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At least 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

New insights into the application of the valence rules in Zintl phases—Crystal and electronic structures of Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}P{sub 9}, Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}As{sub 9}, Ba{sub 7}Al{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, Ba{sub 6}CaAl{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, and Ba{sub 6}CaGa{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}

Crystals of three new ternary pnictides—Ba{sub 7}Al{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}P{sub 9}, and Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}As{sub 9} have been prepared by reactions of the respective elements in molten Al or Pb fluxes. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that the three phases are isotypic, crystallizing in the orthorhombic Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}-type structure (space group Pmmn, Pearson symbol oP40, Z=2), for which only the prototype is known. The structure is based on TrPn{sub 4} tetrahedra (Tr=Al, Ga; Pn=P, As, Sb), connected in an intricate scheme into 1D-ribbons. Long interchain Pn–Pn bonds (d{sub P–P}>3.0 Å; d{sub As–As}>3.1 Å; d{sub Sb–Sb}>3.3 Å) account for the realization of 2D-layers, separated by Ba{sup 2+} cations. Applying the classic valance rules to rationalize the bonding apparently fails, and Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} has long been known as a metallic Zintl phase. Earlier theoretical calculations, both empirical and ab-initio, suggest that the possible metallic properties originate from filled anti-bonding Pn–Pn states, and the special roles of the “cations” in this crystal structure. To experimentally probe this hypothesis, we sought to synthesize the ordered quaternary phases Ba{sub 6}CaTr{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} (Tr=Al, Ga). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction work confirms Ba{sub 6.145(3)}Ca{sub 0.855}Al{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} and Ba{sub 6.235(3)}Ca{sub 0.765}Ga{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, with Ca atoms preferably substituting Ba on one of the three available sites. The nuances of the five crystal structures are discussed, and the chemical bonding in Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}As{sub 9} is interrogated by tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital calculations. - Graphical abstract: The new Zintl phases—Ba{sub 7}Al{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}P{sub 9}, and Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}As{sub 9}, and their quaternary variants Ba{sub 6}CaTr{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} (Tr=Al, Ga)—crystallize in the Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} structure type. The structures are based on TrPn{sub 4} tetrahedra (a perspective of the crystal structure is shown, as viewed along the c axis). - Highlights: • Ba{sub 7}Al{sub 4}Sb{sub 9}, Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}P{sub 9}, and Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}As{sub 9} are new compounds in the respective phase diagrams. • The quaternary phases Ba{sub 6}CaTr{sub 4}Sb{sub 9} (Tr=Al, Ga) show nearly ordered Ba/Ca distribution. • Very weak Pn–Pn bonds and pairing distortion are observed for Ba{sub 7}Ga{sub 4}Pn{sub 9} (Pn=P, As).

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

Structure, stability, and photoluminescence in the anti-perovskites Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F (0≤x≤1)

Single-phase ordered oxyfluorides Na{sub 3}WO{sub 4}F, Na{sub 3}MoO{sub 4}F and their mixed members Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F can be prepared via facile solid state reaction of Na{sub 2}MO{sub 4}·2H{sub 2}O (M=W, Mo) and NaF. Phases produced from incongruent melts are metastable, but lower temperatures allow for a facile one-step synthesis. In polycrystalline samples of Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F, the presence of Mo stabilizes the structure against decomposition to spinel phases. Photoluminescence studies show that upon excitation with λ=254 nm and λ=365 nm, Na{sub 3}WO{sub 4}F and Na{sub 3}MoO{sub 4}F exhibit broad emission maxima centered around 485 nm. These materials constitute new members of the family of self-activating ordered oxyfluoride phosphors with anti-perovskite structures which are amenable to doping with emitters such as Eu{sup 3+}. - Graphical abstract: Directed synthesis of the ordered oxyfluorides Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F (0≤x≤1) has shown that a complete solid solution is attainable and provides the first example of photoluminescence in these materials. - Highlights: • Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F is a complete solid solution with hexagonal anti-perovskite structure. • The presence of even small amounts of Mo stabilizes the structure against decomposition. • Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F has broad emissions centered ≈485 nm (λ{sub ex}=254 nm and λ{sub ex}=365 nm). • These materials constitute a new family of self-activated oxyfluoride phosphors. • Na{sub 3}W{sub 1−x}Mo{sub x}O{sub 4}F materials are amenable to doping with emitters such as Eu{sup 3+}.

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

Synthesis and crystal structure of Ba{sub 26}B{sub 12}Si{sub 5}N{sub 27} containing [Si{sub 2}] dumbbells

Black, metallic luster, platelet single crystals of Ba{sub 26}B{sub 12}Si{sub 5}N{sub 27} were grown on a BN crucible wall by slowly cooling from 900 °C to 27 °C. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that Ba{sub 26}B{sub 12}Si{sub 5}N{sub 27} crystallizes in an orthorhombic cell (a=17.6942(4) Å, b=34.1437(6) Å, c=10.0410(2) Å; space group Fdd2). Isolated nitridoborate anionic groups [BN{sub 2}]{sup 3–}, dumbbell-type Zintl polyanions [Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–}, and nitride anions N{sup 3–} are included in the structure. The structural formula is represented as (Ba{sup 2+}){sub 26}([BN{sub 2}]{sup 3–}){sub 12}[([Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–}){sub 1.25}(N{sup 3–}){sub 2×0.75}]{sub 2}. The [Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–} dumbbell with a Si–Si length of 2.177(5) Å has a bond order of 2.6, which is close to the triple bond of Si. - Graphical abstract: Single crystals of Ba{sub 26}B{sub 12}Si{sub 5}N{sub 27} grown by slow cooling from 900 °C have an orthorhombic crystal structure with space group Fdd2, containing nitridoborate anionic groups [BN{sub 2}]{sup 3–}, dumbbell-type Zintl polyanions [Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–}, and nitride anions N{sup 3–}. - Highlights: • A novel compound, Ba{sub 26}B{sub 12}Si{sub 5}N{sub 27}, was synthesized by slow cooling from 900 °C. • Single crystal X-ray diffraction clarified a new crystal structure. • Anionic groups [BN{sub 2}]{sup 3–} and dumbbell-type Zintl polyanions [Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–} are contained. • The [Si{sub 2}]{sup 2.8–} dumbbell has a bond order of 2.6, which is close to the triple bond.

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

Crystal growth and electronic structure of low-temperature phase SrMgF{sub 4}

Using the vertical Bridgman method, the single crystal of low temperature phase SrMgF{sub 4} is obtained. The crystal is in a very good optical quality with the size of 10×7×5 mm{sup 3}. Detailed photoemission spectra of the element core levels are determined by a monochromatic AlKa (1486.6 eV) X-ray source. Moreover, the first-principles calculations are performed to investigate the electronic structure of SrMgF{sub 4}. A good agreement between experimental and calculated results is achieved. It is demonstrated that almost all the electronic orbitals are strongly localized and the hybridization with the others is very small, but the Mg–F bonds covalency is relatively stronger than that of Sr–F bonds. - Graphical abstract: Large size of low-temperature phase SrMgF{sub 4} crystal was obtained (right) and its electronic structure was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and first-principles calculation (left). - Highlights: • Large size single crystal of low-temperature phase SrMgF{sub 4} is obtained. • Electronic structure of SrMgF{sub 4} is measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. • Partial densities of states are determined by first-principles calculation. • Good agreement between experimental and calculated results is achieved. • Strong ionic characteristics of chemical bonds are exhibited in SrMgF{sub 4}.

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

Crystal and electronic structures of two new iron selenides: Ba{sub 4}Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 10} and BaFe{sub 2}Se{sub 4}

The new ternary selenides, Ba{sub 4}Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 10} and BaFe{sub 2}Se{sub 4,} were synthesized from a reaction of appropriate amounts of elements at high temperature in a silica sealed tube, and their structures were resolved using X-ray single crystal diffraction. BaFe{sub 2}Se{sub 4} crystallizes in the tetragonal space group I4/m with a=8.008(9) Å and c=5.483(3) Å as cell parameters. It is a new compound with a structure isotypical to the sulfide BaFe{sub 2}S{sub 4} which belongs to the infinitely adaptive structures series Ba{sub 1+x}Fe{sub 2}S{sub 4}. The second compound, Ba{sub 4}Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 10}, crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P2{sub 1}/n with a=8.8593(1) Å, b=8.8073(1) Å, c=12.2724(1) Å and β=109.037(6)° as cell parameters. It exhibits an original structure with a new type of iron selenide polyhedra. These data were consistent with the powder X-ray diffraction and TEM analyses. Their electronic structures point towards metallicity and electronic correlations for both selenides. - Graphical abstract: Experimental [010] oriented ED pattern and corresponding HREM image of Ba{sub 4}Fe{sub 3}Se{sub 10}. Image calculated with a focus and thickness to 15nm and 8 nm respectively is inserted. Bright contrasts are correlated to Se rows belonging to FeSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sup 2−}–FeSe{sub 6}–FeSe{sub 3}(Se{sub 2}){sup 2−} trimers. The corresponding structure projection is also shown. - Highlights: • Two new barium iron selenide compounds. • An original structure type Ba4Fe3Se10. • Electronic structure calculations.

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

Order–disorder phase transition in the antiperovskite-type structure of synthetic kogarkoite, Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F

High-temperature phase transition of synthetic kogarkoite, Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F, has been studied by high-temperature X-ray powder and single-crystal diffraction. The temperature of the phase transition can be estimated as 112.5±12.5 °C. The low-temperature phase, α-Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F, at 293 K, is monoclinic, P2{sub 1}/m, a=18.065(3), b=6.958(1), c=11.446(1) Å, β=107.711(1)°, Z=12. The structure contains thirteen symmetrically independent Na sites with coordination numbers varying from 6 to 8, and six independent S sites. The high-temperature β-phase at 423 K is rhombohedral, R-3m, a=6.94(1), c=24.58(4) Å, Z=9. The crystal structure of both polymorphs of Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F can be described as a 9R antiperovskite polytype based upon triplets of face-sharing [FNa{sub 6}] octahedra linked into a three-dimensional framework by sharing corners. In the α-modification, the SO{sub 4} tetrahedra are completely ordered and located in the framework cavities. In the β-modification, there are only two symmetrically independent Na atoms in the structure. The main difference between the structures of the α- and β-phases is the degree of ordering of the SO{sub 4} tetrahedra: in the α-modification, they are completely ordered, whereas, in the β-modification, the complete disorder is observed, which is manifested in a number of low-occupied O sites around fully occupied S sites. The phase transition is therefore has an order–disorder character and is associated with the decrease of structural complexity measured as an information content per unit cell [577.528 bits for the low- (α) and 154.830 bits for the high- (β) temperature modifications]. - Graphical abstract: High-temperature phase transition of synthetic kogarkoite, Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F, revealed the existence of the monoclinic-to-rhombohedral phase transition at 112.5±12.5 °C. The phase transition has an order–disorder character and is associated with the decrease of structural complexity. - Highlights: • Phase transition in Na{sub 3}SO{sub 4}F (kogarkoite) has an order–disorder character. • Antiperovskite framework of F-centered octahedra has a high stability. • Information-based structural complexity decreases across the phase transition.

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

High-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal synthesis, characterization, and structural relationships of mixed-alkali metals uranyl silicates

Three mixed-alkali metals uranyl silicates, Na{sub 3}K{sub 3}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7}){sub 2}]·2H{sub 2}O (1), Na{sub 3}Rb{sub 3}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(Si{sub 2}O{sub 7}){sub 2}] (2), and Na{sub 6}Rb{sub 4}[(UO{sub 2}){sub 4}Si{sub 12}O{sub 33}] (3), have been synthesized by high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal reactions at 550 °C and 1440 bar, and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, photoluminescence, and thermogravimetric analysis. Compound 1 and 2 are isostructural and contain layers of uranyl disilicate. The smaller cation, Na{sup +}, is located in the intralayer channels, whereas the larger cations, K{sup +} and Rb{sup +}, and water molecule are located in the interlayer region. The absence of lattice water in 2 can be understood according to the valence-matching principle. The structure is related to that of a previously reported mixed-valence uranium(V,VI) silicate. Compound 3 adopts a 3D framework structure and contains a unique unbranched dreier fourfold silicate chain with the structural formula {uB,4"1_∞}[{sup 3}Si{sub 12}O{sub 33}] formed of Q{sup 2}, Q{sup 3}, and Q{sup 4} Si. The connectivity of the Si atoms in the Si{sub 12}O{sub 33}{sup 18−} anion can be interpreted on the basis of Zintl–Klemm concept. Crystal data for compound 1: triclinic, P-1, a=5.7981(2) Å, b=7.5875(3) Å, c=12.8068(5) Å, α=103.593(2)°, β=102.879(2)°, γ=90.064(2)°, V=533.00(3) Å{sup 3}, Z=1, R1=0.0278; compound 2: triclinic, P-1, a=5.7993(3) Å, b=7.5745(3) Å, c=12.9369(6) Å, α=78.265(2)°, β=79.137(2)°, γ=89.936(2)°, V=546.02(4) Å{sup 3}, Z=1, R1=0.0287; compound 3: monoclinic, C2/m, a=23.748(1) Å, b=7.3301(3) Å, c=15.2556(7) Å, β=129.116(2)°, V=2060.4(2) Å{sup 3}, Z=2, R1=0.0304. - Graphical abstract: Three mixed-alkali metals uranyl silicates were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions at 550 °C and 1400 bar and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Two of them have a layer structure with the alkali metal cations within and between the layers. The third one adopts a 3D framework structure and contains a unique unbranched dreier fourfold silicate chain formed of Q{sup 2}, Q{sup 3}, and Q{sup 4} Si. - Highlights: • Three new mixed-alkali metals uranyl silicates were synthesized by high-T, high-P hydrothermal method and structurally. • Two compounds adopt a layer structure and the third one has a 3D framework structure. • The 3D framework structure contains a unique unbranched dreier fourfold silicate chain formed of Q{sup 2}, Q{sup 3}, and Q{sup 4} Si.

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

Hydrothermal synthesis of single crystals of transition metal vanadates in the glaserite phase

A series of transition metal vanadate crystals were prepared using a high temperature (580 °C) hydrothermal method. The compounds all had the general formula A{sub 2}AEM(VO{sub 4}){sub 2} (A=K, Na, Li; AE=Ba, Sr; M=Co, Fe, Mn). They are all variations of the glaserite structural type and range in symmetry from P-3m1 to P-3 to P2{sub 1}/c. Most of the derivatives contain a planar three-fold rotation operation, making them possible spin frustration candidates. Single crystal structural analyses were performed on many of the derivatives to obtain a detailed understanding of the distortions of the tetrahedral building blocks that accommodate the symmetry distortions. A hydrothermal growth method was developed to grow high quality single crystals of sizes up to 2–3 mm/edge. This method can be generalized for large crystal growth to enable magnetic and neutron diffraction studies that require relatively large single crystals. - Highlights: • The hydrothermal synthesis of glaserite-type vanadates is demonstrated. • Synthesis from stoichiometric component reactions yields 0.2–0.5 mm size crystals. • Hydrothermal recrystallization of glaserite powder yields 2–3 mm size crystals. • The structure varies according to the alkali and alkaline earth metals selected. • Ideal (P-3m1) and distorted (P-3 and P2{sub 1}/c) glaserite structures are observed.

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

Crystal growth methods dedicated to low solubility actinide oxalates

Two novel crystal growth syntheses dedicated to low solubility actinide-oxalate systems and adapted to glove box handling are described. These methods based on the use of precursors of either actinide metal or oxalic acid have been optimized on lanthanide systems (analogue of actinides(III)) and then assessed on real actinide systems. They allow the synthesis of several actinide oxalate single crystals, Am{sub 2}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 3}(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}·xH{sub 2}O, Th(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 2}·6H{sub 2}O, M{sub 2+x}[Pu{sup IV}{sub 2−x}Pu{sup III}{sub x}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 5}]·nH{sub 2}O and M{sub 1−x}[Pu{sup III}{sub 1−x}Pu{sup IV}{sub x}(C{sub 2}O{sub 4}){sub 2}·H{sub 2}O]·nH{sub 2}O. It is the first time that these well-known compounds are formed by crystal growth methods, thus enabling direct structural studies on transuranic element systems and acquisition of basic data beyond deductions from isomorphic (or not) lanthanide compounds. Characterizations by X-ray diffraction, UV–visible solid spectroscopy, demonstrate the potentialities of these two crystal growth methods to obtain oxalate compounds. - Graphical abstract: Two new single crystal growth methods dedicated to actinide oxalate compounds. - Highlights: • Use of diester as oxalate precursor for crystal growth of actinide oxalates. • Use of actinide oxide as precursor for crystal growth of actinide oxalates. • Crystal growth of Pu(III) and Am(III) oxalates. • Crystal growth of mixed Pu(III)/Pu(IV) oxalates.

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

Ce{sub 11}Ge{sub 3.73(2)}In{sub 6.27}: Solid-state synthesis, crystal structure and site-preference

A novel intermetallic compound of Ce{sub 11}Ge{sub 3.73(2)}In{sub 6.27} has been synthesized through the high-temperature solid-state reaction using Nb-ampoules. A batch of well grown block-/short bar-shaped single-crystals has been obtained, and the crystal structure of the title compound has been characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses. Ce{sub 11}Ge{sub 3.73(2)}In{sub 6.27} adopts the Ho{sub 11}Ge{sub 10}-type structure belonging to the tetragonal space group I4/mmm (Z=4, Pearson symbol tI84) with nine crystallographically unique atomic positions in the asymmetric unit. The lattice parameters are a=12.0163(1) Å and c=16.5396(2) Å. The overall crystal structure can simply be depicted as an assembly of three different types of co-facial cationic polyhedra centered by anions, which is further enclosed by the three-dimensional (3-D) cage-like anionic framework. The extra amount of In is observed in one of three isolated anionic sites resulting in introducing the Ge/In-mixed site at the Wyckoff 4e site. This unique site-preference of In substitution for Ge at the 4e site has been enlightened via the atomic size-aspect which was fully supported and rationalized by the site- and bond-energies analyses using tight-binding linear muffin-tin orbital (TB-LMTO) calculations. Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), density of states (DOS), crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP), and electron localization function (ELF) analyses for the title compound are also presented. Magnetic susceptibility measurement proves that an antiferromagnetic ordering of Ce atoms at a low temperature with a paramagnetic Curie temperature of −23.2 K. - Graphical abstract: Reported is experimental and theoretical investigations for Ce{sub 11}Ge{sub 3.73(2)}In{sub 6.27}, which is the first reported example having the extra amounts of In substitution for Ge at one of three “isolated” anionic sites in the Ho{sub 11}Ge{sub 10}-type phase. The observed In site-preference toward the particular anionic site was rationalized via the atomic size-aspect supported by comprehensive analyses for the site-energies including the Wyckoff 4e and 8j sites. - Highlights: • Block or short-bar shaped single-crystals of Ce{sub 11}Ge{sub 3.73(2)}In{sub 6.27} were synthesized. • The first example of having the In/Ge mixture at the “isolated” anionic site. • The site-preference of In was rationalized by the site- and bond-energies.

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

Coordination polymers assembled from semirigid fluorene-based ligand: A couple of enantiomers

A couple of Mg(II)-based coordination polymer enantiomers [MgL(DMF)(H{sub 2}O){sub 3}]{sub n} (R-MgL and S-MgL), and a Zn(II)-based coordination polymer [ZnL(DMF)]{sub n} (ZnL) have been synthesized by the solvothermal reactions between the achiral ligand 4,4′-(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)dibenzoic acid (H{sub 2}L) and the corresponding metal salts. The MgL was obtained as the racemic conglomerate from the one pot reaction. The single crystal X-ray structural analyses reveal that MgL crystallize in the chiral space group P2{sub 1} and possesses the right- or left-handed homochiral 1D Mg–O–C helical chain. The ZnL crystallize in the non-centrosymmetrical space group Aba2 and possesses the 2D network comprised of 1D Zn–O–C meso-helical chains and ligands. The MgL and ZnL complexes exhibit strong coordination-perturbed ligand-centered blue emissions when excited at 320 nm. Their second-order nonlinear optical effects and thermal properties have also been studied. - Highlights: • A couple of Mg(II)-based enantiomers were obtained as the racemic conglomerate. • The ligand is 4,4′-(9,9-dimethyl-9H-fluorene-2,7-diyl)dibenzoic acid. • MgL features the right- or left-handed homochiral 1D Mg–O–C helical chain. • ZnL features the 1D Zn–O–C meso-helical chain. • Both MgL and ZnL display the intense solid-state blue emissions.

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

Zn(II) coordination polymers with flexible V-shaped dicarboxylate ligand: Syntheses, helical structures and properties

Hydrothermal reactions of 2,2′-[hexafluoroisopropylidenebis(p-phenyleneoxy)]diacetic acid (H{sub 2}L) and zinc ions in the presence of N-donor ancillary ligands afford four novel coordination polymers, namely, [Zn{sub 2}(μ{sub 2}-OH)(μ{sub 4}-O){sub 0.5}(L)]·0.5H{sub 2}O (1), [Zn(L)(2,2′-bipy)(H{sub 2}O)] (2), [Zn{sub 3}(L){sub 3}(phen){sub 2}]·H{sub 2}O (3) and [Zn{sub 2}(L){sub 2}(4,4′-bipy)] (4) (2,2′-bipy=2,2′-bipyridine; 4,4′-bipy=4,4′-bipyridine; phen=1,10-phenanthroline). Their structures have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, elemental analyses, IR spectra, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric (TG) analyses. Complex 1 shows a 3-D clover framework consisting of [Zn{sub 4}(µ{sub 4}-O)(µ{sub 2}-OH){sub 2}]{sup 4+} clusters, and exhibits a novel (3,8)-connected topological net with the Schläfli symbol of {3·4·5}{sub 2}{3"4·4"4·5"2·6"6·7"1"0·8"2}, and contains double-stranded and two kinds of meso-helices. 2 displays a helical chain structure, which is further extended via hydrogen bonds into a 3-D supramolecular structure with meso-helix chains. 3 displays a 2-D {4"4·6"2} parallelogram structure, which is further extended via hydrogen bonds into a 3-D supramolecular structure with single-stranded helical chains. 4 shows a 2-D {4"4·6"2} square structure with left- and right-handed helical chains. Moreover, the luminescent properties of 1–4 have been investigated. - Graphical abstract: Four new Zn(II) coordination polymers with helical structures based on flexible V-shaped dicarboxylate ligand have been synthesized and structurally characterized. Photoluminescent properties have been investigated. - Highlights: • Four novel Zn(II) coordination polymers with V-shaped ligand were characterized. • Complexes 1–4 show diverse intriguing helical characters. • Fluorescence properties of complexes 1–4 were investigated.

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

Synthesis and anisotropic properties of single crystalline Ln{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15+x} (Ln=Gd, Tb)

Single crystals of Ln{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15+x} (Ln=Gd, Tb) have been grown using the self-flux method under Ru-poor conditions. The structure of the Gd analog is found to be highly dependent on the synthesis method. Gd{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.08} orders antiferromagnetically at 17.5 K. Tb{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.05} enters an antiferromagnetic state at 16.6 K followed by a likely incommensurate-to-commensurate transition at 14.9 K for crystals oriented with H//ab. For crystals oriented with H//c, a broad maximum is observed in the temperature dependent M/H, indicative of a highly anisotropic magnetic system with the hard axis in the c-direction. The magnetization as a function of field and magnetoresistance along the ab-direction of Tb{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.05} display a stepwise behavior and indicate strong crystalline electric field effects. - Graphical abstract: Single crystal, structure, and highly anisotropic magnetoresistance due to strong crystalline electric field effects of Tb{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.05}. - Highlights: • Single crystals of Ln{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15+x} were grown for the first time via flux growth. • The structure of Gd{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.09} differs from that of arc melted Gd{sub 2}Ru{sub 3.08}Al{sub 15}. • Tb{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.05} exhibits highly anisotropic magnetic and transport properties. • The properties of Tb{sub 2}Ru{sub 3}Al{sub 15.05} arise due to crystalline electric field effects.

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

Polymorphism and second harmonic generation in a novel diamond-like semiconductor: Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}

High-temperature, solid-state synthesis in the Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} system led to the discovery of two new polymorphic compounds that were analyzed using single crystal X-ray diffraction. The α-polymorph crystallizes in Pna2{sub 1} with the lithium cobalt (II) silicate, Li{sub 2}CoSiO{sub 4}, structure type, where Z=4, R1=0.0349 and wR2=0.0514 for all data. The β-polymorph possesses the wurtz-kesterite structure type, crystallizing in Pn with Z=2, R1=0.0423, and wR2=0.0901 for all data. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction was utilized to quantify the phase fractions of the polymorphs in the reaction products. The α/β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits an absorption edge of ∼2.6–3.0 eV, a wide region of optical transparency in the mid- to far-IR, and moderate SHG activity over the fundamental range of 1.1–2.1 μm. Calculations using density functional theory indicate that the ground state energies and electronic structures for α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}, as well as the hypothetical polymorph, γ-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} with the wurtz-stannite structure type, are highly similar. - Graphical abstract: Two polymorphs, α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}, have been discovered using single crystal X-ray diffraction. Rietveld refinement of synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction data indicates the presence of both polymorphs in the samples that were analyzed. - Highlights: • Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} exists as two polymorphs crystallizing in the Pna2{sub 1} and Pn space groups. • The α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits a moderate SHG response over a broad range. • The α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4} mixture exhibits an optical absorption edge of ∼2.6–3.0 eV. • Synchrotron powder diffraction data are necessary to distinguish α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4.} • Electronic structure calculations show similar total energies for α- and β-Li{sub 2}MnSnS{sub 4}.

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

Hydrothermal crystal growth and Vernier structures of the metal benzenedicarboxylates MIL-47 and MIL-53 containing guest molecules of benzenecarboxylic acid

The nanoporous frameworks VO(bdc), MIL-47, and M(OH)(bdc), MIL-53; bdc=1,4-benzenedicarboxylate, can absorb various guest species in their channels. As synthesized, the channels are filled with H{sub 2}bdc molecules that have been reported to be disordered, except for [In(OH)bdc](H{sub 2}bdc){sub 3/4}, 1, which has a inorganic-organic hybrid Vernier structure with the H{sub 2}bdc molecules forming an ordered sublattice. Based on X-ray data from large single crystals grown by hydrothermal techniques, similar Vernier structures have been found for MIL-47, [VO(bdc)](H{sub 2}bdc){sub 5/7}, 2, MIL-53Al, [Al(OH)(bdc)](H{sub 2}bdc){sub 11/16}, 3, and MIL-53Ga, [Ga(OH)(bdc)](H{sub 2}bdc){sub 12/17}, 4. The Vernier structures of 2–4 at room temperature were determined based on superstructure unit cells that index both host and guest sublattices: 2, space group P2{sub 1}, a=23.903(2), b=17.191(2), c=25.722(2) Å, β=105.914(8)°; 3, P2{sub 1}/n, a=105.224(4), b=12.2441(5), c=17.0143(6) Å, β=89.99(1)°; 4, P2{sub 1}, a=114.562(5), b=12.1503(5), c=17.4275(7) Å, β=89.99(1)°. The number of guest H{sub 2}bdc molecules per framework metal ion is determined by the ratio of the repeat distances of the two sublattices which depends on the size of the metal ion in the octahedral chain. The octahedral chains are parallel to [201] in 2, and to [100] in 3 and 4. Remarkably, all atoms in 3 and 4 show significant sinusoidal modulations transverse to the chain axis. - Graphical abstract: The sinusoidal modulation along the channel axis direction involving all atoms in the structure of [Al(OH)(bdc)](H{sub 2}bdc){sub 11/16}. - Highlights: • Crystal growth of MIL-47, MIL-53Al, and MIL-53Ga. • The Vernier structures have corner-sharing MO6 octrahedral chains and chains of H2BDC molecules. • The stoichiometry is determined by the ratio of the host framework to the guest H2BDC column lengths. • A correlation is established between the stoichiometry and the radius of the metal ion. • All atoms in the Al and Ga compounds show sinusoidal modulations transverse to the channel axis.

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

Different site occupancies in substitution variants of Mo{sub 3}Sb{sub 7}

A series of samples with the initial formula Mo{sub 3–x}Fe{sub x}Sb{sub 7} and Mo{sub 3–x}Ni{sub x}Sb{sub 7} have been prepared by solid state reaction at 873 K, starting from the elements in the stoichiometric ratios. The materials were compressed via hot-pressing, and their thermoelectric properties determined. Single crystal data show that Ni atoms in part occupy the cubic voids of the Mo{sub 3}Sb{sub 7} structure, as well as replace some Mo atoms, in contrast to the Fe analogues, where we found no evidence for Fe in the cubic voids. Supported by electronic structure calculations, replacing Mo with Fe or Ni increases the valence-electron count, thus decreases the numbers of p-type carriers of Mo{sub 3}Sb{sub 7}. On the other hand, filling the holes with Ni atoms appears to have no such effect. As a consequence, the Ni containing samples exhibit higher electrical conductivity than the Fe analogues, and ultimately lower thermoelectric figure-of-merit, as the p-type carrier concentration remains too high. - Graphical abstract: Trying to substitute Ni atoms for Mo in Mo{sub 3}Sb{sub 7} resulted in partial filling of the cubic voids, in contrast to Mo{sub 3–x}Fe{sub x}Sb{sub 7}. Since the Ni atoms in the Sb{sub 8} cubes do not act as electron donors, the Ni-containing materials exhibit very high carrier concentration, and thus high electric conductivity and low Seebeck coefficient. - Highlights: • Various substitution variants of Mo{sub 3}Sb{sub 7} with Fe and Ni were characterized. • While the Fe atoms replace the Mo atoms, the Ni atoms also fill the cubic voids. • Higher Fe/Ni amount on the Mo sites causes a decrease of the charge carriers. • The Ni atoms on the cubic sites do not decrease the charge carriers. • The lower the carrier concentration, the better the thermoelectric properties.

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

Crystal growth, differential gas adsorption, high thermal stability, and reversible coordination of two new barium-organic frameworks, Ba(SBA)(DMF){sub 4} and Ba{sub 2}(BTEC)(H{sub 2}O)

Single crystals of two barium-organic framework materials, Ba(SBA)(DMF){sub 4} (CAUMOF-15) and Ba{sub 2}(BTEC)(H{sub 2}O) (CAUMOF-16), have been grown through solvothermal reactions (H{sub 2}SBA=4,4′-sulfonyldibenzoic acid and H{sub 4}BTEC=1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid). The crystal structures of the reported frameworks have been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The materials have been fully characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analyses, Infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). CAUMOF-15 reveals a three-dimensional open-framework that comprises of an inorganic motif with one-dimensional chains and the SBA linkers. CAUMOF-16 shows another three-dimensional backbone consisting of layers of edge-shared BaO{sub 9} and BaO{sub 10} polyhedra, and BTEC pillars. Both of the 3D frameworks exhibit relatively high thermal stabilities. The PXRD and IR spectral data confirm that CAUMOF-15 and CAUMOF-16 reveal reversible coordinations of the respective solvent molecules, DMF and H{sub 2}O. Gas adsorption properties towards nitrogen, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide have been also investigated. - Graphical abstract: Crystals of two new barium-organic frameworks, Ba(SBA)(DMF){sub 4} and Ba{sub 2}(BTEC)(H{sub 2}O), exhibiting a differential gas adsorption, a high thermal stability, and a reversible coordination of solvent molecules have been grown. - Highlights: • Crystals of two new 3D Ba-MOFs are grown. • The two Ba-MOFs reveal very high thermal stabilities up to ca. 400 °C. • Ba(SBA)(DMF){sub 4} exhibits differential gas adsorption properties. • The two Ba-MOFs show reversible coordination of the solvent molecules.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

External anion effect on the synthesis of new MOFs based on formate and a twisted divergent ligands

New copper(II) metal–organic compounds with the formulae [Cu{sub 3}Cl(HCO{sub 2}){sub 5}(SCS){sub 3}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}]·8H{sub 2}O·EtOH (1) and [Cu{sub 3}(HCO{sub 2}){sub 4}(SCS){sub 4}(H{sub 2}O){sub 2}](NO{sub 3}){sub 2}·9H{sub 2}O (2) (SCS=bis(4-pyridylthio)methane) have been synthesized after a careful study of the reaction of the SCS ligand with copper(II) formate. The compounds were obtained in the presence of sodium chloride and nitrate salts under microwave irradiation. The influence of the anion at different metal/anion ratios on the final architecture has been studied. The new chloride-MOF 1 has been characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), magnetic properties and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The thermal stability and topological analysis have also been investigated. - Highlights: • Microwave synthesis of coordination polymers. • Anion-derived structural changes. • Influence of anions at different metal/anion ratios on the final architectures. • EPR and magnetic characterization of a MOF compound.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗