1992)]. It consists in the intergrowth between triple layers of nickel in square planar coordination with Nd in cubic coordination (infinite layer type) and fluorite type layers. Nd₄Ni₃O₈is thus the first known compound with a triple T′ type structure (relative to the single T′ type structure of Nd₂CuO₄). A study of the coherent diffraction lengths and defects in the structure has been carried out. Two kinds of defects have been detected by HREM, for which a model is proposed.