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At least 199 records · Page 11

The ferroelectric phase of CdTiO{sub 3}: A powder neutron diffraction study

The synthesis of bulk samples of polycrystalline CdTiO{sub 3} in both the rhombohedral ilmenite and orthorhombic perovskite forms is described and the structures of these have been refined using powder neutron diffraction data. This involved the preparation of samples enriched in {sup 114}Cd. Cooling perovskite-type CdTiO{sub 3} to 4 K induces a ferroelectric phase transition, with the neutron data suggesting the low temperature structure is in Pna2{sub 1}. Mode analysis shows the polar mode to be dominant at low temperatures. The ilmenite-structure of CdTiO{sub 3} is compared with that of ZnTiO{sub 3}. The refined scattering length of the {sup 114}Cd is estimated to be 5.56 fm. Attempts to dope CdTiO{sub 3} with Ca and Sr are described. - Graphical abstract: The structure of three phases of CdTiO{sub 3} have been refined using high resolution powder neutron diffraction data. This involved the preparation of samples enriched in {sup 114}Cd. Cooling perovskite-type CdTiO{sub 3} to 4 K results in a ferroelectric phase in Pna2{sub 1}. Highlights: > Both the ilmenite and perovskite forms of CdTiO{sub 3} have been prepared using {sup 114}Cd. > Cooling the perovskite form results in a ferroelectric phase. > The structures of these are refined from powder neutron diffraction data. > Attempts to dope CdTiO{sub 3} are described.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Nd ordering, cluster formation, and the origin of negative magnetization in NdMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3+δ

The orthorhombic pseudo-perovskite series NdMn 1-x Fe x O 3+δ has negative magnetization, i.e. magnetization directed opposite to an applied field under certain conditions, for x=0.2 and x=0.25. We have explored the microscopic origin of this phenomenon for x=0.2 by using elastic and inelastic scattering techniques including neutron backscattering, X-ray magnetic circular dichroism at the Mn K and Nd L 2 edges, neutron powder diffraction, and powder inelastic neutron scattering. We find that Nd 3+ ions possess zero field ordered moments of 1.6 μ B per ion at 1.5 K oriented parallel to the Mn moments. Due to the neutron diffraction, there is a freezing of magnetic clusters before the long-range order sets in. The Nd crystal field levels shift with temperature due to a molecular field that is 1.1 meV at 1.5 K. These results are consistent with a magnetic domain/cluster model for the negative magnetization in NdMn 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3+δ .

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetic behaviour of the MTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbates (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba)

Neutron powder diffraction has been performed on the MTbF{sub 6} fluorides (M=Cd, Ca, Sr, ({alpha}/{beta})-Ba). Four of these fluorides (Cd, Ca, Sr, {beta}-Ba) are built of a (pseudo-) tetragonal packing of [TbF{sub 6}]{sup 2-} chains and only differs by the chains relative orientations. Thus this series represents a valuable opportunity to evaluate the Tb{sup 4+}-Tb{sup 4+} magnetic interactions. All the compounds displayed antiferromagnetic order (T{sub N}=2.70 K (Cd), 2.15 K (Ca), 2.60 K (Sr), 2.10 K ({beta}-Ba)), except for the {alpha} form of BaTbF{sub 6}. The crystal structure of this latter fluoroterbate has also been investigated by means of high-resolution neutron powder diffraction. From Neutron Powder Diffraction data, CdTbF{sub 6} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} magnetic structures were determined, together with the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} as a function of an external magnetic field. A tentative phase diagram is then given for {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Advantage was taken of the polymorphism of the BaTbF{sub 6} fluoroterbate to analyse, on the basis of topological parameters such as bond distances and angles, the magnetic behaviour of its {alpha} and {beta} forms. It was shown that superexchange interactions are present in {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}, and that these interactions may also rule the magnetic behaviour of the other MTbF{sub 6} (M=Ca, Sr, Cd) tetravalent terbium fluorides. - Graphical abstract: Powder neutron diffraction revealed magnetic order in four of the five investigated fluoroterbates, while crystal chemical analyses of {alpha} and {beta} forms of BaTbF{sub 6} evidenced the existence of superexchange interactions. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Five fluoroterbates are investigated by Powder Neutron Diffraction (PND). Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Four of them are antiferromagnetically ordered at 1.4 K. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Magnetic structures of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} and CdTbF{sub 6} are determined. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer PND under magnetic field emphasises the metamagnetic behaviour of {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6}. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Comparison of {alpha} and {beta}-BaTbF{sub 6} evidences superexchange interactions in fluoroterbates.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Synthesis and characterizations of two anhydrous metal borophosphates: M{sup III}{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} (M=Fe, In)

Two members of M{sup III}{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} borophosphates, namely Fe{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} and In{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12}, were synthesized by the solid-state method and characterized by the X-ray single crystal diffraction, the powder diffraction and the electron microscopy. They both crystallize in the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)/m (no. 176) and feature 3D architectures, build up of the M{sub 2}O{sub 9} units and B(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} groups via sharing the corners; however, they are not isomorphic for the different crystallographically distinct atomic positions. Optical property measurements of both compounds and magnetic susceptibility measurements of Fe{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} also have been performed. Moreover, in order to gain further insights into the relationship between physical properties and band structure of the M{sup III}{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} borophosphates, theoretical calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) were performed using the total-energy code CASTEP. - Graphical abstract: Two anhydrous metal borophosphates of M{sup III}{sub 2}BP{sub 3}O{sub 12} (M=Fe, In) have been prepared and characterized. They both crystallize in the hexagonal system, space group P6(3)/m (no. 176) and feature 3D architectures build up of the M{sub 2}O{sub 9} units and B(PO{sub 4}){sub 3} groups via sharing the corners, but they are not isomorphic for the different crystallographically distinct atomic positions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The hydrogenation of Dy{sub 5}Pd{sub 2} followed by in situ methods

The hydrogenation behavior of the intermetallic compound Dy{sub 5}Pd{sub 2} was investigated by means of ex situ X-ray powder diffraction, in situ neutron powder diffraction and in situ differential scanning calorimetry. The structural model of Dy{sub 5}Pd{sub 2} with a palladium atom at the 32(e) position x, x, x (x Almost-Equal-To 0.22, 7/8 occupation) and a dysprosium atom at almost the same location (x Almost-Equal-To 0.18, 1/8 occupation) is confirmed. Upon heating the latter approaches x(Pd) and at T=399 K both positional parameters are indistinguishable. Dy{sub 5}Pd{sub 2} does not incorporate hydrogen (deuterium) into its crystal structure, however, starting at T=495 K reacts with hydrogen to non stoichiometric dysprosium dideuteride, DyD{sub 2+x}, following a parabolic rate law. In situ differential scanning calorimetry at various hydrogen pressures up to 2.5 MPa shows strongly exothermic signals, whose temperature onset depend on the gas pressure, corresponding to the formation of a mainly ionic hydride (DyH{sub 2+x}). - Graphical abstract: The hydrogenation of Dy5Pd2 is being followed by in situ neutron diffraction. Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Dy5Pd2 does not form a ternary hydride upon hydrogenation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Dy5Pd2 decomposes to binary hydrides of dysprosium and palladium. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer At T{>=}399 K Dy3 and Pd in the crystal structure of Dy5Pd2 share the same position. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The formation of DyD2+x at T=495 K and p(D2)=2.5 MPa follows a parabolic rate law.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Cationic disorder and Mn{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 4+} charge ordering in the B′ and B″ sites of Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} perovskite: a comparison with Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}WO{sub 9}

We describe the preparation, crystal structure determination, magnetic and transport properties of two novel Mn-containing perovskites, with a different electronic configuration for Mn atoms located in B site. Ca{sub 3}Mn{sup 3+}{sub 2}WO{sub 9} and Ca{sub 3}Mn{sup 3+/4+}{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} were synthesized by standard ceramic procedures; the crystallographic structure was studied from X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD). Both phases exhibit a monoclinic symmetry (S.G.: P2{sub 1}/n); Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}WO{sub 9} presents a long-range ordering over the B sites, whereas Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} is strongly disordered. By “in-situ” NPD, the temperature evolution of the structure study presents an interesting evolution in the octahedral size (〈Mn–O〉) for Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9}, driven by a charge ordering effect between Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} atoms, related to the anomaly observed in the transport measurements at T≈160 K. Both materials present a magnetic order below T{sub C}=30 K and 40 K for W and Nb materials, respectively. The magneto-transport measurements display non-negligible magnetoresistance properties in the paramagnetic regime. - Graphical abstract: Comparison between the octahedron size and the magnetic behaviour for Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} in the temperature region where the charge and magnetic order occur. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Two novel Mn-containing double perovskites were obtained by solid-state reactions. • Both double perovskites are monoclinic (P2{sub 1}/n) determined by XRPD and NPD. • Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}WO{sub 9} contains Mn{sup 3+} while Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} includes mixed-valence cations Mn{sup 3+}/Mn{sup 4+}. • Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9} presents a charge-ordering effect between Mn{sup 3+} and Mn{sup 4+} evidenced by NPD. • The magnetic and transport studies evidenced the charge ordering in Ca{sub 3}Mn{sub 2}NbO{sub 9}.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

New FCC Mg–Zr and Mg–Zr–ti deuterides obtained by reactive milling

Results for binary Mg–Zr and ternary Mg–Zr–Ti mixtures ball milled at room temperature under reactive deuterium atmosphere (5.6–6.7 MPa) are reported. X-ray and neutron powder diffraction combined with Rietveld refinements show that two new cubic phases were formed during milling. Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.60}D{sub 1.78} and Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.26}Ti{sub 0.34}D{sub 1.98} crystallize with disordered face centered cubic metal atom arrangements. Results of differential scanning calorimetry and termogravimetric measurements demonstrate that both deuterides desorb deuterium at lower temperatures than MgD{sub 2}, ZrD{sub 2} or TiD{sub 2}; 528 and 575 K in the Mg–Zr–D and Mg–Zr–Ti–D system, respectively. Interestingly, Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.26}Ti{sub 0.34}D{sub 1.98} stores deuterium reversibly at 673 K and 10 MPa of D{sub 2}. - Graphical abstract: High resolution SR-PXD patterns obtained for Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.60}D{sub 1.78} and first time reported Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.26}Ti{sub 0.34}D{sub 1.98}. - Highlights: • Synthesis and characterization of Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.60}D{sub 1.78} and Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.26}Ti{sub 0.34}D{sub 1.98}. • New deuterides obtained by milling under H{sub 2} gas pressure in the order of a few MPa. • Phases desorb deuterium at temperature lower than corresponding binary deuterides. • Mg{sub 0.40}Zr{sub 0.26}Ti{sub 0.34}D{sub 1.98} stores hydrogen reversibly at 673 K and 10 MPa of D{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Temperature-Dependent Structural Transition in Cu-Intercalated Trigonal CuYbSe 2

Rare-earth delafossites, ARCh 2 ; A = alkali metal, R = rare-earth, Ch = chalcogen which consist of intercalated rare-earth metal dichalcogenides, host frustrated triangular lattices that are fertile ground for exotic phenomena. In most cases, the triangular rare-earth sublattice arises from R-3m (No. 166) structures with three layers of rare-earth metal dichalcogenide octahedra or P6 3 /mmc (No. 194) structures with two such layers, analogous to those found in transition metal dichalcogenides. Substituting the alkali metal with Cu + yields a distinct trigonal crystal symmetry P-3m1 (No. 164) in these structures. This symmetry change alters the coordination environment from ASe 6 octahedra in R-3m AYbSe 2 to CuSe 4 tetrahedra in CuYbSe 2 , resulting in shortened rare-earth to rare-earth separations and significantly reduced interlayer distances. Using X-ray single-crystal diffraction, powder neutron diffraction, resistance, and specific heat measurements, a structural transition slightly below room temperature (258 K) is observed. The low-temperature structure is a lower-symmetry I2/m structure, accompanied by partial Cu-site vacancy ordering. The combination of Cu disorder and the triangular lattice geometry in CuYbSe 2 provides a promising platform for investigating frustrated magnetism and unconventional transport phenomena.

Chemical structure↗

Integrated Nano-Domains of Disordered and Ordered Spinel Phases in LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 for Li-Ion Batteries

Recent calculations and experimental data suggest that understanding the local ordering behavior of Ni/Mn will be critical to optimize the electrochemical properties of LiNi 0.5 Mn 1.5 O 4 (LNMO) high voltage spinel. In this study, we systematically controlled the evolution of Ni and Mn ordering in LNMO samples by annealing them at 700 °C in air for different dwelling times, followed by quenching to room temperature. The long- and short-range ordering behavior of Ni and Mn were analyzed by combining neutron powder diffraction, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) data. The results show that the fraction of ordered phase increases rapidly during initial annealing at 700 °C for 6 h, and accompanied by decreasing amounts of secondary phases. Annealing longer than 6 h led to the growth in size of ordered domains (i.e., increased segregation of ordered and disordered domains) along with a slow increase in the fraction of ordered phase. The dependence of open circuit voltages (OCVs) of the LNMO on the degree of ordering agrees well with recent calculations using the density functional theory. The increase in the degree of ordering increases the open circuit voltage (OCV) and the initial capacity but reduces cycle life and rate capability. The LNMO delivered optimal battery performances (capacity, cycle life, and rate capability) after annealing at 700 °C for 2 h. This partially ordered sample showed the respective advantages from both disordered and ordered spinels: better spinel-phase purity (thus, higher initial capacity) from the ordered LNMO and better cycle life and rate capability from the disordered LNMO.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Synthesis and Structures of Pb[subscript 3]O[subscript 2](CH[subscript 3]COO)[subscript 2]·0.5H[subscript 2]O and Pb[subscript 2]O(HCOO)[subscript 2]: Two Corrosion Products Revisited

Reactions of carboxylic acids with lead play an important role in the atmospheric corrosion of lead and lead-tin alloys. This is of particular concern for the preservation of lead-based cultural objects, including historic lead-tin alloy organ pipes. Two initial corrosion products, Pb{sub 3}O{sub 2}(CH{sub 3}COO){sub 2} {center_dot} 0.5H{sub 2}O (1) and Pb{sub 2}O(HCOO){sub 2} (2), had been identified through powder diffraction fingerprints in the Powder Diffraction File, but their structures had never been determined. We have crystallized both compounds using hydrothermal solution conditions, and structures were determined using laboratory and synchrotron single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Compound 1 crystallizes in P{sub t}, and 2 in Cccm. These compounds may be viewed as inorganic-organic networks containing single and double chains of edge-sharing Pb{sub 4}O tetrahedra and have structural similarities to inorganic basic lead compounds. Bond valence sum analysis has been applied to the hemidirected lead coordination environments in each compound. Atmospheric exposure experiments contribute to understanding of the potential for conversion of these short-term corrosion products to hydrocerussite, Pb{sub 3}(CO{sub 3}){sub 2}(OH){sub 2}, previously identified as a long-term corrosion product on lead-rich objects. Each compound was also characterized by elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA-DSC), and Raman spectroscopy.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

Strong Negative Thermal Expansion in a Low-Cost and Facile Oxide of Cu 2 P 2 O 7

Negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors have been observed in various types of compounds. The achievement in the merits of promising low-cost and facile NTE oxides remains challenging. In the present work, a simple and low-cost Cu 2 P 2 O 7 has been found to exhibit the strongest NTE among the oxides (alpha(v) similar to -27.69 X 10 -6 K -1 , 5-375 K). The complex NTE mechanism has been investigated by the combined methods of high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, X-ray pair distribution function, extended X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations. Interesting, the direct experimental evidence reveals that the coupling twist and rotation of PO 4 and CuO 5 polyhedra are the inherent factors for the NTE nature of Cu 2 P 2 O 7 , which is triggered by the transverse vibrations of oxygen atoms. The present new NTE material of Cu 2 P 2 O 7 also has been verified for the practical application.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Transition from an Antiferromagnetic Ground State to Robust Ferrimagnetic Order with Curie Temperature above 420 K in Manganese-based Antiperovskite-type Structures

Manganese (Mn)-based antiperovskite structures (Mn 3 AX, where A and X represent the 3d transition-metal elements and N or C atoms, respectively) have attracted growing attention because of their novel electronic and magnetic properties. However, the lack of an effective approach to regulate the magnetic coupling in Mn(3)AX crystal structure, particularly in antiferromagnetic ground states, hinders their further design and applications. Herein, robust high-temperature ferrimagnetic order with a Curie temperature (T C ) in the range of approximate to 390-420 K was successfully achieved in Mn 3 GaxNx (x = 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7) via composition-deficient engineering. A systematic investigation, including synchrotron X-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, pair distribution function, X-ray absorption near-edge structure, magnetic characterization, and first-principles calculations, convincingly indicated that the redistribution of partial atoms in the antiferromagnetic ground state was responsible for the observed long-range magnetic order. These results not only provide a new perspective into the design and construction of high-temperature ferrimagnets based on the Mn 3 AX structure, but also open up a promising avenue for the further design of Mn 3 AX-based spintronic or other multifunctional devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Enhancement of magnetoresistance and ferromagnetic coupling in the complex perovskites CaCu{sub 3}(Mn{sub 4−x}Al{sub x})O{sub 12} (x = 0, 0.2, 0.4, and 0.6): A neutron diffraction study

New compounds of the series CaCu{sub 3}(Mn{sub 4−x}Al{sub x})O{sub 12} have been prepared under high pressure conditions (2 GPa), in the presence of KClO{sub 4} as oxidizing agent to stabilize Mn{sup 3+,4+} mixed valence. The polycrystalline samples have been characterized by x-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction (NPD), magnetic, and magnetotransport measurements. All the samples are cubic, space group Im-3. These oxides adopt a superstructure of ABO{sub 3} perovskite given by the long-range 1:3 ordering of Ca{sup 2+} and Cu{sup 2+} ions at the A sublattice. The NPD study for x = 0.4 shows that Al{sup 3+} ions are statistically distributed at the octahedral positions, being the (Mn,Al)O{sub 6} octahedra strongly tilted, with superexchange (Mn,Al)-O-(Mn,Al) angles of 142.1°. Also, neutron data clearly show that some Mn{sup 3+} ions (0.65(2) per formula) are located together with Cu{sup 2+} at the square-planar 6b positions. Regarding the magnetic properties, all the compounds present a spontaneous increase of the magnetization below T{sub C}, typical of ferro-or ferrimagnetic materials, with T{sub C} decreasing upon Al introduction. The magnetic structure determined from low-temperature NPD data unveils a ferromagnetic coupling between (Cu{sup 2+}, Mn{sup 3+}){sub 6b} spins and Mn{sub 8c} spins at octahedral positions; this is in contrast with the ferrimagnetic structure observed for RCu{sub 3}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 12} and CaCu{sub 3}Mn{sub 4}O{sub 12}, where an AFM coupling is observed between both magnetic sublattices. Interestingly, an enhancement of the magnetoresistance effect is observed for x = 0.2, well beyond that found for the parent compound. This effect, in materials subtly doped with non-magnetic elements at the Mn positions, may be of interest for applications.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Magnetic structure and crystal-field states of the pyrochlore antiferromagnet Nd 2 Zr 2 O 7

In this paper, we present synchrotron x-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, and time-of-flight inelastic neutron scattering measurements on the rare earth pyrochlore oxide Nd 2 Zr 2 O 7 to study the ordered state magnetic structure and cystal-field states. The structural characterization by high-resolution synchrotron x-ray diffraction confirms that the pyrochlore structure has no detectable O vacancies or Nd/Zr site mixing. The neutron diffraction reveals long-range all-in/all-out antiferromagnetic order below T N ≈0.4 K with propagation vector k = (0 0 0) and an ordered moment of 1.26(2) μ B /Nd at 0.1 K. The ordered moment is much smaller than the estimated moment of 2.65μ B /Nd for the local <111> Ising ground state of Nd 3+ (J=9/2) suggesting that the ordering is partially suppressed by quantum fluctuations. The inelastic neutron scattering experiment further confirms the Ising anisotropic ground state of Nd 3+ and also reveals its dipolar-octupolar character which possibly induces the quantum fluctuation. Lastly, the crystal-field level scheme and ground state wave function have been determined.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Physical properties of the Ce 2 M Al 7 Ge 4 heavy-fermion compounds ( M = Co , Ir , Ni , Pd )

Here, we report the synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization by means of single-crystal x-ray diffraction, neutron powder diffraction, and magnetic, thermal, and transport measurements of the new heavy-fermion compounds Ce 2 MAl 7 Ge 4 (M=Co,Ir,Ni,Pd). These compounds crystallize in a noncentrosymmetric tetragonal space group P$\bar{4}$2 1 m, consisting of layers of square nets of Ce atoms separated by Ge-Al and M-Al-Ge blocks. Ce 2 CoAl 7 Ge 4 ,Ce 2 IrAl 7 Ge 4 , and Ce 2 NiAl 7 Ge 4 order magnetically below TM=1.8, 1.6, and 0.8 K, respectively. There is no evidence of magnetic ordering in Ce 2 PdAl 7 Ge 4 down to 0.4 K. Furthermore, the small amount of entropy released in the magnetic state of Ce 2 MAl 7 Ge 4 (M = Co, Ir, Ni) and the reduced specific heat jump at T M suggest a strong Kondo interaction in these materials. Ce 2 PdAl 7 Ge 4 shows non-Fermi liquid behavior, possibly due to the presence of a nearby quantum critical point.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Variable Temperature Behaviour of the Hybrid Double Perovskite MA 2 KBiCl 6

Perovskite-related materials show very promising properties in many fields. Pb-free perovskites are particularly interesting, because of the toxicity of Pb. In this study, hybrid double perovskite MA 2 KBiCl 6 (MA = methylammonium cation) was found to have interesting variable temperature behaviours. Both variable temperature single crystal X-ray diffraction, synchrotron powder diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy were conducted to reveal a rhombohedral to cubic phase transition at around 330 K and an order to disorder transition for inorganic cage below 210 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Total-scattering pair-distribution function of organic material from powder electron diffraction data

This paper shows for the first time that pair-distribution function analyses can be carried out on organic and organo-metallic compounds from powder electron diffraction data. Different experimental setups are demonstrated, including selected area electron diffraction (SAED) and nanodiffraction in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or nanodiffraction in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) modes. The methods were demonstrated on organo-metallic complexes (chlorinated and unchlorinated copper-phthalocyanine) and on purely organic compounds (quinacridone). The PDF curves from powder electron diffraction data, called ePDF, are in good agreement with PDF curves determined from X-ray powder data demonstrating that the problems of obtaining kinematical scattering data and avoiding beam-damage of the sample are possible to resolve.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Exploring the Links between Structural Distortions, Orbital Ordering, and Multipolar Magnetic Ordering in Double Perovskites Containing Re(VI) and Os(VII)

A combination of high-resolution powder diffraction techniques and solid-state NMR has been employed to explore the links between crystal structure, orbital ordering, and magnetism in three isostructural double perovskites containing transition metal ions with a 5d 1 configuration. In Ba 2 ZnReO 6 , both neutron and synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data reveal a cubic-to-tetragonal transition at 23 K that breaks the degeneracy of the t 2g orbitals and leads to a pattern of orbital ordering that stabilizes magnetic ordering when the sample is cooled below 16 K. Similar behavior is observed in Ba 2 MgReO 6 , with an orbital ordering temperature of 33 K and a magnetic ordering temperature of 18 K. Prior theoretical works suggest that the pattern of orbital order seen in the P42/mnm space group is needed to stabilize the heavily canted antiferromagnetism of these compounds. Unfortunately, powder diffraction data is not sensitive enough to differentiate between the I4/mmm and P42/mnm structural models, as the distortions are too subtle to be unambiguously identified from either neutron or synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction methods. In contrast, both diffraction and 7 Li NMR data indicate that Ba 2 LiOsO 6 retains the cubic structure down to 1.7 K. The antiferromagnetic ground state and lack of any sign of orbital ordering in Ba 2 LiOsO 6 provide compelling evidence that the electronically driven tetragonal distortion seen in Ba2ZnReO6, and Ba2MgReO6 is intimately linked to the magnetic ordering seen in those compounds. The absence of magnetic reflections in high intensity neutron powder diffraction data collected on Ba 2 MgReO 6 strongly suggests ordering of multipolar moments on Re(VI), likely ferro-octupolar ordering.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗