Synthesis, crystal structure, and spectroscopic study of K0.92(2) Zn0.08(2) H1.92(2) (PO4) (Zn-KDP)

The structure of K0.92₍₂₎ Zn_0.08(2) H_1.92(2) (PO₄) was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The crystal structure of the Zn-KDP belonged to the tetragonal space group $ mathrm{I}overline{4}2mathrm{d} $ , with cell parameters of a?=?b?=?7.4487(5)?Å and c?=?6.9703(5)?Å, 386.73(5) Å3, Z?=?4, and R?=?0.023. Zn²⁺ ions were used as substitutes for K⁺ ions with hydrogen vacancy. The Zn-KDP single crystals were submitted to further Raman, infrared, and ¹H NMR studies to investigate chemical group functionalisation, possible bonding between the organic and inorganic materials, and partial substitution of K⁺ by Zn²⁺. The latter partial substitution was confirmed by the deviation of IR frequencies for O–H stretching, the variation of IR and Raman frequencies for stretching and bending vibrations ν(PO₄) of H₂PO₄, and the appearance of additional Raman (147, 386 and 481 cm^?1) vibrational bands. Electrical conductivity measurements were performed on polycrystalline pellets of Zn-KDP and pure KDP at room temperatures (RT) of up to 473K. In both cases, a conductivity jump close to 453K was observed, and a stronger increase of conductivity was measured.