Crystal structures of the La3AgSnSe7 and R3Ag1−δSnS7 (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18−0.19) compounds

The crystal structures of new quaternary compounds La₃AgSnSe₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP24, a=1.0805(4) nm, c=0.6245(1) nm, R1=0.0315), La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.64, a=1.0399(1) nm, c=0.6016(1) nm, R1=0.0149) and Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ (space group P6₃, Pearson symbol hP23.62, a=1.0300(1) nm, c=0.6002(1) nm, R1=0.0151) were determined by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction. Structural investigations of the R₃Ag_1−δSnS₇ (R=La, Ce; δ=0.18-0.19(1)) compounds at 450 and 530 K were performed. Low temperature data (12 K) for Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ were also collected. The nearest neighbours of the La(Ce), Ag and Sn atoms are exclusively Se(S) atoms. The latter form distorted trigonal prisms around the La(Ce) atoms, and distorted tetrahedrons around the Sn atoms. The Ag (Ag1) atoms have triangular surroundings: they are located very close to the planes built of three Se(S) atoms. The Ag2 atoms in the structures of the La₃Ag_0.82SnS₇, Ce₃Ag_0.81SnS₇ compounds are located practically in the centres of trigonal antiprisms. The pseudo-potentials determined through the Ag atoms show relatively low barrier between two nearest positions which decreases when temperature rises.     

Structural relationships between new carbide La14Sn(MnC6)3 and fully ordered La11(MnC6)3

Crystals of the ternary La₁₁(MnC₆)₃ and new quaternary carbide La₁₄Sn(MnC₆)₃ phases were grown from La/Ni eutectic flux and their structures were determined by means of X-ray single crystal diffraction. La₁₁(MnC₆)₃ is a new superstructure variant of La_3.67MnC₆ (previously reported disordered subcell: P6₃/m; a₀=8.806 Å; c₀=5.329 Å, Z=2). The superstructure (R3¯; a=√3a₀=15.2649(9) Å; c=3c₀=16.013(1) Å, Z=6; R₁=0.022) is realized by complete ordering of the La chains within the columns of face-sharing carbon octahedra, with alternating La-La distances leading to R-centering and enlargement of the unit cell. The structure of the quaternary carbide La₁₄Sn(MnC₆)₃ (P6¯; a=8.756(1) Å; c=10.483(2) Å, Z=1; R₁=0.026) is closely related to that of La₁₁(MnC₆)₃ with part of the MnC₆ units replaced by Sn atoms. The structure and precise composition of La₁₄Sn(MnC₆)₃ can be derived from that of La₁₁(MnC₆)₃ by taking into account the extent of this substitution and variation in lanthanum siting in the chain of carbon octahedra. Band structure calculations indicate both phases are metallic; the La₁₁(MnC₆)₃ phase is stabilized by the ordering of La atoms which induces a pseudogap at E_F.     

The lanthanoid polyantimonides with the ideal compositions Pr5Sb12 and Nd5Sb12 crystallizing with a new structure type and Ho2Sb5 with Dy2Sb5-type structure

The title compounds were isolated in well-crystallized form from samples with a substantial excess of antimony, annealed at temperatures slightly below the melting point of that element. Their crystal structures were determined from single-crystal diffractometer data. Pr_9-xSb_21-y and Nd_9-xSb_21-y crystallize with a new monoclinic structure type, Pearson symbol mS(62-5.4), space group Cm, Z=2 with a=2859.1(4) pm, b=426.3(1) pm, c=1356.1(2) pm, β=95.52(1)°, R=0.034 for 4351 structure factors and 188 variable parameters for Pr_9-xSb_21-y and a=2845(2) pm, b=424.7(8) pm, c=1345.9(9) pm, β=95.42(7)°, R=0.069 for 2928 F values and 188 variables for Nd_9-xSb_21-y. Of the 30 atomic sites, three show fractional occupancy corresponding to the compositions Pr_8.303(5)Sb_20.03(1) and Nd_8.30(2)Sb_19.98(9), respectively. A model for the order of occupied atomic sites with a tripled b-axis is proposed resulting in the ideal compositions Pr₅Sb₁₂ and Nd₅Sb₁₂. The holmium compound Ho₂Sb₅ has a Dy₂Sb₅-type structure: mP28, P2₁/m, a=1301.8(3) pm, b=414.9(1) pm, c=1451.1(2) pm, β=102.14(1)°, R=0.028 for 2573 F values and 86 variables. In both structure types most rare earth atoms have nine antimony neighbors forming tricapped trigonal prisms. The coordination polyhedra of the antimony atoms show a great variety, with a trigonal prism of rare earth atoms as one extreme case. The other extreme coordination of an antimony atom is a distorted octahedron formed by six antimony atoms. The differences and similarities of both structures are discussed. Chemical bonding within the antimony polyanions is analyzed on the basis of an extended Zintl-Klemm concept using bond-length-bond-strength relationships.     

Bridgman crystal growth of Yb2Ru3Ge4—A ternary germanide with a three-dimensional network of condensed distorted RuGe5 and RuGe6 units

The germanide Yb₂Ru₃Ge₄ was synthesized from the elements using the Bridgman crystal growth technique. The monoclinic Hf₂Ru₃Si₄ type structure was investigated by X-ray powder and single crystal diffraction: C2/c, Z=8, a=1993.0(3) pm, b=550.69(8) pm, c=1388.0(2) pm, β=128.383(9)°, wR₂=0.0569, 2047 F² values, and 84 variables. Yb₂Ru₃Ge₄ contains two crystallographically independent ytterbium sites with coordination numbers of 18 and 17 for Yb1 and Yb2, respectively. Each ytterbium atom has three ytterbium neighbors at Yb-Yb distances ranging from 345 to 368 pm. The shortest interatomic distances occur for the Ru-Ge contacts. The three crystallographically independent ruthenium sites have between five and six germanium neighbors in distorted trigonal bipyramidal (Ru1Ge₅) or octahedral (Ru2Ge₆ and Ru3Ge₆) coordination at Ru-Ge distances ranging from 245 to 279 pm. The Ru2 atoms form zig-zag chains running parallel to the b-axis at Ru2-Ru2 of 284 pm. The RuGe₅ and RuGe₆ units are condensed via common edges and faces leading to a complex three-dimensional [Ru₃Ge₄] network.     

Neutron powder diffraction study of tetragonal Li7La3Hf2O12 with the garnet-related type structure

We have successfully synthesized a polycrystalline sample of tetragonal garnet-related Li-ion conductor Li₇La₃Hf₂O₁₂ by solid state reaction. The crystal structure is analyzed by the Rietveld method using neutron powder diffraction data. The structure analysis identifies that tetragonal Li₇La₃Hf₂O₁₂ has the garnet-related type structure with a space group of I4₁/acd (no. 142). The lattice constants are a=13.106(2) Å and c=12.630(2) Å with a cell ratio of c/a=0.9637. The crystal structure of tetragonal Li₇La₃Hf₂O₁₂ has the garnet-type framework structure composed of dodecahedral La(1)O₈, La(2)O₈ and octahedral HfO₆. Li atoms occupy three types of crystallographic site in the interstices of this framework structure, where Li(1) atom is located at the tetrahedral 8a site, and Li(2) and Li(3) atoms are located at the distorted octahedral 16f and 32g sites, respectively. These Li sites are filled with the Li atom. The present tetragonal Li₇La₃Hf₂O₁₂ sample exhibits bulk Li-ion conductivity of σ_b=9.85×10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ and grain-boundary Li-ion conductivity of σ_gb=4.45×10⁻⁷ S cm⁻¹ at 300 K. The activation energy is estimated to be E_a=0.53 eV in the temperature range of 300-580 K.     

Ca(AsF3)(AsF6)2: the first alkaline earth metal cation coordinated to AsF3

Ca(AsF₃)(AsF₆)₂ was prepared by the reaction of CaF₂ with excess AsF₅ in AsF₃ solvent. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic crystal system, space group Pnma, with a =1034.9(4) pm, b = 1001.7(4) pm and c = 1088.4(4) pm, V = 1.1283(8) nm³ and Z = 4. Calcium is coordinated to eight fluorine atoms, with six fluorine atoms located at the corners of a regular trigonal prism originating from six AsF₆ units. Two rectangular faces of the trigonal prism are capped by fluorine atoms from two fluorine bridged AsF₃ molecules. For the first time, AsF₃ is shown to serve as a bridging ligand to two metal cations, with bridging distances of F(AsF₃)-Ca = 241.1 and 243.2 pm. It was found, again for the first time, that the bridging As-F distances are shorter (172.4 and 173.1 pm) than the terminal As-F distance (184.5 pm). The Raman spectrum shows vibrational modes that are readily assigned to AsF₃ and AsF₆⁻.     

X-ray single crystal structures of Hg(AuF6)2 and AgFAuF6

Hg(AuF₆)₂ crystallizes at 200 K in the orthorhombic space group Pbcn (No. 60) with a = 917.67(7) pm, b = 971.59(8) pm, c = 962.04(8) pm, and Z = 4. Mercury atoms are coordinated by eight fluorine atoms with six short and two long Hg-F contacts. HgF₈ polyhedra share their four vertices and two edges with six AuF₆ units forming a tridimensional framework.The results of X-ray diffraction analysis on single crystals of AgFAuF₆ are in agreement with previously known powder X-ray diffraction data (Casteel et al, J. Solid State Chem. 96 (1992) 84-96). AgFAuF₆ crystallizes orthorhombic in the space group Pnma (No. 62), a = 717.06(7) pm, b = 761.67(7) pm, c = 1013.61(10) pm at 200 K, Z = 4.     

3D [Ag-Mg] polyanionic frameworks in the La4Ag10Mg3 and La4Ag10.3Mg12 new ternary compounds

The crystal structures of two new ternary phases, La₄Ag₁₀Mg₃ and La₄Ag_10.3Mg₁₂, were refined from X-ray single crystal diffraction data. La₄Ag₁₀Mg₃ crystallizes in the Ca₄Au₁₀In₃ structure type, an ordered variant of the binary Zr₇Ni₁₀ compound: orthorhombic, Cmce, oS68, a=14.173(5), b=10.266(3), c=10.354(3) Å, Z=4, wR₂=0.0826, 676 F² values, 50 variables. La₄Ag_10.3Mg₁₂ represents a new structure type: orthorhombic, Cmmm, oS116-10.32, a=9.6130(3), b=24.9663(8), c=9.6333(2) Å, Z=4, wR₂=0.0403, 1185 F² values, 101 variables. The structural analysis of both compounds, highlighting a significant contraction of the Ag-Mg distances, suggests the existence of three-dimensional [Ag-Mg] networks hosting La atoms. LMTO calculations applied to La₄Ag₁₀Mg₃ indicate that the strongest bonds occur for Ag-Ag and Ag-Mg interactions, and confirm the presence of a 3D_∞[Ag₁₀Mg₃]^δ− polyanionic framework balanced by positively charged La atoms.     

Chemical bonding analysis and properties of La7Os4C9—A new structure type containing C- and C2-units as Os-coordinating ligands

The new ternary carbide La₇Os₄C₉ was prepared by argon arc-melting of the elements followed by subsequent heat treatment at 900 °C for 250 h. The compound crystallizes monoclinic, in the space group C2/m (a=1198.5(2) pm, b=542.0(1) pm, c=1196.2(2) pm, β=111.04(1)°, V=725.2(2)×10⁶ pm³, Z=2). The structure was determined from single crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to a residual of R₁=0.02 (wR₂=0.03) for 4812 unique reflections and 64 variable parameters. Electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements characterize the compound as a Pauli-paramagnetic metal. The crystal structure contains bridging C- and terminal C₂-units as Os-coordinating ligands, thereby forming polyanions running along the [101] direction. The polyanions are composed of alternating Os(C₂)C₂ and OsC₃ units with the transition metal in distorted trigonal planar coordination. Charge compensation is ensured by La cations which are situated in-between the polyanions. The carbon-carbon bond (131 pm) within the C₂ pairs is slightly shorter than the value of a common C-C double bond, and is discussed on the basis of COHP curves on the one side, and with ELI-D and electron density distributions on the other side. The method of partial ELI-D decomposition is shown to be well suited for the characterization of separated DOS structures in terms of chemical bonding signatures provided by ELI-D. The Os-La interactions are shown to be of a polar multicenter-bonding type with Os playing the role of the electron donor. Compared to an acetylide the C₂ species were found to possess a significantly reduced bond order and an enhanced number of electrons in lone pair type spatial regions. This type of species cannot be simply classified in terms of model pictures such as C₂²⁻ and C₂⁴⁻, respectively.     

A new structure type of RE4B4O11F2: High-pressure synthesis and crystal structure of La4B4O11F2

The first lanthanum fluoride borate La₄B₄O₁₁F₂ was obtained in a Walker-type multianvil apparatus at 6 GPa and 1300 °C. La₄B₄O₁₁F₂ crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2₁/c with the lattice parameters a=778.1(2) pm, b=3573.3(7) pm, c=765.7(2) pm, β=113.92(3)° (Z=8), and represents a new structure type in the class of compounds with the composition RE₄B₄O₁₁F₂. The crystal structure contains BO₄-tetrahedra interconnected with two BO₃-groups via common vertices, B₂O₅-pyroborate units, and isolated BO₃-groups. The structure shows a wave-like modulation along the b-axis. The crystal structure and properties of La₄B₄O₁₁F₂ are discussed and compared to Gd₄B₄O₁₁F₂.     

Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and physical properties of the new lanthanum copper telluride La3Cu5Te7

The new lanthanum copper telluride La₃Cu_5−xTe₇ has been obtained by annealing the elements at 1073 K. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies revealed that the title compound crystallizes in a new structure type, space group Pnma (no. 62) with lattice dimensions of a=8.2326(3) Å, b=25.9466(9) Å, c=7.3402(3) Å, V=1567.9(1) Å³, Z=4 for La₃Cu_4.86(4)Te₇. The structure of La₃Cu_5−xTe₇ is remarkably complex. The Cu and Te atoms build up a three-dimensional covalent network. The coordination polyhedra include trigonal LaTe₆ prisms, capped trigonal LaTe₇ prisms, CuTe₄ tetrahedra, and CuTe₃ pyramids. All Cu sites exhibit deficiencies of various extents. Electrical property measurements on a sintered pellet of La₃Cu_4.86Te₇ indicate that it is a p-type semiconductor in accordance with the electronic structure calculations.     

Synthetic Cu0.507(5)Pb8.73(9)Sb8.15(8)I1.6S20.0(2) nanowires

Nanowires of an iodine containing Pb-Sb-sulfosalt have been synthesized by chemical vapor transport. Their structure was studied using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction. The lattice parameters show values equal to a=4.9801(4) nm, b=0.41132(8) nm (with two-fold superstructure), c=2.1989(1) nm and β=99.918(6)°. These parameters and the results of a multislice simulation are in good agreement with the mineral pillaite, Cu_0.10Pb_9.16Sb_9.84S_22.94Cl_1.06O_0.5 (space group C2/m, a=4.949(1) nm, b=0.41259(8) nm, c=2.1828(4) nm, and β=99.62(3)°). Microprobe and EDX analyses yielded a chemical composition of Cu_0.507(5)Pb_8.73(9)Sb_8.15(8)I_1.6S_20.0(2) which is close to natural pillaite but contains no oxygen and iodine instead of chlorine. The structure of the investigated material is based on chains of M-S polyhedra (M=Pb or Sb) typical for the architecture of sulfosalts implying iodine atoms in trigonal prismatic coordination with Pb atoms from the M-S polyhedra of neighboring chains. The [010] superstructure of the specimen was found to be unstable under electron beam irradiation with a rapid decrease of the b lattice parameter from 0.8 to 0.4 nm within 5 min.     

Ternary rare-earth titanium antimonides: Phase equilibria in the RE-Ti-Sb (RE=La, Er) systems and crystal structures of RE2Ti7Sb12 (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) and RETi3(SnxSb1-x)4 (RE=Nd, Sm)

Investigations on phase relationships and crystal structures have been conducted on several ternary rare-earth titanium antimonide systems. The isothermal cross-sections of the ternary RE-Ti-Sb systems containing a representative early (RE=La) and late rare-earth element (RE=Er) have been constructed at 800 °C. In the La-Ti-Sb system, the previously known compound La₃TiSb₅ was confirmed and the new compound La₂Ti₇Sb₁₂ (own type, Cmmm, Z=2, a=10.5446(10) Å, b=20.768(2) Å, and c=4.4344(4) Å) was discovered. In the Er-Ti-Sb system, no ternary compounds were found. The structure of La₂Ti₇Sb₁₂ consists of a complex arrangement of TiSb₆ octahedra and disordered fragments of homoatomic Sb assemblies, generating a three-dimensional framework in which La atoms reside. Other early rare-earth elements (RE=Ce, Pr, Nd) can be substituted in this structure type. Attempts to prepare crystals in these systems through use of a tin flux resulted in the discovery of a new Sn-containing pseudoternary phase RETi₃(Sn_xSb_1−x)₄ for RE=Nd, Sm (own type, Fmmm, Z=8; a=5.7806(4) Å, b=10.0846(7) Å, and c=24.2260(16) Å for NdTi₃(Sn_0.1Sb_0.9)₄; a=5.7590(4) Å, b=10.0686(6) Å, and c=24.1167(14) Å for SmTi₃(Sn_0.1Sb_0.9)₄). Its structure consists of double-layer slabs of Ti-centred octahedra stacked alternately with nets of the RE atoms; the Ti atoms are arranged in kagome nets.     

Complex three-dimensional platinum-indium networks in the ternary indides Dy2Pt7In16 and Tb6Pt12In23

Well crystallized samples of Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃ were synthesized by an indium flux technique. Arc-melted precursor alloys with the starting compositions ∼DyPt₃In₆ and ∼TbPtIn₄ were annealed with a slight excess of indium at 1200 K followed by slow cooling (5 K/h) to 870 K. Both indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Cmmm, a=1211.1(2), b=1997.8(3), c=439.50(6) pm, wR2=0.0518, 1138 F² values, 45 variable parameters for Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆ and C2/ma=2834.6(4), b=440.05(7), c=1477.1(3) pm, β=112.37(1)°, wR2=0.0753, 2543 F² values, 126 variable parameters for Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The platinum atoms in the terbium compound have a distorted trigonal prismatic coordination. In Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, trigonal and square prismatic coordination occur. The shortest interatomic distances are observed for Pt-In followed by In-In contacts. Considering these strong interactions, both structures can be described by complex three-dimensional [Pt₇In₁₆] and [Pt₁₂In₂₃] networks. The networks leave distorted pentagonal channels in Dy₂Pt₇In₁₆, while pentagonal and hexagonal channels occur in Tb₆Pt₁₂In₂₃. The crystal chemistry and chemical bonding of the two indides are briefly discussed.     

Synthesis, structure, and optical properties of the new lanthanum copper oxysulfide La3CuO2S3

The new quaternary lanthanum copper oxysulfide La₃CuO₂S₃ has been synthesized by the reaction of La₂S₃ and CuO at 1223 K. This compound crystallizes in space group Pnma of the orthorhombic system with four formula units in a cell of dimensions at 153 K of a=14.0318(7) Å, b=3.9342(2) Å, and c=12.5212(6) Å. The structure of La₃CuO₂S₃ consists of a three-dimensional framework of interconnected LaO_nS_8−n bicapped trigonal prisms and CuS₄ tetrahedra. Optical absorption measurements on a La₃CuO₂S₃ single crystal led to derived band gaps of 2.01 eV in both the [010] and [001] directions.     

Rare earth metal rich magnesium compounds RE4NiMg (RE=Y, Pr-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu)—Synthesis, structure, and hydrogenation behavior

The rare earth metal rich compounds RE₄NiMg (RE=Y, Pr-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum tubes in an induction furnace. All compounds were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Gd₄RhIn type, space group F4¯3m, Z=16, a=1367.6(2) pm for Y₄NiMg, a=1403.7(3) pm for Pr₄NiMg, a=1400.7(1) pm for Nd₄NiMg, a=1386.5(2) pm for Sm₄NiMg, a=1376.1(2) pm for Gd₄NiMg, a=1362.1(1) pm for Tb₄NiMg, a=1355.1(2) pm for Dy₄NiMg, a=1355.2(1) pm for Ho₄NiMg, a=1354.3(2) pm for Er₄NiMg, a=1342.9(3) pm for Tm₄NiMg, and a=1336.7(3) pm for Lu₄NiMg. The nickel atoms have trigonal prismatic rare earth coordination. These NiRE₆ prisms are condensed via common edges to a three-dimensional network which leaves voids for Mg₄ tetrahedra and the RE1 atoms which show only weak coordination to the nickel atoms. The single crystal data indicate two kinds of solid solutions. The RE1 positions reveal small RE1/Mg mixing and some compounds also show Ni/Mg mixing within the Mg₄ tetrahedra. Y₄NiMg and Gd₄NiMg have been tested for hydrogenation. These compounds absorb up to eleven hydrogen atoms per formula unit under a hydrogen pressure of 1 MPa at room temperature. The structure of the metal atoms is maintained with only an increase of the lattice parameters (ΔV/V≈22%) if the absorption is done at T<363 K as at higher temperature a decomposition into REH₂-REH₃ hydrides occurred. Moreover, the hydrogenation affects drastically the magnetic properties of these intermetallics. For instance, Gd₄NiMg exhibits an antiferromagnetic behavior below T_N=92 K whereas its hydride Gd₄NiMgH₁₁ is paramagnetic down to 1.8 K.     

Syntheses, crystal structures and Raman spectra of Ba(BF4)(PF6), Ba(BF4)(AsF6) and Ba2(BF4)2(AsF6)(H3F4); the first examples of metal salts containing simultaneously tetrahedral BF4 and octahedral AF6 anions

In the system BaF₂/BF₃/PF₅/anhydrous hydrogen fluoride (aHF) a compound Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) was isolated and characterized by Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction on the single crystal. Ba(BF₄)(PF₆) crystallizes in a hexagonal space group with a=10.2251(4) Å, c=6.1535(4) Å, V=557.17(5) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=3. Both crystallographically independent Ba atoms possess coordination polyhedra in the shape of tri-capped trigonal prisms, which include F atoms from BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻ anions. In the analogous system with AsF₅ instead of PF₅ the compound Ba(BF₄)(AsF₆) was isolated and characterized. It crystallizes in an orthorhombic Pnma space group with a=10.415(2) Å, b=6.325(3) Å, c=11.8297(17) Å, V=779.3(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=4. The coordination around Ba atom is in the shape of slightly distorted tri-capped trigonal prism which includes five F atoms from AsF₆⁻ and four F atoms from BF₄⁻ anions. When the system BaF₂/BF₃/AsF₅/aHF is made basic with an extra addition of BaF₂, the compound Ba₂(BF₄)₂(AsF₆)(H₃F₄) was obtained. It crystallizes in a hexagonal P6₃/mmc space group with a=6.8709(9) Å, c=17.327(8) Å, V=708.4(4) Å³ at 200 K, and Z=2. The barium environment in the shape of tetra-capped distorted trigonal prism involves 10 F atoms from four BF₄⁻, three AsF₆⁻ and three H₃F₄⁻ anions. All F atoms, except the central atom in H₃F₄ moiety, act as μ₂-bridges yielding a complex 3-D structural network.     

Synthesis and characterization of La4MnCu6S10

The new quaternary sulfide La₄MnCu₆S₁₀ has been synthesized by the reaction of La₂S₃, MnS, and CuS₂ at 1223 K. This compound crystallizes in a new structure type in space group of the triclinic system with one formula unit in a cell of dimensions at 153 K of a=6.6076(3) Å, b=7.3247(3) Å, c=8.7844(4) Å, α=83.457(1)°, β=74.398(1)°, γ=89.996(1)°, and V=406.61(3) Å³. The structure of La₄MnCu₆S₁₀ consists of a three-dimensional framework of interconnected LaS₇ monocapped trigonal prisms, MnS₆ octahedra, and CuS₄ tetrahedra. Band gaps of 2.49 eV in the [100] direction and 2.53 eV in the [001] direction have been derived from optical absorption measurements on a La₄MnCu₆S₁₀ single crystal.     

Mg substitution effect on the hydrogenation behaviour, thermodynamic and structural properties of the La2Ni7-H(D)2 system

The present work is focused on studies of the influence of magnesium on the hydrogenation behaviour of the (La,Mg)₂Ni₇ alloys. Substitution of La in La₂Ni₇ by Mg to form La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇ preserves the initial Ce₂Ni₇ type of the hexagonal P6₃/mmc structure and leads to contraction of the unit cell. The system La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇-H₂ (D₂) was studied using in situ synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction in H₂/D₂ gas and pressure-composition-temperature measurements. La replacement by Mg was found to proceed in an ordered way, only within the Laves-type parts of the hybrid crystal structure, yielding formation of LaMgNi₄ slabs with statistic and equal occupation of one site by La and Mg atoms. Mg alters structural features of the hydrogenation process. Instead of a strong unilateral anisotropic expansion which takes place on hydrogenation of La₂Ni₇, the unit cell of La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇D_9.1 is formed by nearly equal hydrogen-induced expansions proceeding in the basal plane (Δa/a=7.37%) and along [001] (Δc/c=9.67%). In contrast with La₂Ni₇D_6.5 where only LaNi₂ layers absorb hydrogen atoms, in La_1.5Mg_0.5Ni₇D_9.1 both LaNi₅ and LaMgNi₄ layers become occupied. Nine types of sites were found to be filled by D in total, including tetrahedral (La,Mg)₂Ni₂, (La,Mg)Ni₃, Ni₄, tetragonal pyramidal La₂Ni₃ and trigonal bipyramidal (La,Mg)₃Ni₂ interstices. The hydrogen sublattice around the La/Mg site shows formation of two co-ordination spheres of D atoms: an octahedron MgD₆ and a 16-vertex polyhedron LaD₁₆ around La. The interatomic distances are in the following ranges: La-D (2.28-2.71), Mg-D (2.02-2.08), Ni-D (1.48-1.86 Å). All D-D distances exceed 1.9 Å. Thermodynamic PCT studies yielded the following values for the ΔH and ΔS of hydrogenation/decomposition; ΔH_H=−15.7±0.9 kJ (mol_H)⁻¹ and ΔS_H=−46.0±3.7 J (K mol_H)⁻¹ for H₂ absorption, and ΔH_H=16.8±0.4 kJ (mol_H)⁻¹ and ΔS_H=48.1±1.5 J (K mol_H)⁻¹ for H₂ desorption.     

Rare earth-nickel-indides Dy5Ni2In4 and RE4Ni11In20 (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy)

The new rare earth metal (RE)-nickel-indides Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy) were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting. Well-shaped single crystals were obtained by special annealing sequences. The four indides were investigated by X-ray diffraction on powders and single crystals: Lu₅Ni₂In₄ type, Pbam, Z=2, a=1784.2(8), b=787.7(3), c=359.9(1) pm, wR₂=0.0458, 891 F² values, 36 variables for Dy₅Ni₂In₄, U₄Ni₁₁Ga₂₀ type, C2/m, a=2254.0(9), b=433.8(3), c=1658.5(8) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0794, 2154 F² values, 108 variables for Gd₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, a=2249.9(8), b=432.2(1), c=1657.9(5) pm, β=124.59(2)°, wR₂=0.0417, 2147 F² values, 108 variables for Tb₄Ni₁₁In₂₀, and a=2252.2(5), b=430.6(1), c=1659.7(5) pm, β=124.58(2)°, wR₂=0.0550, 2003 F² values, 109 variables for Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The 2d site in the dysprosium compound shows mixed Ni/In occupancy. Most nickel atoms in both series of compounds exhibit trigonal prismatic coordination by indium and rare earth atoms. Additionally, in the RE₄Ni₁₁In₂₀ compounds one observes one-dimensional nickel clusters (259 pm Ni₁-Ni₆ in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20) that are embedded in an indium matrix. While only one short In₁-In₂ contact at 324 pm is observed in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, the more indium-rich Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20 structure exhibits a broader range in In-In interactions (291-364 pm). Together the nickel and indium atoms build up polyanionic networks, a two-dimensional one in Dy₅Ni₂In₄ and a complex three-dimensional network in Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. These features have a clear consequence on the dysprosium coordination, i.e. a variety of short Dy-Dy contacts (338-379 pm) in Dy₅Ni₂In₄, while the dysprosium atoms are well separated (430 pm shortest Dy-Dy distance) within the distorted hexagonal channels of the [Ni_10.80In_20.20] polyanion of Dy₄Ni_10.80In_20.20. The crystal chemistry of both structure types is comparatively discussed.