Synthesis, structure, and high-temperature thermoelectric properties of boron-doped Ba8Al14Si31 clathrate I phases

Single crystals of boron-doped Ba8Al14Si31 clathrate I phase were prepared using Al flux growth. The structure and elemental composition of the samples were characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction; elemental analysis; and multinuclear (27)Al, (11)B, and (29)Si solid-state NMR. The samples' compositions of Ba8B0.17Al14Si31, Ba8B0.19Al15Si31, and Ba8B0.32Al14Si31 were consistent with the framework-deficient clathrate I structure Ba8Al(x)Si(42-3/4x)cube(4-1/4x) (x = 14, cube = lattice defect). Solid-state NMR provides further evidence for boron doped into the framework structure. Temperature-dependent resistivity indicates metallic behavior, and the negative Seebeck coefficient indicates that transport processes are dominated by electrons. Thermal conductivity is low, but not significantly lower than that observed in the undoped Ba8Al14Si31 prepared in the same manner.     

Phase range of the type-I clathrate Sr8Al(x)Si(46-x) and crystal structure of Sr8Al10Si36

Samples of the type-I clathrate Sr(8)Al(x)Si(46-x) have been prepared by direct reaction of the elements. The type-I clathrate structure (cubic space group Pm3n) which has an Al-Si framework with Sr(2+) guest atoms forms with a narrow composition range of 9.54(6) ≤ x ≤ 10.30(8). Single crystals with composition A(8)Al(10)Si(36) (A = Sr, Ba) have been synthesized. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements provide evidence for a peritectic reaction and melting point at ～1268 and ～1421 K for Sr(8)Al(10)Si(36) and Ba(8)Al(10)Si(36), respectively. Comparison of the structures reveals a strong correlation between the 24k-24k framework sites distances and the size of the guest cation. Electronic structure calculation and bonding analysis were carried out for the ordered models with the compositions A(8)Al(6)Si(40) (6c site occupied completely by Al) and A(8)Al(16)Si(30) (16i site occupied completely with Al). Analysis of the distribution of the electron localizability indicator (ELI) confirms that the Si-Si bonds are covalent, the Al-Si bonds are polar covalent, and the guest and the framework bonds are ionic in nature. The Sr(8)Al(6)Si(40) phase has a very small band gap that is closed upon additional Al, as observed in Sr(8)Al(16)Si(30). An explanation for the absence of a semiconducting "Sr(8)Al(16)Si(30)" phase is suggested in light of these findings.     

K and Ba distribution in the structures of the clathrate compounds KxBa16−x(Ga,Sn)136 (x = 0.8, 4.4, and 12.9) and KxBa8−x(Ga,Sn)46 (x = 0.3)

Studies of the K–Ba–Ga–Sn system produced the clathrate compounds K_0.8(2)Ba_15.2(2)Ga_31.0(5)Sn_105.0(5) [a = 17.0178 (4) Å], K_4.3(3)Ba_11.7(3)Ga_27.4(4)Sn_108.6(4) [a = 17.0709 (6) Å] and K_12.9(2)Ba_3.1(2)Ga_19.5(4)Sn_116.5(4) [a = 17.1946 (8) Å], with the type‐II structure (cubic, space group Fdm), and K_7.7(1)Ba_0.3(1)Ga_8.3(4)Sn_37.7(4) [a = 11.9447 (4) Å], with the type‐I structure (cubic, space group Pmn). For the type‐II structures, only the smaller (Ga,Sn)₂₄ pentagonal dodecahedral cages are filled, while the (Ga,Sn)₂₈ hexakaidecahedral cages remain empty. The unit‐cell volume is directly correlated with the K:Ba ratio, since an increasing amount of monovalent K occupying the cages causes a decreasing substitution of the smaller Ga in the framework. All three formulae have an electron count that is in good agreement with the Zintl–Klemm rules. For the type‐I compound, all framework sites are occupied by a mixture of Ga and Sn atoms, with Ga showing a preference for Wyckoff site 6c. The (Ga,Sn)₂₀ pentagonal dodecahedral cages are occupied by statistically disordered K and Ba atoms, while the (Ga,Sn)₂₄ tetrakaidecahedral cages encapsulate only K atoms. Large anisotropic displacement parameters for K in the latter cages suggest an off‐centering of the guest atoms.     

Superconductivity of metal deficient silicon clathrate compounds,Ba8-xSi46 (0< x < or = 1.4)

Single crystals of the Ba-containing silicon clathrate superconductor Ba(7.76)Si(46) were prepared using a high-pressure and high-temperature condition (3 GPa, 1300 degrees C). It crystallized in the cubic space group Pm-3n with a = 10.3141(7) A and Z = 1. There are two crystallographically different types of Ba sites, at the centers of Si dodecahederal (Ba@Si(20)) and Si tetrakaidecahedral (Ba@Si(24)) cages. On evacuation at 527 degrees C, a part of Ba atoms were removed from the Ba@Si(20) sites. The superconducting transition temperature (T(c)) decreased from 9.0 to 6.0 K with the decrease of the Ba content from 7.76 to 6.63 Ba/Si(46). The Ba deficient sites and the deficiency were determined by the structural refinement in the single-crystal X-ray analyses.     

High-pressure synthesis of a new silicon clathrate superconductor, Ba8Si46

A new silicon clathrate compound with a composition of Ba8Si46 was prepared under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. The compound was isomorphous with Na8Si46 and became a superconductor with a transition temperature of 8.0 K. Barium atoms occupy all of the Si20 and Si24 cages of the clathrate structure. This is the first clathrate superconductor obtained as a bulk phase.     

Structure and thermoelectric characterization of Ba8Al14Si31

A molten Al flux method was used to grow single crystals of the type I clathrate compound Ba8Al14Si31. Single-crystal neutron diffraction data for Ba8Al14Si31 were collected at room temperature using the SCD instrument at the Intense Pulsed Neutron Source, Argonne National Laboratory. Single-crystal neutron diffraction of Ba8Al14Si31 confirms that the Al partially occupies all of the framework sites (R1 = 0.0435, wR2 = 0.0687). Stoichiometry was determined by electron microprobe analysis, density measurements, and neutron diffraction analysis. Solid-state (27)Al NMR provides additional evidence for site preferences within the framework. This phase is best described as a framework-deficient solid solution Ba8Al14Si31, with the general formula, Ba(8)Al(x)Si(42-3/4x)[](4-1/4x) ([] indicates lattice defects). DSC measurements and powder X-ray diffraction data indicate that this is a congruently melting phase at 1416 K. Temperature-dependent resistivity reveals metallic behavior. The negative Seebeck coefficient indicates transport processes dominated by electrons as carriers.     

Structure and thermoelectric characterization of AxBa8-xAl14Si31 (A = Sr, Eu) single crystals

Single crystals of AxBa8-xAl14Si31 (A = Sr, Eu) were grown using a molten Al flux technique. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirms that AxBa8-xAl14Si31 (A = Sr, Eu) crystallize with the type I clathrate structure, and phase purity was determined with powder X-ray diffraction. Stoichiometry was determined to be Sr0.7Ba7.3Al14Si31 and Eu0.3Ba7.7Al14Si31 by electron microprobe analysis. These AxBa8-xAl14Si31 phases can be described as framework-deficient clathrate type I structures with the general formula, AxBa8-xAlySi42-3y/4[]4-1/4y. DSC measurements indicate that these phases melt congruently at 1413 and 1415 K for Sr0.7Ba7.3Al14Si31 and Eu0.3Ba7.7Al14Si31, respectively. Temperature-dependent resistivity indicates metallic behavior, and the negative Seebeck coefficient indicates transport processes dominated by electrons as carriers. Thermal conductivity of these phases remains low with Sr0.7Ba7.3Al14Si31 having the lowest values.     

Unusually high chemical compressibility of normally rigid type-I clathrate framework: synthesis and structural study of Sn(24)P(19.3)Br(x)I(8)(-)(x) solid solution, the prospective thermoelectric material

A novel tin phosphide bromide, Sn(24)P(19.3(2))Br(8), and Sn(24)P(19.3(2))Br(x)()I(8)(-)(x) (x = 0-8) solid solution have been prepared and structurally characterized. All compounds crystallize with the type-I clathrate structure in the cubic space group Pmn (No. 223). The clathrate framework of the title solid solution shows a remarkable chemical compressibility: the unit cell parameter drops from 10.954(1) to 10.820(1) A on going from x = 0 to x = 8, a feature that has never been observed for normally rigid clathrate frameworks. The chemical compressibility as well as non-Vegard dependence of the unit cell parameter upon the bromine content is attributed to the nonuniform distribution of the guest halogen atoms in the polyhedral cavities of the clathrate framework. The temperature-dependent structural study performed on Sn(24)P(19.3(2))Br(8) has shown that, in contrast to the chemical compressibility, the thermal compressibility (linear contraction) of the phase is similar to that observed for the Group 14 anionic clathrates. The tin phosphide bromide does not undergo phase transition down to 90 K, and the atomic displacement parameters for all atoms decrease linearly upon lowering the temperature. These linear dependencies have been used to assess such physical constants as Debye temperature, 220 K, and the lattice part of thermal conductivity, 0.7 W/(m K). Principal differences between the title compounds and the group 14 anionic clathrates are highlighted, and the prospects of creating new thermoelectric materials based on cationic clathrates are briefly discussed.     

Guest-framework interaction in type I inorganic clathrates with promising thermoelectric properties: on the ionic versus neutral nature of the alkaline-earth metal guest A in A8Ga16Ge30 (A=Sr, Ba)

Periodic density functional calculations using pseudopotentials and a local basis set were performed on the type I clathrates A(8)Ga(16)Ge(30) (A=Sr, Ba). Both are known to show promising thermoelectric properties. Ab initio wave functions were analyzed within the framework of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules. This enabled us to analyze both the charge transfer and bonding properties of the clathrate from a rigorous quantum mechanical viewpoint. The Ba and Sr centers were found to be largely ionic (charge: ca. +1.7 e) both in the smaller 20-atom and in the larger 24-atom cages, consistent with a Zintl-phase view of these type I clathrates. The assertion that the Sr atoms in the different cages have similar oxidation states is shown to be consistent with multiwavelength diffraction experiments on Sr(8)Ga(16)Ge(30); while the assertion of ionicity of the Sr center is supported by the observation that the adsorption edge lies close to that previously found in the Sr K-edge XANES spectra of Sr(OH)(2).8 H(2)O. As such, this work contradicts previous experimental and theoretical studies that claim that the guest atoms are neutral. We show that the discrepancy is related to the definitions used for electron transfer. Definitions based on electron displacement (rearrangement) in space, as in previous works, do not account for the variation in shape and volume of the atomic catchment regions upon change in the number and average locations of the particles in the system. Eventually, such definitions lead to underestimation of charge transfer. The large binding energy found in earlier work for Ba and Sr in these materials is found to be consistent with a simple picture of charge transfer from the guest to the frame. Preliminary investigations on a clathrate of perfect stoichiometry appear to rule out any important relationship between the observed increase in the thermoelectric figure of merit with increasing external pressure and host-guest charge transfer.     

Crystal structures, Raman spectroscopy, and magnetic properties of Ba7.5Al13Si29 and Eu0.27Ba7.22Al13Si29

The framework-deficient clathrate phases Ba7.5Al13Si29 and Eu0.27Ba7.22Al13Si29 were prepared using a molten Al flux. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirmed the two phases to be clathrate type I (space group Pmn). For Eu0.27Ba7.22Al13Si29, single-crystal X-ray diffraction revealed the Eu to partially occupy the 2a position. Microprobe analysis of single crystals provided the stoichiometry, and Raman spectroscopy was used to investigate the guest framework interactions. The Raman spectra are consistent with both Ba7.5Al13Si29 and Eu0.27Ba7.22Al13Si29 having minimal guest-host interactions. Magnetic susceptibility data for Eu0.27Ba7.22Al13Si29 imply weak magnetic ordering and indicate a 2+ oxidation state for the Eu ion.     

Cubic aluminum silicides RE8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (RE = Pr, Sm) from liquid aluminum. Empty (Si,Al)12 cuboctahedral clusters and assignment of the Al/Si distribution with neutron diffraction.

Two new quaternary aluminum silicides, RE8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (x approximately 4; RE = Pr, Sm), have been synthesized from Sm (or Sm2O3), Pr, Ru, and Si in molten aluminum between 800 and 1000 degrees C in sealed fused silica tubes. Both compounds form black shiny crystals that are stable in air and NaOH. The Nd analog is also stable. The compounds crystallize in a new structural type. The structure, determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, is cubic, space group Pm3m with Z = 1, and has lattice parameters of a = 11.510(1) A for Sm8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) and a = 11.553(2) A for Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) (x approximately 4). The structure consists of octahedral units of AlSi6, at the cell center, Si2Ru4Al8 clusters, at each face center, SiAl8 cubes, at the middle of the cell edges, and unique (Al,Si)12 cuboctohedral clusters, at the cell corners. These different structural units are connected to each other either by shared atoms, Al-Al bonds, or Al-Ru bonds. The rare earth metal atoms fill the space between various structural units. The Al/Si distribution was verified by single-crystal neutron diffraction studies conducted on Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x). Sm8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) and Pr8Ru12Al49Si9(Al(x)Si12-x) show ferromagnetic ordering at Tc approximately 10 and approximately 20 K, respectively. A charge of 3+ can be assigned to the rare earth atoms while the Ru atoms are diamagnetic.     

Breaking the Tetra‐Coordinated Framework Rule: New Clathrate Ba8M24P28+δ (M=Cu/Zn)

A new clathrate type has been discovered in the Ba/Cu/Zn/P system. The crystal structure of the Ba₈M ₂₄P_28+δ (M =Cu/Zn) clathrate is composed of the pentagonal dodecahedra common to clathrates along with a unique 22‐vertex polyhedron with two hexagonal faces capped by additional partially occupied phosphorus sites. This is the first example of a clathrate compound where the framework atoms are not in tetrahedral or trigonal‐pyramidal coordination. In Ba₈M ₂₄P_28+δ a majority of the framework atoms are five‐ and six‐coordinated, a feature more common to electron‐rich intermetallics. The crystal structure of this new clathrate was determined by a combination of X‐ray and neutron diffraction and was confirmed with solid‐state ³¹P NMR spectroscopy. Based on chemical bonding analysis, the driving force for the formation of this new clathrate is the excess of electrons generated by a high concentration of Zn atoms in the framework. The rattling of guest atoms in the large cages results in a very low thermal conductivity, a unique feature of the clathrate family of compounds.     

Introducing a magnetic guest to a tetrel-free clathrate: synthesis, structure, and properties of Eu(x)Ba(8-x)Cu16P30 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1.5)

The europium-containing clathrate-I Eu(x)Ba(8-x)Cu(16)P(30) was synthesized from the elements. Powder X-ray diffraction in combination with energy dispersive X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EDXS) and metallographic studies showed the homogeneity range with x ≤ 1.5. Determination of the crystal structure confirmed the presence of an orthorhombic superstructure of clathrate-I and revealed that Eu atoms exclusively resided in small pentagonal-dodecahedral cages. Magnetic measurements together with X-ray absorption spectroscopy are consistent with a 4f(7) (Eu(2+)) ground state for Eu(x)Ba(8-x)Cu(16)P(30). Below 3 K the Eu moments order antiferromagnetically. Resistivity measurements revealed metallic behavior of the investigated clathrate, in line with the composition deviating from the Zintl counting scheme. Local vibrations of the guest atoms inside the cages are analyzed with the help of specific heat investigations.     

Synthesis of the clathrate-I phase Ba(8-x)Si46 via redox reactions

The clathrate-I phase Ba(8-x)Si(46) (space group Pm3?n) was synthesized by oxidation of Ba(4)Li(2)Si(6) with gaseous HCl. Microcrystalline powders of the clathrate phase were obtained within a few minutes. The reaction temperature and the pressure of HCl were optimized to achieve good-quality crystalline products with a composition range of 1.3 < x < 1.9. The new preparation route presented here provides an alternative to the high-pressure synthesis applied so far.     

High pressure synthesis and crystal structure of two forms of a new tellurium–silicon clathrate related to the classical type I

Two new clathrate-type structures have been identified in the samples obtained by high pressure–high temperature treatment of appropriate mixtures of elemental silicon and tellurium at 5 GPa and 1200 °C for 60 min reaction time. They are both related to the classical type I silicon clathrate, G₈Si₄₆ (G=guest species). The corresponding structures have been solved by X-ray single crystal diffraction analysis. They proved to correspond to a cubic and rhombohedral forms of the same compound, Te₁₆Si₃₈ (or more precisely Te₈@(Si₃₈Te₈)), in which eight extra tellurium atoms are substituted for silicon ones in the 16i crystallographic sites of the parent structure. In the cubic form, the space group is reduced from Pm-3n to P-43n, and the formation of strong bonds between the Te atoms at the centre of the tetrakaidecahedral cages and one or two silicon atoms of the surrounding cage is clearly observed, which is followed by a decrease of the coordination number of the Te atoms in substitutional position from 4 to 3. In the more distorted rhombohedral form, the 16i and 24k sites of the parent structure are both split in four sites. The formation of strong bonds involving the Te atoms at the centre of the tetrakaidecahedral cages is confirmed, but the main characteristic comes from the formation of another kind of strong bonds involving the Te atoms at the centre of the dodecahedral cages. These bonds are at the origin of the elongation of the structure along the [111] direction, which corresponds to the polar axis.     

Atomic interactions in the p-type clathrate I Ba8Au5.3Ge40.7

Single crystals of Ba(8)Au(5.3)Ge(40.7) [space group Pm(3)n (No. 223), a = 10.79891(8) ?] were prepared by a Bridgman technique. The crystal structure refinement based on single-crystal X-ray diffraction data does not reveal any vacancies in the Au/Ge framework or in the cages. In addition to the ionic bonding between Ba and the anionic framework, a direct interaction between Ba and Au atoms was identified in Ba(8)Au(5.3)Ge(40.7) by applying the electron localizability indicator. As expected by the chemical-bonding picture, Ba(8)Au(5.3)Ge(40.7) is a diamagnet and shows p-type electrical conductivity with a hole carrier concentration of 7.14 × 10(19) cm(-3) at 300 K and very low lattice thermal conductivity of ≈0.6 W m(-1) K(-1) at 500 K. The thermoelectric figure of merit ZT of single crystals of Ba(8)Au(5.3)Ge(40.7) attains 0.3 at 511 K and reaches 0.9 at 680 K in a polycrystalline sample of closely similar composition. This opens up an opportunity for tuning of the thermoelectric properties of materials in the Ba-Au-Ge clathrate system by changing the chemical composition.     

Structure and white luminescence of Eu-activated (Ba,Sr)(13-x)Al(22-2x)Si(10+2x)O66 materials

The optical properties of Eu-activated (Ba,Sr)(13-x)Al(22-2x)Si(10+2x)O66 materials have been determined after the structural reinvestigation of the hypothetical Ba 13Al 22Si 10O 66 material on the basis of the Gebert's model. The white fluorescence and phosphorescence of the (Ba,Sr)(13-x)Al(22-2x)Si(10+2x)O66:Eu series result from the existence of two broad emission bands associated with (8)H-4f(6)5d(1)-->(8)S-4f(7) transitions peaking at 534 and 438 nm, the intensities of which may be tuned at room temperature via the control of the europium concentration and the substitution of Sr for Ba. This suggests the possibility to adjust the emission of the material to white LED requisites.     

Li(14.7)Mg(36.8)Cu(21.5)Ga(66): an intermetallic representative of a type IV clathrate

Synthetic explorations in the quaternary Li-Mg-Cu-Ga system yield the novel intermetallic Li(14.7(8))Mg(36.8(13))Cu(21.5(5))Ga(66) [P6m2, Z = 1, a = 14.0803(4) A, c = 13.6252 (8) A] from within a limited composition range. This contains a unique three-dimensional anionic framework consisting of distinct interbonded Ga(12) icosahedra, dimerized Li@(Cu,Mg)(10)Ga(6) icosioctahedra, and 15-vertex Li@(Cu,Mg)(9)Ga(6) and Li@Cu(3)Ga(12) polyhedra. These polyhedral clusters are hosted by M(20) (5(12)), M(24) (5(12)6(2)), and M(26) (5(12)6(3)) (M = Li/Mg) cages, respectively. The geometries and arrangements of these cages follow those in known type IV clathrate hydrates.     

Synthesis, crystal structure, and physical properties of the type-I clathrate Ba(8-δ)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y)

Type-I clathrate phase Ba(8)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y) (□ = vacancy) was obtained from the elements at 1000 °C with the homogeneity range 2.4 ≤ x ≤ 3.8 and 0 ≤ y ≤ 0.9. In addition, samples with low Ni content (x = 1.4 and 1.6; y = 0) and small Ba deficiency were prepared from the melt by steel-quenching. Compositions were established by microprobe analysis and crystal structure determination. Ba(8-δ)Ni(x)□(y)Si(46-x-y) crystallizes in the space group Pm ?3n (No. 223) with lattice parameter ranging from a = 10.3088(1) ? for Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.4(1))Si(44.6(1)) to a = 10.2896(1) ? for Ba(8.00(3))Ni(3.82(4))Si(41.33(6)). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction data together with microprobe analysis indicate an increasing number of framework vacancies toward compositions with higher Ni content. For all compositions investigated, Ni K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements showed an electronic state close to that of elemental Ni. All samples exhibit metallic-like behavior with moderate thermopower and low thermal conductivity in the temperature range 300-773 K. Samples with compositions Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.4(1))Si(44.6(1)) and Ba(7.9(1))Ni(1.6(1))Si(44.4(1)) are superconducting with T(c) values of 6.0 and 5.5 K, respectively.     

Investigation of Size-Selective Zr(2)@Si(n) (n = 16-24) Caged Clusters

The size-selective Zr(2)Si(n) (n = 16-24) caged clusters have been investigated by density functional approach in detail. Their geometries, relative stabilities, electronic properties and ionization potentials have been discussed. The dominant structures of bimetallic Zr(2) doped silicon caged clusters gradually transform to Zr(2) totally encapsulated structures with increase of the clustered size from 16 to 24, which is good agreement with the recent experimental result (J. Phys. Chem. A. 2007, 111, 42). Two novel isomers, i.e., naphthalene-like and dodecahedral Zr(2)Si(20) clusters, are found as low-lying conformers. Furthermore, the novel quasi-1D naphthalene-like Zr(n)Si(m) nanotubes are first reported. The second-order energy differences reveal that magic numbers of the different sized neutral Zr(2)Si(n) clusters appear at n = 18, 20 and 22, which are attributed to the fullerene-like, dodecahedral and polyhedral structures, respectively. The HOMO-LUMO gaps (>1 eV) of all the size-selective Zr(2)Si(n) clusters suggest that encapsulation of the bimetallic zirconium atoms is favorable for increasing the stabilities of silicon cages.