Photo-induced low temperature structural transition in the “114” YBaFe4O7 oxide
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Here, we report on a new family of halide-deficient and Li-rich argyrodite fast-ion conductors, Li 6+x PS 5+x (Cl/Br/I) 1–x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.85). Exploration of the influence of aliovalent anion substitution in Li 6 PS 5 X (X = Cl, Br, I)–using a combination of high-resolution powder neutron diffraction and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy–reveals that aliovalent anion substitution induces higher Li-ion concentration and Li site disorder, and creates S 2– /I – anion site disorder on the 4a site. In the series Li 6+x PS 5+x I 1–x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4), the resulting conductivity for Li 6.4 PS 5.4 I 0.6 (0.13 mS·cm –1 ) represents almost a 100-fold increase over that of the parent phase, Li 6 PS 5 I (0.0033 mS·cm –1 ), and establishes one of the first fast-ion conducting argyrodite thiophosphate iodides. For Cl-argyrodites, the ionic conductivity decreases a little with lower halide-content but ionic conductivity for the Br-argyrodites is almost unchanged. Overall, all Cl/Br-argyrodites Li 6 +xPS 5+x (Cl/Br) 1–x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) with a low halide content exhibit surprisingly high ionic conductivities > 1 mS·cm –1 despite a very low degree of sulfur/halogen anion site disorder. Our findings highlight the importance of attaining a disordered Li-ion sublattice and sulfur/halogen anion site disorder (anionic charge homogeneity) in argyrodites, where Li ions occupy high energy sites and activate concerted ion migration that drives the ionic conductivity.
Noncentrosymmetric magnets usually host intriguing magnetic interactions inherent in the crystal structure with broken inversion symmetry, which can give rise to rich magnetic behaviors. Here, we report herein the high-pressure synthesis, crystal structure, magnetizations, and magnetic structure of a so-called Nowotny chimney ladder compound Cr 4 Ge 7 . Our analysis on the powder neutron diffraction data revises the crystal structure as a noncentrosymmetric space group (P4̅c2, No. 116). It exhibits two magnetic orders within the temperature range of 2–400 K. The first order at ~207 K associated with a small magnetic moment of ~0.75 μ B is assigned to a commensurate ferromagnetic structure with a propagation vector k = (0, 0, 0). The weak itinerant ferromagnet nature should be caused by the complex Cr spin orders from different Wyckoff positions. The second order-like behavior at ~18 K is assumed to arise from a competition between the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya and Heisenberg interactions. The results provide an excellent platform for the study of intricate interactions among various magnetic exchanges as well as for the exploration of high-temperature exotic magnetic properties.
We report on a family of lithium fast ion conductors, Li 3+x [Si x P 1–x ]S 4 , that exhibit an entropically stabilized structure type in a solid solution regime (0.15 < x < 0.33) with superionic conductivity above 1 mS·cm –1 . Exploration of the influence of aliovalent substitution in the thermodynamically unstable β-Li 3 PS 4 lattice using a combination of single crystal X-ray and powder neutron diffraction, the maximum entropy method, and impedance spectroscopy reveals that substitution induces structural splitting of the localized Li sites, effectively stabilizing bulk β-Li 3 PS 4 at room temperature and delocalizing lithium ion density. The optimal material, Li 3.25 [S i0.25 P 0.75 ]S 4 , exhibits inherent entropic site disorder and a frustrated energy landscape, resulting in a high conductivity of 1.22 mS·cm –1 that represents an increase of three orders of magnitude compared to bulk β-Li 3 PS 4 and one order of magnitude higher than the nanoporous form. The enhanced ion conduction and lowered activation barrier with increasing site disorder as a result of aliovalent “tuning” reveals an important strategy toward the design of fast ion conductors that are vital as solid state electrolytes.
In this work, a polycrystalline iridate Li 8 IrO 6 material was prepared via heating Li 2 O and IrO 2 starting materials in a sealed quartz tube at 650 °C for 48 h. The structure was determined from Rietveld refinement of room-temperature powder neutron diffraction data. Li 8 IrO 6 adopts the nonpolar space group $R\bar{3}$ with Li atoms occupying the tetrahedral and octahedral sites, which is supported by the electron diffraction and solid-state 7Li NMR. This results in a crystal structure consisting of LiO 4 tetrahedral layers alternating with mixed IrO 6 and LiO 6 octahedral layers along the crystallographic c -axis. The +4 oxidation state of Ir 4+ was confirmed by near-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy. An in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction study of Li 8 IrO 6 indicates that the sample is stable up to 1000 °C and exhibits no structural transitions. Magnetic measurements suggest long-range antiferromagnetic ordering with a Néel temperature (TN) of 4 K, which is corroborated by heat capacity measurements. The localized effective moment $μ_{\text{eff}}$ (Ir) = 1.73 $μ_{\text{B}}$ and insulating character indicate that Li 8 IrO 6 is a correlated insulator. First-principles calculations support the nonpolar crystal structure and reveal the insulating behavior both in paramagnetic and antiferromagnetic states.
Here, polycrystalline LiMo 8 O 10 was prepared in a sealed Mo crucible at 1380 °C for 48 h using the conventional high-temperature solid-state method. The polar tetragonal crystal structure (space group I4 1 md) is confirmed based on the Rietveld refinement of powder neutron diffraction and 7 Li/ 6 Li solid-state NMR. The crystal structure features infinite chains of Mo 4 O 5 (i.e., Mo 2 Mo 4/2 O 6/2 O 6/3 ) as a repeat unit containing edge-sharing Mo 6 octahedra with strong Mo–Mo metal bonding along the chain. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy of the Mo-L 3 edge is consistent with the formal Mo valence/configuration. Magnetic measurements reveal that LiMo 8 O 10 is paramagnetic down to 1.8 K. Temperature-dependent resistivity [ρ(T)] measurement indicates a semiconducting behavior that can be fitted with Mott’s variable range hopping conduction mechanism in the temperature range of 215 and 45 K. The ρ(T) curve exhibits an exponential increase below 5 K with a large ratio of ρ 1.8 /ρ 300 = 435. LiMo 8 O 10 shows a negative field-dependent magnetoresistance between 2 and 25 K. Heat capacity measurement fitted with the modified Debye model yields the Debye temperature of 365 K.
Functionalities of solid-state materials are usually considered to be dependent on their crystal structures. The limited structural types observed in the emerging high-entropy oxides put constraints on the exploration of their physical properties and potential applications. Herein, we synthesized the first high-entropy oxide in a trirutile structure, (Mn 0.2 Fe 0.2 Co 0.2 Ni 0.2 Cu 0.2 )Ta 1.92 O 6–δ , and investigated its magnetism. The phase purity and high-entropy nature were confirmed by powder Xray diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated divalent Mn, Co, Ni, and Cu along with trivalent Fe. Magnetic property measurements showed antiferromagnetic coupling and potential short-range magnetic ordering below ~4 K. The temperature-dependent heat capacity data measured under zero and high magnetic fields confirmed the lack of long-range magnetic ordering and a possible low-temperature phonon excitation. The discovery of the first trirutile high-entropy oxide opens a new pathway for studying the relationship between the highly disordered atomic arrangement and magnetic interaction. Furthermore, it provides a new direction for exploring the functionalities of highentropy oxides.
We report the stabilization of the metastable body-centered tetragonal (BCT) phase of BaCoO 3 (BCT-BaCoO 3 ) under high-pressure (15 GPa) and hightemperature (1200 °C) conditions using a mixture precursor. This double perovskite adopts the EuTiO 3 -type structure (space group I4/mcm), as confirmed by powder Xray diffraction and high-resolution STEM. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicates a predominant Co 4+ oxidation state without detectable oxygen vacancies. Magnetization and heat capacity measurements reveal ferromagnetic ordering at T C ∼ 107 K, attributable to the BCT-BaCoO 3 phase. Above this temperature, the mixed-phase sample exhibits Curie−Weiss paramagnetism, a low-spin to high-spin crossover upon cooling, and a possible intermediate-spin state at elevated temperatures. Resistivity data indicates insulating behavior with weak magnetoresistance. DFT and DFT + DMFT calculations suggest that the insulating state originates from an orbitally selective transition sensitive to the nominal valence of the Co-d shell. The metastable BCT-BaCoO 3 phase cannot be retained in pure form at ambient pressure but can be stabilized by embedding it in a disordered mixture, offering a potential route to discover and preserve other high-pressure phases under ambient conditions.
2D layered double perovskites of (S-MPA) 4 AgBiI 8 (MPA-AgBiI 8 ) and (S-MPA) 4 CuBiI 8 (MPA-CuBiI 8 ) (S-MPA, S-β-methylphenethylammonium) were synthesized with a hydrothermal method. The crystal structure of MPA-AgBiI 8 was determined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction (scXRD). Powder XRD (pXRD) data suggest that the crystal structure of MPA-CuBiI 8 is more complex than that of MPA-AgBiI 8 . UV-Vis electronic absorption spectra of these perovskites reveal a bandgap of 2.03 eV for both. Short exciton lifetime from time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) results and low PL intensity of the Cu-based perovskite suggest a high density of trap states within the bandgap. Low frequency Raman spectra of both materials show distinct peaks and a slightly higher frequency for the Cu-based perovskite than the Ag-based perovskite. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were conducted to simulate the low frequency Raman spectra and help explain the different phonon modes, which are collective vibrations of metal halide bond bending and stretching within the Ag- and Cu-centered octahedra coupled with MPA libration and twisting within the inorganic layer. The DFT theory also quantified octahedral distortions in the two perovskites. Furthermore, this combined experimental and computational study provides new insights into the low frequency vibrations of 2D perovskites.
Negative thermal expansion (NTE) is an intriguing property for not only fundamental studies but also technological applications. However, few NTE materials are available compared with the huge amount of positive thermal expansion materials. The discovery of new NTE materials remains challenging. In this paper, we report a chemical modification strategy to transform thermal expansion from positive to negative in cubic magnetic compounds of (Zr,Nb)Fe 2 by tuning the magnetic exchange interaction. Furthermore, an isotropic zero thermal expansion can be established in Zr 0.8 Nb 0.2 Fe 2 (α 1 = 1.4 x 10 -6 K -1 , 3-470 K) over a broad temperature range that is even wider than that of the prototype Invar alloy of Fe 0.64 Ni 0.36 . The NTE of (Zr,Nb)Fe 2 is originated from the weakened magnetic exchange interaction and the increased d electrons of Fe by the Nb chemical substitution, so that the magnetovolume effect overwhelms the contribution of anharmonic lattice vibration.
Design principles for solid-state halide-ion conduction remain poorly defined despite the increasing importance of halide ions as charge carriers in a variety of energy storage and electrochemical computing technologies. Here, we employ a siteselective modification strategy in which aliovalent cations are preferentially introduced at the La 3+ crystallographic site of LaOCl in the 2c Wyckoff position, enabling controlled generation of chloride vacancies and modification of lattice dynamics to enhance chloride-ion conductivity. Aliovalent substitution of La 3+ with Mg 2+ , Ca 2+ , and Sr 2+ generates charge-compensating Cl vacancies while preserving the matlockite crystal structure. X-ray excited optical luminescence measurements with Dy 3+ as a reporter chromophore evidence vacancy-derived midgap electronic states and an extended energy range of radiation-less Auger electron emission corresponding to substantial modification of electronic structure and local electrostatic potentials. Ca alloying at 8−10 at. % increases the chloride-ion conductivity by three- to 4 orders of magnitude as compared to unalloyed LaOCl, whereas comparable amounts of Sr- and Mg-alloying in LaOCl imbue less pronounced conductivity enhancements. Temperature-dependent Raman spectroscopy measurements reveal that Ca- and Sr-alloying substantially soften the La−Cl sublattice and yield a more compliant crystal lattice that can deform to accommodate Cl-ion migration. Structure solutions derived from Rietveld refinements to powder Xray diffraction reveal larger O−La−Cl bond-angle deviations and enhanced out-of-plane cation displacements for Ca- and Sr-alloyed compositions as compared to Mg-alloyed LaOCl. Such local distortions enhance chloride-ion mobility by reshaping and flattening vacancy migration energy landscapes and by modulating lattice dynamics governing anion conduction. We further illustrate that coalloying of Ca with Mg and Sr induces a nonmonotonic conductivity−defect stoichiometry relationship that can be rationalized based on cooperative interactions. Together, these results establish site-selective aliovalent alloying of LaOCl as an effective route to halide-ion solid electrolytes and provide broadly generalizable design principles for site-selective modification to induce vacancy formation and lattice softening to engender facile anion transport
Water adsorption in porous materials is important for many applications such as dehumidification, thermal batteries, and delivery of drinking water in remote areas. In this study, we have identified three criteria for achieving high performing porous materials for water adsorption. These criteria deal with condensation pressure of water in the pores, uptake capacity, and recyclability and water stability of the material. In search of an excellently performing porous material, we have studied and compared the water adsorption properties of 23 materials, 20 of which are metal organic frameworks (MOFs). Among the MOFs are 10 zirconium(IV) MOFs with a subset of these, MOF-801-SC (single crystal form), -802, -805, -806, -808, -812, and -841 reported for the first time. MOF-801-P (microcrystalline powder form) was reported earlier and studied here for its water adsorption properties. MOF-812 was only made and structurally characterized but not examined for water adsorption because it is a byproduct of MOF-841 synthesis. All the new zirconium MOFs are made from the Zr6O4(OH)(4)(-CO2)(n) secondary building units (n = 6, 8, 10, or 12) and variously shaped carboxyl organic linkers to make extended porous frameworks. The permanent porosity of all 23 materials was confirmed and their water adsorption measured to reveal that MOF-801-P and MOF-841 are the highest performers based on the three criteria stated above; they are water stable, do not lose capacity after five adsorption/desorption cycles, and are easily regenerated at room temperature. An X-ray single-crystal study and a powder neutron diffraction study reveal the position of the water adsorption sites in MOF-801 and highlight the importance of the intermolecular interaction between adsorbed water molecules within the pores.
In this report, the widespread implementation of H 2 as a fuel is currently hindered by the high pressures or cryogenic temperatures required to achieve reasonable storage densities. In contrast, the realization of materials that strongly and reversibly adsorb hydrogen at ambient temperatures and moderate pressures could transform the transportation sector and expand adoption of fuel cells in other applications. To date, however, no adsorbent has been identified that exhibits a binding enthalpy within the optimal range of -15 to -25 kJ/mol for ambient-temperature hydrogen storage. Here, we report the hydrogen adsorption properties of the metal-organic framework (MOF) V 2 Cl 2.8 (btdd) (H 2 btdd, bis(1 H -1,2,3-triazolo[4,5- b ],[4',5'- i ])dibenzo[1,4]dioxin), which features exposed vanadium(II) sites capable of backbonding with weak π acids. Significantly, gas adsorption data reveal that this material binds H 2 with an enthalpy of -21 kJ/mol. This binding energy enables usable hydrogen capacities that exceed that of compressed storage under the same operating conditions. The Kubas-type vanadium(II)-dihydrogen complexation is characterized by a combination of techniques. From powder neutron diffraction data, a V-D 2 (centroid) distance of 1.966(8) Å is obtained, the shortest yet reported for a MOF. Using in situ infrared spectroscopy, the H-H stretch was identified, and it displays a red shift of 242 cm -1 . Electronic structure calculations show that a main contribution to bonding stems from the interaction between the vanadium d π and H 2 σ* orbital. Ultimately, the pursuit of MOFs containing high densities of weakly π-basic metal sites may enable storage capacities under ambient conditions that far surpass those accessible with compressed gas storage.
Geometrically frustrated systems play an important role in studying new physical phenomena and unconventional thermodynamics. Charge ordered defect pyrochlores AM 2+ M 3+ F 6 offer a convenient platform for probing the interplay between electron distribution over M 2+ and M 3+ sites and structural distortions; however, they are limited to compounds with M 2+/3+ = V, Fe, Ni, and Cu due to difficulties in the simultaneous stabilization of other 3d elements in the +2 and +3 oxidation states. Herein, we employ Cl– anions under hydrothermal conditions for the mild reduction of Mn 2 O 3 in concentrated HF to obtain the CsMn 2+ Mn 3+ F 6 composition as a phase pure sample and study its properties. The magnetism of CsMn 2 F 6 was characterized by measuring the magnetic susceptibility and isothermal magnetization data, and a magnetic transition to a canted antiferromagnet state was found at 24.1 K. We determined the magnetic structure of CsMn 2 F 6 using powder neutron diffraction, which revealed successive long-range ordering of the Mn 2+ and Mn 3+ sites that is accompanied by a second transition. As a result, the role and strength of magnetic exchange interactions were characterized using DFT calculations.
Coordinatively unsaturated metal sites within certain zeolites and metal–organic frameworks can strongly adsorb a wide array of substrates. While many classical examples involve electron-poor metal cations that interact with adsorbates largely through physical interactions, unsaturated electron-rich metal centers housed within porous frameworks can often chemisorb guests amenable to redox activity or covalent bond formation. Despite the promise that materials bearing such sites hold in addressing myriad challenges in gas separations and storage, very few studies have directly interrogated mechanisms of chemisorption at open metal sites within porous frameworks. Here, we show that nondissociative chemisorption of H 2 at the trigonal pyramidal Cu + sites in the metal–organic framework Cu I -MFU- 4 l occurs via the intermediacy of a metastable physisorbed precursor species. In situ powder neutron diffraction experiments enable crystallographic characterization of this intermediate, the first time that this has been accomplished for any material. Evidence for a precursor intermediate is also afforded from temperature-programmed desorption and density functional theory calculations. Here, the activation barrier separating the precursor species from the chemisorbed state is shown to correlate with a change in the Cu + coordination environment that enhances p-backbonding with H 2 . Ultimately, these findings demonstrate that adsorption at framework metal sites does not always follow a concerted pathway and underscore the importance of probing kinetics in the design of next-generation adsorbents.
Spinel oxides are an ideal setting to explore the interplay between configurational entropy, site selectivity, and magnetism in high-entropy oxides (HEOs). In this work, we characterize the magnetic properties of the spinel (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) 3 O 4 and study the evolution of its magnetism as a function of nonmagnetic gallium substitution. Across the range of compositions studied here, from 0 to 40% Ga, magnetic susceptibility and powder neutron diffraction measurements show that ferrimagnetic order is robust in the spinel HEO. However, we also find that the ferrimagnetic order is highly tunable, with the ordering temperature, saturated and sublattice moments, and magnetic hardness all varying significantly as a function of Ga concentration. Through X-ray absorption and magnetic circular dichroism, we are able to correlate this magnetic tunability with strong site selectivity between the various cations and the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the spinel structure. In particular, we find that while Ni and Cr are largely unaffected by the substitution with Ga, the occupancies of Mn, Co, and Fe are each significantly redistributed. Ga substitution also requires an overall reduction in the transition metal valence, and this is entirely accommodated by Mn. Finally, we show that while site selectivity has an overall suppressing effect on the configurational entropy, over a certain range of compositions, Ga substitution yields a striking increase in the configurational entropy and may confer additional stabilization. In conclusion, spinel oxides can be tuned seamlessly from the low-entropy to the high-entropy regime, making this an ideal platform for entropy engineering.