The disordered structures and low temperature dielectric relaxation properties of two misplaced-displacive cubic pyrochlores found in the Bi2O3-MO-Nb2O5 (M=Mg, Ni) systems

The disordered structures and low temperature dielectric relaxation properties of Bi_1.667Mg_0.70Nb_1.52O₇ (BMN) and Bi_1.67Ni_0.75Nb_1.50O₇ (BNN) misplaced-displacive cubic pyrochlores found in the Bi₂O₃-M^IIO-Nb₂O₅ (M=Mg, Ni) systems are reported. As for other recently reported Bi-pyrochlores, the metal ion vacancies are found to be confined to the pyrochlore A site. The B₂O₆ octahedral sub-structure is found to be fully occupied and well-ordered. Considerable displacive disorder, however, is found associated with the O′A₂ tetrahedral sub-structure in both cases. The A-site ions were displaced from Wyckoff position 16d (, , ) to 96 h (, , ) while the O′ oxygen was shifted from position 8b (, , ) to Wyckoff position 32e (, , ). The refined displacement magnitudes off the 16d and 8b sites for the A and O′ sites were 0.408 Å/0.423 Å and 0.350 Å/0.369 Å for BMN/BNN, respectively.     

[Hg5O2(OH)4][(UO2)2(AsO4)2]: A complex mercury(II) uranyl arsenate

Under mild hydrothermal conditions UO₂(NO₃)₂·6H₂O, Hg₂(NO₃)₂·2H₂O, and Na₂HAsO₄·7H₂O react to form [Hg₅O₂(OH)₄][(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂] (HgUAs-1). Single crystal X-ray diffraction experiments reveal that HgUAs-1 possesses a pseudo-layered structure consisting of two types of layers: and . The layers are complex, and contain three crystallographically unique Hg centers. The coordination environments and bond-valence sum calculations indicate that the Hg centers are divalent. The layers belong to the Johannite topological family. The and layers are linked to each other through μ₂-O bridges that include Hg?O=U=O interactions.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of the isotypic rare earth thioborates Ce[BS3], Pr[BS3], and Nd[BS3]

The orthothioborates Ce[BS₃], Pr[BS₃] and Nd[BS₃] were prepared from mixtures of the rare earth (RE) metals together with amorphous boron and sulfur summing up to the compositions CeB₃S₆, PrB₅S₉ and NdB₃S₆. The following preparation routes were used: solid state reactions with maximum temperatures of 1323 K and high-pressure high-temperature syntheses at 1173 K and 3 GPa. Pr[BS₃] and Nd[BS₃] were also obtained from rare earth chlorides RECl₃ and sodium thioborate Na₂B₂S₅ by metathesis type reactions at maximum temperatures of 1073 K. The crystal structure of the title compounds was determined from X-ray powder diffraction data. The thioborates are isotypic and crystallize in the orthorhombic spacegroup Pna2₁ (No. 33; Z=4; Ce: , , ; Pr: , , ; Nd: , , ) . The crystal structures contain isolated [BS₃]^3‐ groups with boron in trigonal-planar coordination. The sulfur atoms form the vertices of undulated kagome nets, which are stacked along [100] according to the sequence ABAB. Within these nets every second triangle is occupied by boron and the large hexagons are centered by rare earth ions, which are surrounded by overall nine sulfur species.     

On the symmetry and crystal structures of Ba2LaIrO6

Accurate profile analysis of X-ray diffraction data was carried out to settle recent dispute on the symmetry and crystal structures of the double perovskite Ba₂LaIrO₆. Even through careful comparison of the full-width at half-maximum values, we found no evidence for Ba₂LaIrO₆ adopting either monoclinic (I2/m) or mixed rhombohedral and monoclinic (I2/m) structures at room temperature, becoming triclinic at below about 200 K. The correct space group is just at temperatures between 82 and 653 K. Furthermore, the phase transition does occur in Ba₂LaIrO₆, but the transition temperature is found to be much higher than the reported value.     

Some A6B5O18 cation-deficient perovskites in the BaO-La2O3-TiO2-Nb2O5 system

Some dielectric oxides have been synthesized and characterized in the BaO-La₂O₃-TiO₂-Nb₂O₅ system. Through Rietveld refinement of X-ray powder diffraction data, Ba₅LaTi₂Nb₃O₁₈ and Ba₄La₂Ti₃Nb₂O₁₈ are identified as the A_nB_n−1O_3n (n=6) type cation-deficient perovskites with space group and lattice constants , and for Ba₅LaTi₂Nb₃O₁₈; , and for Ba₄La₂Ti₃Nb₂O₁₈, respectively. Their ceramics exhibit high dielectric constant up to 57 and high quality factors (Qf) up to 21,273 GHz. The temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τ_f) of these ceramics is decreased with the increase of B-site bond valence.     

Magnetic and transport properties of RCr0.3Ge2 (R=Tb, Dy, Ho and Er) compounds

The magnetic and transport properties of ternary rare-earth chromium germanides RCr_0.3Ge₂ (R=Y and Tb-Er) have been determined. X-ray and neutron diffraction studies indicate that these compounds have the CeNiSi₂-type structure (space group Cmcm) [1]. Magnetic measurements reveal the antiferromagnetic ordering below T_N equal to 18.5 K (R=Tb), 11.8 K (Dy), 5.8 K (Ho) and 3.4 K (Er). From the neutron diffraction data the magnetic structures have been determined. For TbCr_0.3Ge₂ and DyCr_0.3Ge₂ at low temperatures the magnetic ordering can be described by two vectors k₁=(,0,0) and k₂=(,0,), and k₁′=(,0,0) and k₂′=(,0,), respectively. In HoCr_0.3Ge₂ and ErCr_0.3Ge₂ the ordering can be described by one propagation vector equal to (,,0) and (0,0,0.4187(2)), respectively. In DyCr_0.3Ge₂ some change in the magnetic ordering is observed at T_t=5.1 K. In temperature range from T_t to T_N the magnetic ordering is given by one propagation vector k=(,0,0). YCr_0.3Ge₂ is a Pauli paramagnet down to 1.72 K which suggests that in the entire RCr_0.3Ge₂ series the Cr atoms do not carry magnetic moments. All compounds studied exhibit metallic character of the electrical conductivity. The temperature dependencies of the lattice parameters reveal strong magnetostriction effect at the respective Nèel temperatures.     

The crystal and magnetic structure of the magnetocaloric compound FeMnP0.5Si0.5

The crystal and magnetic structure of the magnetocaloric compound FeMnP_0.5Si_0.5 has been studied by means of neutron and X-ray powder diffraction. Single phase samples of nominal composition FeMnP_0.5Si_0.5 have been prepared by the drop synthesis method. The compound crystallizes in the Fe₂P-type structure () with the magnetic moments aligned along the a-axis. It is found that the Fe atoms are mainly situated in the tetrahedral 3g site while the Mn atoms prefer the pyramidal 3f position. The material is ferromagnetic (T_C=382 K) and at 296 K the total magnetic moment is . It is shown that the magnetic moment in the 3f site is larger () than in the 3g site ().     

Crystal structures of Rb2U2O7 and Rb8U9O31, a new layered rubidium uranate

Two alkali metal uranates Rb₂U₂O₇ and Rb₈U₉O₃₁ have been synthesized by solid state reaction at high temperature and their crystal structures determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data, collected with a three circles Brucker SMART diffractometer equipped by Mo(Kα) radiation and a charge-coupled device (CCD) detector. Their structures were solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques and refined by a least-square method on the basis of F² for all unique reflections, with R₁=0.043 for 53 parameters and 746 independent reflections with I?2σ(I) for Rb₂U₂O₇, monoclinic symmetry, space group P2₁/c, , , , β=108.81(1)°, , , Z=2 and R₁=0.036 for 141 parameters and 2065 independent reflections with I?2σ(I) for Rb₈U₉O₃₁, orthorhombic, space group Pbna, , , , , , Z=4.The Rb₂U₂O₇ structure presents a strong analogy with that of K₂U₂O₇ and can be described by layers of distorted UO₂(O₄) octahedra built from dimeric units of edge shared octahedra further linked together by opposite corners. In Rb₈U₉O₃₁ puckered layers are formed by the association of two different uranium polyhedra, pentagonal bipyramids and distorted octahedra. The structure of Rb₈U₉O₃₁ is built from a regular succession of infinite ribbons similar to those observed in diuranates M₂U₂O₇ (MK, Rb) and infinite three polyhedra wide ribbons , to create an original undulated sheets .For both compounds Rb⁺ ions occupy the interlayer space and exhibit comparable mobility with conductivity measurements indicating an Arrhenius-type behavior.     

Structures of the reduced niobium oxides Nb12O29 and Nb22O54

The crystal structure of Nb₂₂O₅₄ is reported for the first time, and the structure of orthorhombic Nb₁₂O₂₉ is reexamined, resolving previous ambiguities. Single crystal X-ray and electron diffraction were employed. These compounds were found to crystallize in the space groups P2/m (, , , β=102.029(3)^°) and Cmcm (, , ), respectively and share a common structural unit, a 4×3 block of corner sharing NbO₆ octahedra. Despite different constraints imposed by symmetry these blocks are very similar in both compounds. Within a block, it is found that the niobium atoms are not located in the centers of the oxygen octahedra, but rather are displaced inward toward the center of the block forming an apparent antiferroelectric state. Bond valence sums and bond lengths do not show the presence of charge ordering, suggesting that all 4d electrons are delocalized in these compounds at the temperature studied, T=200 K.     

Synthesis and structure of three manganese oxalates: MnC2O4·2H2O, [C4H8(NH2)2][Mn2(C2O4)3] and Mn2(C2O4)(OH)2

Three manganese oxalates have been hydrothermally synthesized, and their structures determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. MnC₂O₄·2H₂O (I) is orthorhombic, P2₁2₁2₁, , , , , Z=4, final R, R_w=0.0832, 0.1017 for 561 observed data (I>3σ(I)). The one-dimensional structure consists of chains of oxalate-bridged manganese centers. [C₄H₈(NH₂)₂][Mn₂(C₂O₄)₃] (II) is triclinic, , , , , α=81.489(2)°, β=81.045(2)°, γ=86.076(2)°, , Z=1, final R, R_w=0.0467, 0.0596 for 1773 observed data (I > 3σ (I)). The three-dimensional framework is constructed from seven coordinate manganese and oxalate anions. The material contains extra-framework diprotonated piperazine cations. Mn₂(C₂O₄)(OH)₂ (III) is monoclinic, P2₁/c, , , , β=91.10(3)°, , Z=1, final R₁, wR2=0.0710, 0.1378 for 268 observed data (I>2σ (I)). The structure is also three dimensional, with layers of MnO₆ octahedra pillared by oxalate anions. The hydroxide group is found bonded to three manganese centers resulting in a four coordinate oxygen.     

Synthesis and characteristics of a new three-dimensional molybdoantimonate Na4Sb12Mo5O35

A novel three-dimensional compound of Na₄Sb₁₂Mo₅O₃₅ has been synthesized by hydrothermal methods and structurally characterized by X-ray crystallography. It crystallizes in the triclinic system space group with , , , α=94.59(3)°, β=112.68(3)°, γ=92.97(3)°, , Z=2, R₁=0.0275, wR₂=0.0984 for 7364 unique reflections with I>2σ(I). The molecular structure is built up of Mo₆O₂₁, MoO₄ units, and cage-like units that contain 12 Sb atoms. IR, UV-Vis DRIS (Ultraviolet-Visible Diffuse Reflection Integral Spectrum), fluorescent spectra, and the thermogravimetric analysis of this compound were investigated.     

X-ray powder diffraction studies and thermal behaviour of NaK2B9O15, Na(Na.17K.83)2B9O15, and (Na.80K.20)K2B9O15

The crystal structures of NaK₂B₉O₁₅ (, , , β=94.080(1)°, R_p=0.047, R_wp=0.059, R_B=0.026), Na(Na_.17K_.83)₂B₉O₁₅ (, , , β=94.228(2)°, R_p=0.053, R_wp=0.068, R_B=0.026), and (Na_.80K_.20)K₂B₉O₁₅ (, , , β=94.071(1)°, Z=4, R_p=0.041, R_wp=0.052, R_B=0.023) were refined in the monoclinic space groups P2₁/c(Z=4) using X-ray powder diffraction data and the Rietveld method. These nonaborates are isostructural to K₃B₉O₁₅. Their crystal structure consists of a three-dimensional open framework built up from three crystallographically independent triborate groups. The alkali metal cations are located on three different sites in the voids of the framework. High-temperature X-ray diffraction studies show that NaK₂B₉O₁₅ decomposes at about 700 °C in accordance with the peritectic reaction NaK₂B₉O₁₅↔K₅B₁₉O₃₁+liquid. The thermal expansion of NaK₂B₉O₁₅ and Na(Na_.17K_.83)₂B₉O₁₅ is highly anisotropic. A similarity of the thermal and compositional (Na-K substitution) deformations of NaK₂B₉O₁₅ is revealed: heating of NaK₂B₉O₁₅ by 1 °C leads to the same deformations of the crystal structure as increasing the amount of K atoms in (Na_1−xK_x)₃B₉O₁₅ by 0.04 at% K.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of the layered uranyl tellurites A2[(UO2)3(TeO3)2O2] (A=K, Rb, Cs)

The reactions of UO₃ and TeO₃ with KCl, RbCl, or CsCl at 800 °C for 5 d yield single crystals of A₂[(UO₂)₃(TeO₃)₂O₂] (A=K (1), Rb (2), and Cs (3)). These compounds are isostructural with one another, and their structures consist of two-dimensional sheets arranged in a stair-like topology separated by alkali metal cations. These sheets are comprised of zigzagging uranium(VI) oxide chains bridged by corner-sharing trigonal pyramidal TeO₃²⁻ anions. The chains are composed of dimeric, edge-sharing, pentagonal bipyramidal UO₇ moieties joined by edge-sharing tetragonal bipyramidal UO₆ units. The lone-pair of electrons from the TeO₃ groups are oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another on each side of the sheets rendering each individual sheet non-polar. The alkali metal cations form contacts with nearby tellurite oxygen atoms as well as with oxygen atoms from the uranyl moieties. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): 1, triclinic, space group , , , , α=101.852(1)°, β=102.974(1)°, γ=100.081(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.70% for 98 parameters and 1697 reflections with I>2σ(I); 2, triclinic, space group , , , , α=105.590(2)°, β=101.760(2)°, γ=99.456(2)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.36% for 98 parameters and 1817 reflections with I>2σ(I); 3, triclinic, space group , , , , α=109.301(1)°, β=100.573(1)°, γ=99.504(1)°, , Z=2, R(F)=2.61% for 98 parameters and 1965 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Extension of the La7Mo7O30 structural type with La7Nb3W4O30 and La7Ta3W4O30 compounds

Two compounds of formula La₇A₃W₄O₃₀ (with A=Nb and Ta) were prepared by solid-state reaction at 1450 and 1490 °C. They crystallize in the rhombohedric space group R-3 (No. 148), with the hexagonal parameters: , and , . The structure of the materials was analyzed from X-ray, neutron and electronic diffraction. These oxides are isostructural of the reduced molybdenum compound La₇Mo₇O₃₀, which are formed of perovskite rod along [111]. An order between (Nb, Ta) and W is observed.     

Room temperature synthesis and solid-state structure of Ni2P2O6·12H2O

The synthesis and crystal structure of Ni₂P₂O₆·12H₂O are reported. The compound was synthesized from aqueous solutions of nickel chloride and sodium hypodiphosphate at room temperature. The space group is orthorhombic, Pnnm. Unit cell dimensions are , , and , Z=4. The product is unstable with respect to dehydration above room temperature.     

Structural and conductivity studies of CsKSO4Te(OH)6 and Rb1.25K0.75SO4Te(OH)6 materials

The crystal structures of the title compounds were solved using the single-crystal X-ray diffraction technique. At room temperature CsKSO₄Te(OH)₆ was found to crystallize in the monoclinic system with Pn space group and lattice parameters: ; ; ; β=106.53(2)°; ; Z=4 and . The structural refinement has led to a reliability factor of R₁=0.0284 (wR₂=0.064) for 7577 independent reflections. Rb_1.25K_0.75SO₄Te(OH)₆ material possesses a monoclinic structure with space group P2₁/a and cell parameters: ; ; ; β=106.860(10)°; ; Z=4 and . The residuals are R₁=0.0297 and wR₂=0.0776 for 3336 independent reflections. The main interest of these structures is the presence of two different and independent anionic groups (TeO₆⁶⁻ and SO₄²⁻) in the same crystal.Complex impedance measurements (Z^*=Z^′—iZ^″) have been undertaken in the frequency and temperature ranges 20-10⁶ Hz and 400-600 K, respectively. The dielectric relaxation is studied in the complex modulus formalism M^*.     

Molten salt flux synthesis and structure of the new layered uranyl tellurite, K4[(UO2)5(TeO3)2O5]

The reaction of UO₃ and TeO₃ with a KCl flux at 800 °C for 3 days yields single crystals of K₄[(UO₂)₅(TeO₃)₂O₅]. The structure of the title compound consists of layered, two-dimensional sheets arranged in a stair-like topology separated by potassium cations. Contained within these sheets are one-dimensional uranium oxide ribbons consisting of UO₇ pentagonal bipyramids and UO₆ tetragonal bipyramids. The ribbons are in turn linked by corner-sharing with trigonal pyramidal TeO₃ units to form sheets. The lone-pair of electrons from the TeO₃ groups are oriented in opposite directions with respect to one another on each side of the sheets rendering each individual sheet nonpolar. The potassium cations form contacts with nearby tellurite units and axial uranyl oxygen atoms. Crystallographic data (193 K, MoKα, ): triclinic, space group , , , , α=99.642(1)°, β=93.591(1)°, γ=100.506(1)°, , Z=1,R(F)=4.19% for 149 parameters and 2583 reflections with I>2σ(I).     

Chemical twinning of the pyrochlore structure in the system Bi2O3-Fe2O3-Nb2O5

New ternary bismuth iron niobates having structures based on chemical twinning of pyrochlore are described. Bi_5.67Nb₁₀FeO₃₅ has hexagonal symmetry, P6₃/mmc, , , Z=2 and Bi_9.3Nb_16.9Fe_1.1O_57.8 has rhombohedral symmetry, R-3m, , , Z=3. The structures of both phases were determined and refined to R₁=0.04 using single-crystal X-ray data. They can be described as being derived from the pyrochlore structure by chemical twinning on (111)_py oxygen planes. The chemical twin operation produces pairs of corner-connected hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) layers as in the HTB structure, so the structures may alternatively be described as pyrochlore:HTB unit-cell intergrowth structures. In the hexagonal phase the pyrochlore blocks have a width of 12 Å, whereas the rhombohedral phase has pyrochlore blocks of two widths, 6 and 12 Å, alternating with HTB blocks. It is proposed that the previously reported binary 4Bi₂O₃:9Nb₂O₅ phase has a related structure containing pyrochlore blocks all of width 6 Å. A feature of the structures is partial occupancy (∼65%) of the Bi sites and displacement of the Bi atoms from the ideal pyrochlore A sites towards the surrounding oxygen atoms, as observed in Bi-containing pyrochlores.