Reaction between LiF and MF5 (M = Ta, Nb) in a fluorine atmosphere

LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) was prepared by the reaction between LiF and MF₅ (M = Ta, Nb) in F₂ gas. Pure LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) salts were obtained by using the reaction at temperatures higher than 473 K under 80 kPa (F₂) for 24 h. The x values in LiMF_x (M = Ta, Nb) were confirmed as 5.7-6.0 by XRD-Rietveld analysis. Results showed that LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) has a trigonal structure (, Z = 3). The respective lattice parameters of LiTaF₆ and LiNbF₆ are a₀ = 0.533 nm, c₀ = 1.362 and a₀ = 0.532 nm, c₀ = 1.360. The equivalent conductivities of both LiMF₆ (M = Ta, Nb) in propylene carbonate (PC) are equal at 15.2 Ω⁻¹ cm² mol⁻¹ at 0.01 mol dm⁻³. The electrochemical potential window of TaF₆⁻ is 7.0 V, which is 0.4 and 0.2 V wider, respectively, than those of BF₄⁻ and PF₆⁻.