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DOE OSTI2016

Layered vanadyl (IV) nitroprusside: Magnetic interaction through a network of hydrogen bonds

The hydrogen bond and π-π stacking are two non-covalent interactions able to support cooperative magnetic ordering between paramagnetic centers. This contribution reports the crystal structure and related magnetic properties for VO[Fe(CN){sub 5}NO]·2H{sub 2}O, which has a layered structure. This solid crystallizes with an orthorhombic unit cell, in the Pna2{sub 1} space group, with cell parameters a=14.1804(2), b=10.4935(1), c=7.1722(8) Å and four molecules per unit cell (Z=4). Its crystal structure was solved and refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. Neighboring layers remain linked through a network of hydrogen bonds involving a water molecule coordinated to the axial position for the V atom and the unbridged axial NO and CN ligands. An uncoordinated water molecule is found forming a triple bridge between these last two ligands and the coordinated water molecule. The magnetic measurements, recorded down to 2 K, shows a ferromagnetic interaction between V atoms located at neighboring layers, with a Curie-Weiss constant of 3.14 K. Such ferromagnetic behavior was interpreted as resulting from a superexchange interaction through the network of strong OH····O{sub H2O}, OH····N{sub CN}, and OH····O{sub NO} hydrogen bonds that connects neighboring layers. The interaction within the layer must be of antiferromagnetic nature and it was detected close to 2 K. - Graphical abstract: Coordination environment for the metals in vanadyl (II) nitroprusside dihydrate. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Crystal structure of vanadyl nitroprusside dehydrate. • Network of hydrogen bonds. • Magnetic interactions through a network of hydrogen bonds. • Layered transition metal nitroprussides.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Syntheses, characterization and properties of silver, copper and palladium complexes from bis(oxazoline)-containing ligands

The reactions of 2,6-di(2-oxazolyl)pyridine (L{sup 1}) and 2,6-bis[(S)-4-phenyl-2-oxazolyl]pyridine (L{sup 2}) with silver, copper and palladium salts to yield six new complexes: ([Ag{sub 5}(L{sup 1}){sub 5}](BF{sub 4}){sub 5}){sub n} (1), ([Ag(L{sup 1})](SbF{sub 6})){sub n} (2), [Cu{sub 4}I{sub 4}(L{sup 1}){sub 2}] (3), [Cu{sub 6}I{sub 6}(L{sup 1}){sub 2}] (4), [Pd(L′{sup 1})(OAc)] (5), [Pd(L′{sup 2})Cl] (6), which were fully characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction, IR, elemental and thermogravimetric analyses. 1 and 2 are a pair of Ag-oxazoline helical chain structure complexes. The spiral directions of chains are opposite in 1, while identical in 2; the measurement of CD spectra can further confirm their meso and chiral structures. Complexes 3 and 4 show eight-nuclear and twelve-nuclear iodine–cuprous cluster structure. Their structural diversity is induced by different molar ratios of CuI:L{sup 1}. Complexes 5 and 6 are discrete mononuclear palladium complexes. In situ oxazolyl-ring-opening reactions take place in the syntheses of them and the L{sup 1} and the L{sup 2} were transformed to their oxazolyl-ring opened derivatives L′{sup 1} and L′{sup 2}. Moreover, fluorescence, non-linear optical properties, and ferroelectric properties have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: 2,6-di(2-oxazolyl)pyridine (L{sup 1}) reacts with silver and copper salts to yield helical and cluster structure complexes. - Highlights: • Helical and cluster structure complexes. • In situ oxazolyl-ring-opening reactions. • Fluorescence, non-linear optical properties, and ferroelectric properties.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Magnetic and optical properties of electrospun hollow nanofibers of SnO{sub 2} doped with Ce-ion

Cerium doped SnO{sub 2} hollow nanofibers were synthesized by electrospinning. High resolution scanning electron microscope (HRSEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis showed hollow nanofibers with diameters around ∼200 nm. The optimized substitution of Ce ion into SnO{sub 2} lattices happened above 6 mol. % doping as confirmed by Powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Optical band gap was decreased by the doping confirming the direct energy transfer between f-electrons of rare earth ion and the SnO{sub 2} conduction or valence band. The compound also exhibited room temperature ferromagnetism with the saturation magnetization of 19 × 10{sup −5} emu/g at 6 mol. %. This study demonstrates the Ce doped SnO{sub 2} hollow nanofibers for applications in magneto-optoelectronic devices.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2016

Crystallographic features related to a van der Waals coupling in the layered chalcogenide FePS{sub 3}

We investigated the crystallographic structure of FePS{sub 3} with a layered structure using transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction. We found that FePS{sub 3} forms a rotational twin structure with the common axis along the c*-axis. The high-resolution transmission electron microscopy images revealed that the twin boundaries were positioned at the van der Waals gaps between the layers. The narrow bands of dark contrast were observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images below the antiferromagnetic transition temperature, T{sub N} ≈ 120 K. Low-temperature X-ray diffraction showed a lattice distortion; the a- and b-axes shortened and lengthened, respectively, as the temperature decreased below T{sub N.} We propose that the narrow bands of dark contrast observed in the bright-field transmission electron microscopy images are caused by the directional lattice distortion with respect to each micro-twin variant in the antiferromagnetic phase.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2014

Soft chemical synthesis of Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} with efficient and recyclable visible light photocatalytic properties

Highlights: • Highly crystalline Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} synthesized using soft chemical approach. • First time report of photocatalytic activity of Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3}. • Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} degraded the harmful organic dyes rapidly under visible radiation. • Pseudo first order kinetics have been followed in these sets of reactions. • Up to 90% of Methylene Blue degraded even after 4th cycle of catalyst reuse. • Structure of catalyst is intact after reuse. • As the catalyst is heavy, its separation after use is quite simple. - Abstract: Application of Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3}, obtained by soft chemical approach involving rapid reaction of air stable metal–thiourea complexes in ethylene glycol medium, as visible light photocatalyst for the degradation of dye solutions was investigated. Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} was confirmed by high resolution powder X-ray diffraction pattern and its no defined morphology was present in SEM images. From UV–vis spectroscopy measurements, optical band gap of 1.77 eV was deduced for Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3}. Rapid degradation kinetics and recyclability was exhibited by Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} towards Methylene Blue, Methyl Orange, Malachite Green, and Rhodamine 6G dye solutions under visible radiation. All these processes followed pseudo first order kinetics. High surface area (6.39 m{sup 2}/g), with mesopores (3.81 nm), arising from solvent mediated synthesis of Ag{sub 3}SbS{sub 3} has been correlated to its catalytic activity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

New insights into the structure, chemistry, and properties of Cu 4 SnS 4

The ambient temperature structure of Cu 4 SnS 4 has been revisited and the recently reported low temperature structure has been confirmed from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. A structural phase transition from a large monoclinic unit cell at low temperature to a smaller orthorhombic unit cell at high temperature has been observed. The room temperature phase exhibited disorder in the two copper sites, which is a different finding from earlier reports. The low temperature monoclinic form crystallizes in P2 1 /c space group, which is isostructural with Cu 4 GeS 4 . The phase transition has also been studied with variable temperature powder X-ray diffraction and 119 Sn Mössbauer spectroscopy. The Seebeck coefficients and electrical resistivity of polycrystalline Cu 4 SnS 4 are reported from 16 to 400 K on hot pressed pellets. Thermal conductivity measurements at high temperatures, 350 – 750 K exhibited very low thermal conductivities in the range 0.28 – 0.35 W K –1 m –1 . In all the transport measurements the phase transition has been observed at around 232 K. Resistivity decreases, while Seebeck coefficient increases after the phase transition during warming up from low to high temperatures. This change in resistivity has been correlated with the results of first-principles electronic band structure calculations using highly-accurate screened-exchange local density approximation. It was found that both the low hole effective mass of 0.63 me for the Γ→Y crystallographic direction and small band gap, 0.49 eV, are likely to contribute to the observed higher conductivity of the orthorhombic phase. Cu 4 SnS 4 is also electrochemically active and shows reversible reaction with lithium between 1.7 and 3.5 volts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Thermoelectric properties of CuS/Ag{sub 2}S nanocomposites synthesed by modified polyol method

This is the report on successful synthesis of Ag doped CuS nanostructures by modified polyol method. The resulting samples were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), atomic force microscopy (AFM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Particle size of pure CuS nanoparticles (NPs) was 17 nm, 38 nm and 97 nm as determined from Scherrer formula, AFM and DLS, respectively. Introduction of Ag led to formation of CuS/Ag{sub 2}S composites. A transition at 55 K in thermopower is ascribed to structural transformation from hexagonal to orthorhombic structure. Further, their thermoelectric properties exhibit remarkable change owing to Ag doping in CuS nanostructures. The power factor improves with increasing Ag content. They reveal that CuS/Ag{sub 2}S nanocomposites are some of the potential candidates for generation of thermoelectricity in future.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2014

Crystal structure, oxidation state and magnetism of Sr{sub x}La{sub 2−x}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} (x=1, 1.5)

Sr{sub x}La{sub 2−x}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} (x=1, 1.5) oxides with K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type structure were prepared by solid state reaction and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, magnetic and electrical resistivity measurements. The SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} phase was obtained for the first time with a negligible amount of impurities. The octahedral Cu/RuO{sub 6} units are more elongated in SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} than in Sr{sub 1.5}La{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} indicating a greater extent of static Jahn–Teller distortion. XPS suggests that mixed ion pairs Ru{sup 5+}/Ru{sup 4+}↔Cu{sup +}/Cu{sup 2+} are present in SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4}, while Ru remains as Ru{sup 5+} and Cu as Cu{sup 2+} in Sr{sub 1.5}La{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4}. Both samples show spin-glass behavior, which can be explained by competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic superexchange interactions. The negative Weiss temperature estimated for SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4}, −318 K, is significantly lower than −11.5 K deduced for Sr{sub 1.5}La{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} which may be related to the higher static Jahn–Teller distortion in the former oxide. -- Graphical abstract: SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} with K{sub 2}NiF{sub 4}-type structure show a larger static Jahn–Teller distortion than Sr{sub 1.5}La{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4}, which may be related to stronger antiferromagnetic superexchange interactions. Highlights: • SrLaCu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} (I) larger Jahn–Teller (J–T) distortion than Sr{sub 1.5}La{sub 0.5}Cu{sub 0.5}Ru{sub 0.5}O{sub 4} (II). • Octahedral Cu/RuO{sub 6} units are more elongated in I than in II. • Mixed ion pairs Ru{sup 5+}/Ru{sup 4+}↔Cu{sup +}/Cu{sup 2+} are present in I, while Ru remains as Ru{sup 5+} and Cu as Cu{sup 2+} in II. • Negative Weiss temperature of I significantly lower, consistent with higher J–T distortion.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2014

Structural and optical properties of Ni added ZnO thin films deposited by sol-gel method

Pure and Ni added zinc oxide thin films were prepared by sol-gel method using spin-coating technique on glass substrates. The influences of nickel on ZnO thin films are characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction study. Pure and Ni added thin films are hexagonal wurtzite structure without any secondary phase in c-axis orientation. The SEM images of thin films show uniform sphere like particles covered completely on glass substrates. All the films exhibit transmittance of 85-95% in the visible range up to 800nm and cut-off wavelength observed at 394 nm corresponding to the fundamental absorption of ZnO. The photoluminescence property for pure and Ni added ZnO thin films has been studied and results are presented in detail.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2019

High pO(2) Floating Zone Crystal Growth of the Perovskite Nickelate PrNiO3

Single crystals of PrNiO3 were grown under an oxygen pressure of 295 bar using a unique high-pressure optical-image floating zone furnace. The crystals, with volume in excess of 1 mm(3), were characterized structurally using single crystal and powder X-ray di ff raction. Resistivity, specific heat, and magnetic susceptibility were measured, all of which evidenced an abrupt, first order metal-insulator transition (MIT) at similar to 130 K, in agreement with previous literature reports on polycrystalline specimens. Temperature-dependent single crystal di ff raction was performed to investigate changes through the MIT. Our study demonstrates the opportunity space for high fugacity, reactive environments for single crystal growth specifically of perovskite nickelates but more generally to correlated electron oxides.

floating zone method↗
DOE OSTI2014

Enhanced ferromagnetic properties in Ho and Ni co-doped BiFeO{sub 3} ceramics

The magnetic properties of polycrystalline Bi{sub 1-x}Ho{sub x}Fe{sub 1-y}Ni{sub y}O{sub 3} (x = 0, 0.1; y = 0, 0.03), which were prepared by the solid-state method, have been investigated. The powder X-ray diffraction reveals that all the samples are polycrystalline and show rhombohedral perovskite structure. The micro-Raman scattering studies confirm that Bi{sub 0.9}Ho{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 0.97}Ni{sub 0.03}O{sub 3} has a compressive lattice distortion induced by the simultaneous substitution of Ho and Ni ions at A and B-sites, respectively. From the magnetization dependences at room temperature, Bi{sub 0.9}Ho{sub 0.1}Fe{sub 0.97}Ni{sub 0.03}O{sub 3} has enhanced magnetization (0.2280 emu/g) and low coercive field (280 Oe). It was revealed that the Ni dopant plays an important role for the improved ferromagnetic properties and the Ho dopant favors the magnetic exchange interactions in the co-doped ceramic.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Investigation of magnetic properties and electronic structure of layered-structure borides AlT{sub 2}B{sub 2} (T=Fe, Mn, Cr) and AlFe{sub 2–x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2}

The ternary phases AlT{sub 2}B{sub 2} (T=Fe, Mn, Cr) and quaternary phases AlFe{sub 2–x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2} have been synthesized by arc-melting and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, magnetic measurements, Mössbauer spectroscopy, and electronic band structure calculations. All the compounds adopt the AlFe{sub 2}B{sub 2}-type structure, in which infinite zigzag chains of B atoms are connected by Fe atoms into [Fe{sub 2}B{sub 2}] slabs that alternate with layers of Al atoms along the b axis. The magnetic measurements reveal that AlFe{sub 2}B{sub 2} is a ferromagnet with T{sub C}=282 K while AlMn{sub 2}B{sub 2} and AlCr{sub 2}B{sub 2} do not show magnetic ordering in the studied temperature range of 1.8–400 K. A systematic investigation of solid solutions AlFe{sub 2−x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2} showed a non-linear change in the structural and magnetic behavior. The ferromagnetic ordering temperature is gradually decreased as the Mn content (x) increases. The Mössbauer spectra reveal the presence of non-magnetic (NM) and ferromagnetic (FM) spectral components in all Mn-containing samples, with the amount of NM fraction increasing as the Mn content increases. While for the AlFe{sub 2−x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2} samples with x=0.0 and 0.4 the hyperfine splitting of the FM spectral component collapses at temperatures close to the Curie temperatures determined from the magnetic measurements, for the x=1.2 and 1.6 samples the FM fraction exhibits a sizable unquenched hyperfine splitting at room temperature, a finding that is inconsistent with the observed magnetic properties. Along with the increase in the amount of the NM fraction, this observation suggests formation of Fe-rich and Mn-rich regions in the structure of the solid solutions. Quantum-chemical calculations and crystal orbital Hamilton population analysis provide a clear explanation of the distinction in properties for this series of compounds and also reveal the importance of electronic factors in modifying the magnetic properties of these materials. - Graphical abstract: We follow a gradual evolution of magnetic properties in a series of ternary borides AlT{sub 2}B{sub 2}, from non-magnetic AlCr{sub 2}B{sub 2} and AlMn{sub 2}B{sub 2} to ferromagnetic AlFe{sub 2}B{sub 2}. - Highlights: • AlT{sub 2}B{sub 2} (T=Fe, Mn, Cr) and AlFe{sub 2−x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2} were prepared by arc‐melting. • Bulk ferromagnetism of AlFe{sub 2}B{sub 2} is gradually suppressed by the introduction of Mn. • AlMn{sub 2}B{sub 2} and AlCr{sub 2}B{sub 2} do not exhibit magnetic ordering. • Nonmagnetic (Mn‐rich) and ferromagnetic (Fe‐rich) clustering in AlFe{sub 2–x}Mn{sub x}B{sub 2}. • Ferromagnetism is suppressed due to weakening of antibonding T–T interactions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Insights on carbon dioxide adsorption in a flexible 1-D coordination polymer from in situ X-ray scattering and density functional theory

A combination of in situ small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) microstructure characterization over scales ranging from 1 nm to 10 µm and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) structure characterization under various gas/pressure/temperature conditions with density functional theory (DFT) calculations provides new insights for the CO2 sorption behavior of a one-dimensional porous coordination polymer: catena-bis­(di­benzoyl­methanato)(4,4′-bi­pyridyl)­nickel(II), denoted NiDBM-Bpy. The NiDBM-Bpy chains are held together by van der Waals forces, but the structure of guest-free NiDBM-Bpy is unsolved due to a lack of suitable crystals and high-quality powder XRD patterns. Nevertheless, SAXS and powder XRD can follow microstructural and structural changes as a function of gas pressure, composition and temperature. Both mixed-gas flow and static supercritical CO2 regimes are explored experimentally. DFT calculations are used to model the structural variation associated with XRD changes and hysteresis in the sorption isotherms. XRD and DFT calculations suggest that an orthorhombic Fddd structure with two CO2 per Ni emerges following a transition from the structure with lower molar volume and symmetry that exists without CO2 present.

Allen, Andrew J.↗
DOE OSTI2016

Magnetic and magneto elastic properties of cobalt ferrite ceramic compacted through cold isostatic pressing

Nano crystalline CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was prepared by combustion synthesis method. As synthesized powder was calcined at an appropriate condition to remove the impurities and to promote phase formation. Phase pure CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} powder was pressed into cylindrical rod at an applied pressure of 200 MPa using a cold isostatic pressing. Sintering of the green compact at 1350°c for 12 hrs resulted in sintered cylindrical rod with ~85% of the theoretical density. Single phase cubic spinel structure was observed in the powder x-ray diffraction pattern of the sintered pellet. Scanning electron micrographs (SEM) of the as sintered pellet revealed the microstructure to be composed of ferrite grains of average size ~4 µm. Saturation magnetization of 72 emu/g and coercivity of 355 Oe were observed for cobalt ferrite sample. The magnetostriction was measured on a circular disc (12 mm diameter and 12 mm length) with the strain gauge (350 Ω) mounted on the flat surface of the circular disc. Magnetostriciton of 180 ppm and strain derivative of 1 × 10{sup −9} m/A were observed for the sintered CoFe{sub 2}O{sub 4} sample.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2015

Quaternary rare-earth arsenides REAg{sub 1−x}Zn{sub y}As{sub 2} (RE=La–Nd, Sm, Gd–Dy) with tetragonal SrZnBi{sub 2}- and HfCuSi{sub 2}-type structures

Reactions of the elements at 800 °C with the nominal compositions REAg{sub 1−x}Zn{sub x}As{sub 2} resulted in quaternary arsenides REAg{sub 1−x}Zn{sub y}As{sub 2} in which the combined Ag and Zn content deviates increasingly from unity in the Zn-richer phases, reflecting the transition from the fully stoichiometric ternary silver-containing arsenides REAgAs{sub 2} to the substoichiometric zinc-containing ones REZn{sub 0.67}As{sub 2}. Powder X-ray diffraction analysis indicated SrZnBi{sub 2}-type (space group I4/mmm, Z=4; RE=La, Ce) and HfCuSi{sub 2}-type structures (space group P4/nmm, Z=2; RE=Pr, Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb, Dy). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis performed on LaAg{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}As{sub 2}, PrAg{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}As{sub 2}, and NdAg{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}As{sub 2} indicated that the Ag and Zn atoms are disordered within metal-centred tetrahedra and provided no evidence for distortion of the square As nets. The small electron excess tolerated in these quaternary arsenides and the absence of distortion in the square nets can be traced to the occurrence of As–As states that are only weakly antibonding near the Fermi level. PrAg{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}As{sub 2} and NdAg{sub 0.5}Zn{sub 0.5}As{sub 2} are paramagnetic with effective magnetic moments consistent with trivalent RE species. - Graphical abstract: On proceeding from fully stoichiometric REAgAs{sub 2} to substoichiometric REZn{sub 0.67}As{sub 2}, deficiencies in Zn content become increasingly prominent in quaternary arsenides REAg{sub 1−x}Zn{sub y}As{sub 2}. - Highlights: • Ag and Zn atoms are disordered within quaternary arsenides REAg{sub 1−x}Zn{sub y}As{sub 2}. • In Zn-richer phases, Zn deficiencies develop to counteract electron excess. • Distortions of square As net appear to be suppressed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Novel heteroleptic lanthanide organic frameworks containing pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid and in situ generated piperazine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid from piperazine: Hydrothermal synthesis and luminescent properties

Two novel 3D lanthanide metal-organic frameworks [Ln(pydc)(pip){sub 1/2}(H{sub 2}O] (Ln=Ce (1) and Pr (2), H{sub 2}pydc=2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid, H{sub 2}pip=2,5-piperazinedicarboxylic acid have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), powder X-ray diffractions (PXRD), and single-crystal X-ray diffractions. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) was used for morphological analysis. Complexes are isostructural and feature interesting 3D frameworks. Both compounds crystallize in the monoclinic system, space group P2{sub 1}/c. Structural analyses of 1 and 2 show that Ln{sup 3+} ions connect with each other through H{sub 2}pydc and H{sub 2}pip. To the best of our knowledge, they are the first heteroleptic lanthanide polymers obtained through in situ 2,5-piperazinedicarboxylic acid syntheses. Moreover, thermal and luminescent properties of the compounds have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: Two novel 3D lanthanide metal-organic frameworks have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Luminescent properties of the compounds in different temperatures have been also investigated. - Highlights: • New cerium and praseodymium coordination polymers based on N-O-bifunctional ligands have been synthesized In situ hydrothermal decarboxylation. • 2,5-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and piperazine were used as ligands. • In situ hydrothermal decarboxylation and formation of ligands were observed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Effect of aluminium doping on structural and optical properties of ZnO thin films by sol-gel method

We systematically investigated the structural, morphological and optical properties of 0.05 mol % Al doped ZnO (Al:ZnO) thin films deposited on glass substrates by sol-gel spin coating method. The influences of Al doping in ZnO thin films are characterized by Powder X-ray diffraction study. ZnO and Al:ZnO thin films have showed hexagonal wurtzite structure without any secondary phase in c-axis (002) orientation. The SEM images also proved the hexagonal rod like morphologies for both films. All the films exhibited transmittance of 70-80% in the visible range up to 800 nm and cut-off wavelength observed at ∼390 nm corresponding to the fundamental absorption of ZnO. The band gap of the ZnO thin films slightly widened with the Al doping. The photoluminescence properties have been studied for Al: ZnO thin films and the results are presented in detail.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2016

Tuning the charge carrier density in the thermoelectric colusite

The colusite Cu{sub 26}V{sub 2}Sn{sub 6}S{sub 32} has high potential as a thermoelectric material at medium-high temperatures because of a large Seebeck coefficient (S ≃ 220 μV/K) and rather small electrical resistivity (ρ ≃ 100 μΩm) at 660 K. To improve the thermoelectric performance, we have tuned the hole carrier density p by substituting Zn for Cu in Cu{sub 26−x}Zn{sub x}V{sub 2}Sn{sub 6}S{sub 32} (x = 1–3) and starting with Cu and Sn deficient compositions in Cu{sub 26−y}V{sub 2}Sn{sub 6}S{sub 32} (y = 1, 2) and Cu{sub 26}V{sub 2}Sn{sub 6−z}S{sub 32} (z = 0.25–1), respectively. Powder x-ray diffraction and electron-probe microanalysis showed that the Zn-substituted samples and Sn-deficient (z ≥ 0.5) samples are formed in a single phase, whereas the Cu{sub 26−y}V{sub 2}Sn{sub 6}S{sub 32} samples are composed of two phases with slightly different compositions. Within these samples, the value of p at 300 K varies in the range between 3.6 × 10{sup 20} and 2.8 × 10{sup 21 }cm{sup −3}. The relation between p and S led to the effective mass m* of 4–7m{sub 0} for the hole carriers. The large S of the colusite is therefore ascribed to the heavy mass carriers of the valence band top. The decreases in p with x and y reduced the dimensionless thermoelectric figure of merit ZT, whereas the increase in p with z raised ZT from 0.56 (z = 0) to 0.62 (z = 0.5) at 660 K.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗