Antipolar 2D Metallicity with Tunable Valence Wx+ (5 ≤ x ≤ 5.6) in the Layered Monophosphate Tungsten Bronzes [Ba(PO4)2]WmO3m-3.

The newly discovered series of layered monophosphate tungsten bronzes (L-MPTB) [Ba(PO4)2]WmO3m-3 consist of m-layer-thick slabs of WO6 octahedra separated by barium-phosphate spacers. They display a 2D metallic behavior confined in the central part of the perovskite slabs. Here, we report the missing m = 2 member of this series, containing the rather uncommon W5+ oxidation state. We have analyzed its structure-property relationships in relation to the other members of the L-MPTB family. In particular, we have determined its crystal structure by means of single-crystal X-ray and electron diffraction and investigated its physical properties from resistivity, Seebeck-coefficient and heat-capacity measurements combined with first-principles calculations. All the L-MPTB compounds show metallic behavior down to 1.8 K without any clear charge-density-wave (CDW) order. The m = 2 member, however, displays an increased influence of the spacer that translates into anisotropic negative thermal expansion, reversed thermopower and reversed crystal-field splitting of the tungsten t2g orbitals. Our analysis of the full [Ba(PO4)2]WmO3m-3 series reveals a systematic and significant W off-centering in their octahedral coordination. We identify the resulting anti-polar character of these W displacements as the crucial aspect behind the 2D metallicity of these systems: It leads to the presence of bound charges whose screening determines the distribution of mobile charges, tending to accumulate at the center of the [WmO3-m] block. We argue that this mechanism is analogous to enhanced conductivity observed for charged domain walls in ferroelectrics, thus providing a general design rule to promote 2D metallicity in layered systems.

Layer-By-Layer Magnetic Ordering via Idle Spins and the Optical Signature of Jahn-Teller Cr2+ Ions in Sr2Cr(PO4)2.

Blue/turquoise crystals of Sr2CrII(PO4)2 with prismatic shape and edge-length of up to 1 mm were obtained by a vapor-phase moderated solid-state reaction at 1273 K in sealed silica tubes. Its crystal structure was solved and refined from a triply twinned ("trilling") crystal [Pbca (no. 61), Z = 12, a = 10.7064(6) Å, b = 9.2730(5) Å, c = 21.2720(7) Å, R1 = 0.038]. Sr2Cr(PO4)2 belongs to the small family of inorganic solids containing divalent chromium, where the rare Cr2+ ions are stabilized by the inductive effect of the phosphate groups. As expected from its d4 (S = 2) electronic configuration, the Jahn-Teller effect (JT) is prominent, leading for the two independent Cr2+ ions to square-pyramidal Cr(1)O4+1 and square-planar Cr(2)O4 coordination within a 3D chromium phosphate network [CrII2(PO4)4]8. Topologically, the Cr(1) and Cr(2) cations are arranged in separate alternating layers stacked along the c axis. In their respective layers, Cr(1) shows a gapped 2D topology and only weak interaction with the adjacent Cr(2) layers. However, below TN1 ∼11.3 K, Cr(1) orders antiferromagnetically into a noncollinear structure, leaving nearly paramagnetic Cr(2) idle spins, strongly frustrated by the Cr(1) moments of the next layers. On further cooling, below TN2 ∼3.6 K, the ordering of Cr(2) occurs via an additional magnetic irreducible representation, which splits the Cr(1) into Cr(1)a and Cr(1)b orbits, thus lifting the frustration on Cr(2). The corresponding P21ca.29.99 magnetic space group forces a crystal symmetry lowering, plausibly signed by a change of the magnetostrictive coefficient from positive to negative below TN2. The optical transitions observed for the JT d4 ions are in good agreement with our crystal picture from the DFT calculations. A detailed analysis within the angular overlap model explains the surprisingly different d orbital splitting by the ligand field for the chromophores Cr(1)O4+1 and Cr(2)O4.

Ferromagnetic Mn3+ Sawtooth Chains in A2(Mn2O)(SeO3)3 (A = K, Rb) Quaternary Selenites.

Two quaternary manganese selenites, A2(Mn2O)(SeO3)3 (A = K, Rb), have been synthesized by hydrothermal reactions. They both crystallize in a complex triclinic (P-1) structure built of Jahn-Teller (JT) distorted Mn3+O4+2 octahedra, connected into nearly isosceles [Mn3O14] triangles, themselves arranged into so-called "sawtooth (ST) chains". The K and Rb compounds show subtle variations in the orientations of the MnO4 planes inside the elementary triangles. The ST chains are structurally and magnetically isolated by SeO3 groups and alkali cations. In the ST chains, predominant ferromagnetic interactions were calculated and verified experimentally, which finally order antiferromagnetically between the chains around TN ≈ 22 K. The spin exchanges calculated by DFT + U and fitted by Monte Carlo simulations allow for the quantification of an effective "overall" model. The specific role of the µ3-O bridge on the ferromagnetic (FM) exchanges is discussed, together with spin reorientations observed in the ordered state. Magnetocrystalline anisotropy along the [110] direction stabilized by ∼50 meV per Mn by spin-orbit coupling (SOC) was found by DFT + U + SOC.

Layered Monophosphate Tungsten Bronzes [Ba(PO4 )2 ]Wm O3m-3 : 2D Metals with Locked Charge-Density-Wave Instabilities.

Phosphate tungsten and molybenum bronzes represent an outstanding class of materials displaying textbook examples of charge-density-wave (CDW) physics among other fundamental properties. Here we report on the existence of a novel structural branch with the general formula [Ba(PO4 )2 ][Wm O3m-3 ] (m=3, 4 and 5) denominated 'layered monophosphate tungsten bronzes' (L-MPTB). It results from thick [Ba(PO4 )2 ]4- spacer layers disrupting the cationic metal-oxide 2D units and enforcing an overall trigonal structure. Their symmetries are preserved down to 1.8 K and the compounds show metallic behaviour with no clear anomaly as a function of temperature. However, their electronic structure displays the characteristic Fermi surface of previous bronzes derived from 5d W states with hidden nesting properties. By analogy with previous bronzes, such a Fermi surface should result into CDW order. Evidence of CDW order was only indirectly observed in the low-temperature specific heat, giving an exotic context at the crossover between stable 2D metals and CDW order.

S = 1/2 Chain in BiVO3F: Spin Dimers versus Photoanodic Properties.

BiVO3F was prepared, characterized, and identified as a unique example of bismuth vanadyl oxyhalide with paramagnetic V4+ centers. Its crystal structure shows 1D magnetic units with rare alternation of edge-sharing O-O and F-F µ2 bridges along the octahedral chains. Structural pairing across the O2 edges induces antiferromagnetic spin dimers (S = 0) with J/Kb ≈ 300 K, ∼15 times greater than the exchange across the F2 bridges, within a non-ordered magnetic ground state. Despite multiple compositional, structural, and electronic analogies with the BiVO4 scheelite compound, one of the most promising photoanodes for solar water splitting, the photoactivity of BiVO3F is relatively modest, partially due to this electronic pairing benefitting fast electron-hole recombination. Similar to monoclinic VO2, the V4+ spin dimerization deters the singlet → triplet electronic photoexcitation, but results in potential carrier lifetime benefits. The reduction of the bandgap from an Eg of ∼2.4 eV to ∼1.7 eV after incorporation of d1 cations in BiVO4 makes BiVO3F an inspiring compound for local modifications toward an enhanced photoactive material. The direct d → d transition provides a significant enhancement of the visible light capture range and opens a prospective route for the chemical design of performant photoanodes with a mixed anionic sublattice.

Cycloidal Magnetic Order Promoted by Labile Mixed Anionic Paths in M2(SeO3)F2 (M = Mn2+, Ni2+).

Two M2(SeO3)F2 fluoro-selenites (M = Mn2+, Ni2+) have been synthesized using optimized hydrothermal reactions. Their 3D framework consists of 1D-[MO2F2]4-chains of edge-sharing octahedra with a rare topology of alternating O-O and F-F µ2 bridges. The interchain corner-sharing connections are assisted by the mixed O vs F anionic nature and develop a complex set of M-X-M superexchanges as calculated by LDA+U. Their interplay induces prominent in-chain antiferromagnetic frustration, while the interchain exchanges are responsible for the cycloidal magnetic structure observed below TN ≈ 21.5 K in the Ni2+ case. For comparison the Mn2+ compound develops a nearly collinear spin (canted) ordering below TN ≈ 26 K with ferromagnetic chain units.

From (S = 1) Spin Hexamer to Spin Tetradecamer by CuO Interstitials in A2Cu3O(CuO)x(SO4)3 (A = alkali).

(Na,K)2Cu3O(SO4)3 compounds form structural chains of Cu6 hexameric units with nominal S = 1 spins due to the interplay between inner strong antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic exchanges. We show here that the lattice relaxation after the replacement of alkali by larger Rb and Cs ones is accompanied by the insertion of neutral CuO species into (Rb,Cs)2Cu3O(CuO)x(SO4)3 phases. Structurally, interstitial CuO links the next two Cu6 units in longer Cu14 tetradecameric ones. For A = Cs (x = 0.5), the cationic ordering is perfect inside a double-cell superstructure. Magnetically, the original Cu14 units consist of frustrated fragments of an S = 1/2 spin ladder, with ferromagnetic rung-like but antiferromagnetic leg-like and next-nearest neighbor couplings. It returns S = 1 Cu14 spin clusters, effective around 100 K. Our density functional theory calculations and susceptibility fits also show that at low temperatures they interact in two-dimensional lattices, despite the existence of short inter-Cu-Cu distances between the next two clusters along pseudo-one-dimensional chains.

Design, Hemiysnthesis, crystal structure and anticancer activity of 1, 2, 3-triazoles derivatives of totarol.

A new series of diverse triazoles linked to the hydroxyl group of totarol were synthesized using click chemistry approach. The structures of these compounds were elucidated by HRMS, IR and NMR spectroscopy. The structure of compound 3 g was also confirmed by x-ray single crystal diffraction. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated by the MTT method against four cancer cell lines, including fibrosarcoma HT-1080, lung carcinoma A-549 and breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7), and the results indicated that all compounds showed weak to moderate activities against all cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 14.44 to 46.25 µM. On the basis of our research the structure-activity relationships (SAR) of these compounds were discussed. This work provides some important hints for further structural modification of totarol towards developing novel and highly effective anticancer drugs respectively. It is interesting to note that compound 3 g indicated a very significant cytotoxicity against HT-1080 and A-549 cell lines. The molecular docking showed that compound 3 g activated the caspase-3 and inhibited tubulin by forming stable protein-ligand complexes.

Original Oxo-Centered Frameworks in Bi3(VO4)O3 and Bi3.5(AsO4)(OH)0.5O3.5 by Supercritical Steam.

Two new bismuth compounds, oxovanadate Bi3(VO4)O3 and oxoarsenate Bi3.5(AsO4)(OH)0.5O3.5, were prepared using supercritical hydrothermal pressure. Dealing with the anionic sublattice, both crystal structures are built on anti-oxo-OBi4/OBi3 or -OBi4/OBi5 units connected together in infinite corrugated 2D layers surrounded by isolated XO4 (X = V or As) tetrahedra. These edifices complete a series initiated by the recent Bi3(PO4)O3 prepared under similar conditions. With the latter being assigned to the "simplest" bioxophosphate in terms of structural complexity, this aspect was investigated among the other compounds in their chemical ternaries. These phases are suggested to be high-pressure polymorphs, not possible to tackle when working at ambient pressure and temperature conditions.

Magnetic Structures of Mn11Ta4O21 and Interpretation as an Hexagonal A-site Manganite.

Mn11Ta4O21 is presented as the first hexagonal A-site manganite. Based on simple rules, the structure is compatible with a 14H-layer (cchchch)2 stacking sequence that is related to BaVO3 and BaCrO3 high-pressure polymorphs. The A-site overstoichiometry is explained through difference in ionic radii sizes between Ba and Mn. Magnetic properties show two transitions at TN1 = 88 K and TN2 = 56 K. Neutron powder diffraction evidence two magnetic structures with purely antiferromagnetic and ferrimagnetic orders below TN1 and TN2, respectively. A complementary description with 14H-(hhccccc)2 sequence of only Mn octahedra provides a direct comparison with BaMnO3-δ hexagonal perovskites and naturally explains the AFM order. Below TN2 a magneto-elastic coupling along with uniaxial negative thermal expansion are observed.

Oxysulfide Ba5(VO2S2)2(S2)2 Combining Disulfide Channels and Mixed-Anion Tetrahedra and Its Third-Harmonic-Generation Properties.

Mixed-anion compounds are among the most promising systems to design functional materials with enhanced properties. In particular, heteroleptic environments around transition metals allow tuning of the polarity or band-gap engineering for instance. We present the original oxysulfide Ba5(VO2S2)2(S2)2, the fifth member in the quaternary system Ba-V-S-O. It exhibits the mixed-anion building units V5+O2S2 and isolated disulfide pairs (S2)2-. The structure is solved by combining single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. First-principles calculations were combined in order to highlight the anion roles. In particular, our density functional theory study shows that the 3p states of the disulfide pairs dictate the band gap. In this study, we point out anionic tools for band-gap engineering that can be useful for the design of phases for numerous applications. Finally, third harmonic generation (THG) was measured and compared to the large THG observed for Cu2O, which reveals the potential for nonlinear-optical properties that should be further investigated.

The Ba10S(VO3S)6 Oxysulfide: One-Dimensional Structure and Mixed Anion Chemical Bonding.

The new oxysulfide Ba10V6S7O18, which can be written as Ba10S(VO3S)6, was prepared by solid state reaction. It crystallizes in noncentrosymmetric space group P63 with the following unit cell parameters: a = 18.3018(2) Šand c = 8.6525(2) Š( R1 = 3.21%). This original phase exhibits (VO3S) units separated by Ba2+ cations; the latter delimit one-dimensional (1D) hexagonal-like cavities filled by disordered sulfur S2- anions and arranged into two kinds of sulfur-deficient 1D channels. Density functional theory calculations were employed to gain insights into the chemical bonding and parameters that determine the structure, particularly the V-O versus V-S bonding inside the mixed anion VO3S tetrahedra, and the contribution of the S2- of the cavities. The title compound can be decomposed with three components mainly interacting by ionic bonds as follows, Ba10V6S7O18 → [Ba10]20+[S]2- [(VO3S)6]18-; this description may pave the way for the design of other phases related to this system with adjusted band gap features. In particular, the effect of the V(O,S)4:Ba ratio is discussed to emphasize the presence of the [S]2- component, in comparison with related structures such as Ba6V4O5S11 [Ba6(VO2S2)2(VS3O)(VS4)], as it contributes strongly just below the Fermi level with subsequent alteration of the band gap.

Metamagnetic Transitions versus Magnetocrystalline Anisotropy in Two Cobalt Arsenates with 1D Co2+ Chains.

We have investigated two original hydrated cobalt arsenates based on Co2+ octahedral edge-sharing chains. Their different magnetocrystalline anisotropies induce different types of metamagnetic transitions: spin-flop versus spin-flip. In both compounds, a strong local anisotropy (Ising spins) is favored by the spin-orbit coupling present in the CoO6 octahedra, while ferromagnetic (FM) exchanges predominate in the chains. Co2(As2O7)·2H2O (1) orders antiferromagnetically below TN = 6.7 K. The magnetic structure is a noncollinear antiferromagnetic spin arrangement along the zigzag chains with DFT calculations implying frustrated chains and weakened anisotropy. A metamagnetic transition suggests a spin-flop process above µ0H = 3.2 T. In contrast, in BaCo2As2O8·2H2O (2) linear chains are arranged in disconnected layers, with only interchain ferromagnetic exchanges, therefore increasing its magnetocrystalline anisotropy. The magnetic structure is collinear with a magnetic easy axis that allows a spin-flop to a sharp spin-flip transition below TN = 15.1 K and above µ0H = 6.2 T.

Compressibility of BiCu2PO6: Polymorphism against S = 1/2 Magnetic Spin Ladders.

BiCu2PO6 is a unique example of a S = 1/2 ladder where the magnetic exchanges are mainly confined in 1D ∞[BiCu2O2]3+ cationic ribbons, although the shortest Cu-Cu separation between them exists. Its original magnetic topology gives the most representative example of a frustrated quantum ladder to investigate the complex physics behind it. Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of one high-pressure polymorph. In this new phase, the preservation of 1D ∞[BiCu2O2]3+ units somewhat restacked leads to the preservation of its gapped magnetic ground state and ladder topology. The comparison of both compounds highlights the start of a thermodynamic conjuncture, where both the stable ambient-pressure (AP) and metastable high-pressure (HP) forms display the same equilibrium volume and superposed volume dependence of the energy, leading to a first-order AP → HP transition undetected by differential thermal analysis.

Mixed-Valence Iron Dumortierite Fe13.52.22+(As5+O4- x)8(OH)6 and Its Intricate Topotactic Exsolution at Mild Temperatures.

The mixed-valent iron arsenate hydroxide Fe13.52.22+(AsO4- x)8(OH)6, x = 0.25, was prepared using the reaction of iron metal with arsenate in aqueous solution and autogenous pressure. Its crystal structure reveals a dumortierite-like framework with mixed-valent Fe2+/Fe3+ in double chains creating channel walls. Remarkably, hexagonal channels consist of chains of face-sharing Fe2+O6 octahedra, 3/4th occupied, whereas AsO4 tetrahedra occupy triangular ones with a single " up" orientation according to the polar P63 mc symmetry. We have analyzed the transformation of this phase upon heating, in which several chemical processes interact, including dehydroxylation, arsenate to arsenite reduction, and oxidative exsolution of a significant part of iron (ca. 15%) found at the surface as hematite and amorphous Fe-rich surficial layer. It leaves a strongly disordered composite structure between several Fe3+-based subunits, in which ∼80% of them is ordered in a complex supercell. Because of the high degree of disorder, the crystal chemistry of the individual subunits and their plausible imbrication were considered to unravel the most plausible ideal 3D model.

Comprehensive Study of Oxygen Storage in YbFe2O4+x (x ≤ 0.5): Unprecedented Coexistence of FeOn Polyhedra in One Single Phase.

The multiferroic LuFe2.5+2O4 was recently proposed as a promising material for oxygen storage due to its easy reversible oxidation into LuFe3+2O4.5. We have investigated the similar scenario in YbFe2O4+x, leading to a slightly greater oxygen storage (OSC) capacity of 1434 µmol O/g. For the first time, the structural model of LnFe2O4.5 was fully understood by high-resolution microscopy images, and synchrotron and neutron diffraction experiments, as well as maximum entropy method. The oxygen uptake promotes a reconstructive shearing of the [YbO2] sub-units controlled by the adaptive Ln/Fe oxygen coordination and the Fe2/3+ redox. After oxidation, the rearrangement of the Fe coordination polyhedra is unique such that all available FeOn units (n = 6, 5, 4 in octahedra, square pyramids, trigonal bipyramids, tetrahedra) were identified in modulated rows growing in plane. This complex pseudo-ordering gives rise to short-range antiferromagnetic correlation within an insulating state.

Topochemical Reduction of YMnO3 into a Composite Structure.

Topochemical modification methods for solids have shown great potential in generating metastable structures inaccessible through classical synthetic routes. Here, we present the enhanced topotactic reduction of the multiferroic compound YMnO3. At moderate temperature in ammonia flow, the most reduced YMnO3-δ (δ = 0.5) phase could be stabilized. XRD, PND, and HREM results show that phase separation occurs into two intimately intergrown layered sublattices with nominal compositions ∞[YMn2+O2+x](1-2x)+ and ∞[YMn2+O3-x](1-2x)- containing versatile Mn2+ coordinations. The former sublattice shows original AA stacking between Mn layers, while AB stacking in the latter results from oxygen removal from the parent YMnO3 crystal structure.

Common Building Motifs in Ba2Fe3(PO4)4·2H2O, BaFe3(PO4)3, and Na3Fe3(PO4)4: Labile Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) Ordering and Charge-Dependent Magnetism.

Two new mixed-valence Fe(2/3+) barium phosphates have been synthesized in hydrothermal conditions and characterized: Ba2Fe(2.66+)3(PO4)4·2H2O (compound 1, ratio Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) = 2:1, orthorhombic space group Pbca, a = 6.71240(10) Å, b = 10.6077(2) Å, c = 20.9975(5) Å, R1 = 3.39%) and BaFe(2.33+)3(PO4)3 (compound 2, ratio Fe(3+)/Fe(2+) = 1:2, orthorhombic, space group Imma with a = 10.5236(3) Å, b = 13.4454(4) Å, c = 6.6411(2) Å, R1 = 1.63%). 1 has a two-dimensional crystal structure built of [Fe(2.5+)2Fe(3+)1(PO4)4](4-) layers with charge segregation on two individual Fe crystal sites, in contrast to the single valence on these two sites found in similar layers of Na3Fe(3+)3(PO4)4. The crystal structure of 2 is formed of the same layers but condensed into a 3D [Fe(2+)2Fe(3+)1(PO4)3](2-) framework. The complete Fe(2+) vs Fe(3+) charge ordering on the two available sites differs from what was found in the two previous cases and denotes a remarkable charge adaptability of the common elementary units. Compared to the antiferromagnetic Na3Fe(3+)3(PO4)4 the partial iron reduction into Fe(2+) is responsible for strong ferromagnetic components along the c-easy axis for both 1 and 2. Additionally 1 shows multiple magnetization steps in the perpendicular direction, giving raise to atypical anisotropic magnetism into a complex magnetic phase diagram.

ABiO2X (A = Cd, Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb; X = halogen) Sillen X1 Series: Polymorphism Versus Optical Properties.

The Sillen X1 series of Bi(3+)A(2+)O2X (A = Cd, Ca, Sr, Ba, Pb; X = Cl, Br, I) compounds is composed of three main crystallographic types, namely, the tetragonal form (space group (S.G.) I4/mmm), the orthorhombic form (S.G. Cmcm), and the monoclinic form (S.G. P21/m). Because of Bi(3+)/A(2+) disorder the Bi(3+) based photoluminescence (PL) of the tetragonal polytypes is quenched at room temperature (RT). In the two other ordered forms, the Bi-O-Bi connectivity is different but limited, such that bluish/greenish emission occurs at RT in the monoclinic CdBiO2Cl and CaBiO2Cl and orthorhombic SrBiO2Cl and BaBiO2Cl phases. The crystal structure of BaBiO2Br was refined in the orthorhombic Cmcm space group and also shows RT emission. Focusing on the RT luminescent activity as a key parameter, the PL active compounds were investigated by means of density functional theory calculations and UV-visible reflectance spectroscopy. The influence of A and X ions on the excitation energy is discussed by analyzing the A-O-Bi and Bi-X bonding schemes and gives some insights for rational tuning of both the excitation and emission energies.

Lead Oxychloride Borates Obtained under Extreme Conditions.

[Pb10O4]Pb2(B2O5)Cl12 (1) and [Pb18O12]Pb(BO2OH)2Cl10 (2) were obtained via high-temperature high-pressure experiments. [O12Pb18](12+) and [O4Pb10](12+) oxocentered structural units of different dimensionality are excised from the ideal [OPb] layer in tetragonal α-PbO. 2 is formed with an excess of lead oxide component, and 1 is formed with an excess of borate and halide reagents. The structure of 2 can be visualized as the incorporation of {Pb(10)Cl4(BO2OH)2} clusters into alternating PbO and chloride layers, with the existence of square vacancies in both. However, the structure of 1 is described as the intrusion of [O4Pb10](12+) tetramers linked by disordered Pb(B2O5) groups into a halogen three-dimensional matrix. The structure of 2 contains 10 symmetrically independent Pb positions. The 6s(2) lone electron pair is stereochemically active on Pb(1)-Pb(9) atoms, whereas it is inert on Pb(10). All of the Pb coordinations in the structure of 2, in accordance with ECCv (volume eccentricity) parameters and the density of states (DOS), can be subdivided into three groups. The current study is the first attempt to analyze this unusual behavior in structurally complex oxyhalide material with the rare case of Pb(2+) cations, demonstrating both stereochemically active and inactive behavior of the lone pair via charge and first-principle calculations.