Preparation of lithium molybdenum oxide bronzes by a temperature gradient flux growth technique

Single crystals of the violet-red Li_0.9Mo₆O₁₇, violet-blue Li_0.32MoO₃, and the new blue Li_0.04MoO₃ bronzes have been grown by a temperature gradient flux growth method in evacuated quartz ampoules. Optimal growth conditions determined for each of the phases are reported. Li_0.9Mo₆O₁₇ is monoclinic, and a quasi-two-dimensional metallic conductor at room temperature, similar to K_0.9Mo₆O₁₇ · Li_0.04MoO₃ appears to be a new intercalation compound of MoO₃.