Order-to-Disorder Transition and Hydrogen Bonding in the Jahn-Teller Active NH4CrF3 Fluoroperovskite.

Large quantities of high-purity NH4CrF3 have been synthesized using a wet-chemical method, and its structural chemistry and magnetic properties are investigated in detail for the first time. NH4CrF3 is a tetragonal fluoroperovskite that displays an ordering of the ammonium (NH4+) groups at room temperature and C-type orbital ordering. The ammonium groups order and display distinct signs of hydrogen bonds to nearby fluoride anions by buckling the Cr-F-Cr angle away from 180°. The ammonium ordering remains up to 405 K, much higher than in other ammonium fluoroperovskites, indicating a correlation between the flexibility of the Jahn-Teller ion, the hydrogen bond formation, and the ammonium ordering. At 405 K, an order-to-disorder transition occurs, where the ammonium groups disorder, corresponding to a transition to higher symmetry. This is accompanied by a contraction of the unit cell from breaking hydrogen bonds, similar to the phenomenon observed in water ice melting. The compound orders antiferromagnetically with a Neél temperature of 60 K, an effective paramagnetic moment of 4.3 µB, and a Weiss temperature of -33 K. An A-type antiferromagnetic structure is identified by neutron diffraction, with an ordered moment of 3.72(2) µB.

Correction: 5D total scattering computed tomography reveals the full reaction mechanism of a bismuth vanadate lithium ion battery anode.

Correction for '5D total scattering computed tomography reveals the full reaction mechanism of a bismuth vanadate lithium ion battery anode' by Jonas Sottmann et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2022, 24, 27075-27085, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2CP03892G.

Effects of Ga Substitution on the Local Structure of Na2Zn2TeO6.

In the work presented here, we prepared Ga-substituted NZTO (Na2-xZn2-xGaxTeO6, x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20) layered materials with a soft chemical, citric acid-based synthesis method and characterized these by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD), 23Na and 125Te NMR, and by density functional theory (DFT) modeling. The influence of randomly distributed Ga cations on the 125Te NMR spectra confirms the successful synthesis. With DFT-based linear response computations, we show that the local distribution of Na ions in the two neighboring interlayers influences the 125Te chemical shift, consistent with observations. DFT modeling suggests that some of the Na sites are rarely occupied in pure NZTO but become favorable upon Ga substitution. There are clear indications that Ga substitution gives an uneven distribution of Na ions in neighboring interlayers and that the Na structure in one layer affects the adjacent layers.

Operando XRD studies on Bi2MoO6as anode material for Na-ion batteries.

Based on the same rocking-chair principle as rechargeable Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries are promising solutions for energy storage benefiting from low-cost materials comprised of abundant elements. However, despite the mechanistic similarities, Na-ion batteries require a different set of active materials than Li-ion batteries. Bismuth molybdate (Bi2MoO6) is a promising NIB anode material operating through a combined conversion/alloying mechanism. We report anoperandox-ray diffraction (XRD) investigation of Bi2MoO6-based anodes over 34 (de)sodiation cycles revealing both basic operating mechanisms and potential pathways for capacity degradation. Irreversible conversion of Bi2MoO6to Bi nanoparticles occurs through the first sodiation, allowing Bi to reversibly alloy with Na forming the cubic Na3Bi phase. Preliminary electrochemical evaluation in half-cellsversusNa metal demonstrated specific capacities for Bi2MoO6to be close to 300 mAh g-1during the initial 10 cycles, followed by a rapid capacity decay.OperandoXRD characterisation revealed that the increased irreversibility of the sodiation reactions and the formation of hexagonal Na3Bi are the main causes of the capacity loss. This is initiated by an increase in crystallite sizes of the Bi particles accompanied by structural changes in the electronically insulating Na-Mo-O matrix leading to poor conductivity in the electrode. The poor electronic conductivity of the matrix deactivates the NaxBi particles and prevents the formation of the solid electrolyte interface layer as shown by post-mortem scanning electron microscopy studies.

5D total scattering computed tomography reveals the full reaction mechanism of a bismuth vanadate lithium ion battery anode.

We have used operando 5D synchrotron total scattering computed tomography (TSCT) to understand the cycling and possible long term deactivation mechanisms of the lithium-ion battery anode bismuth vanadate. This anode material functions via a combined conversion/alloying mechanism in which nanocrystals of lithium-bismuth alloy are protected by an amorphous matrix of lithium vanadate. This composite is formed in situ during the first lithiation of the anode. The operando TSCT data were analyzed and mapped using both pair distribution function and Rietveld methods. We can follow the lithium-bismuth alloying reaction at all stages, gaining real structural insight including variations in nanoparticle sizes, lattice parameters and bond lengths, even when the material is completely amorphous. We also observe for the first time structural changes related to the cycling of lithium ions in the lithium vanadate matrix, which displays no interactions beyond the first shell of V-O bonds. The first 3D operando mapping of the distribution of different materials in an amorphous anode reveals a decline in coverage caused by either agglomeration or partial dissolution of the active material, hinting at the mechanism of long term deactivation. The observations from the operando experiment are backed up by post mortem transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies and theoretical calculations to provide a complete picture of an exceptionally complex cycling mechanism across a range of length scales.

Effect of Larger Pore Size on the Sorption Properties of Isoreticular Metal-Organic Frameworks with High Number of Open Metal Sites.

Four isostructural CPO-54-M metal-organic frameworks based on the larger organic linker 1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene-2,6-dicarboxylic acid and divalent cations (M=Mn, Mg, Ni, Co) are shown to be isoreticular to the CPO-27 (MOF-74) materials. Desolvated CPO-54-Mn contains a very high concentration of open metal sites, which has a pronounced effect on the gas adsorption of N2 , H2 , CO2 and CO. Initial isosteric heats of adsorption are significantly higher than for MOFs without open metal sites and are slightly higher than for CPO-27. The plateau of high heat of adsorption decreases earlier in CPO-54-Mn as a function of loading per mole than in CPO-27-Mn. Cluster and periodic density functional theory based calculations of the adsorbate structures and energetics show that the larger adsorption energy at low loadings, when only open metal sites are occupied, is mainly due to larger contribution of dispersive interactions for the materials with the larger, more electron rich bridging ligand.

Defects and polaronic electron transport in Fe2WO6.

We report the synthesis of phase pure Fe2WO6 and its structural characterization by high quality synchrotron X-ray powder diffraction, followed by studies of electric and thermoelectric properties as a function of temperature (200-950 °C) and pO2 (1-10-3 bar). The results are shown to be in accordance with a defect chemical model comprising formation of oxygen vacancies and charge compensating electrons at high temperatures. The standard enthalpy and entropy of formation of an oxygen vacancy and two electrons in Fe2WO6 are found to be 113(5) kJ mol-1 and 41(5) J mol-1 K-1, respectively. Electrons residing as Fe2+ in the Fe3+ host structure act as charge carriers in a small polaron conducting manner. A freezing-in of oxygen vacancies below approximately 650 °C results in a region of constant charge carrier concentration, corresponding to an iron site fraction of XFe2+≅ 0.03. By decoupling of mobility from conductivity, we find a polaron hopping activation energy of 0.34(1) eV and a charge mobility pre-exponential u0 = 400(50) cm2 kV-1 s-1. We report thermal conductivity for the first time for Fe2WO6. The relatively high conductivity, large negative Seebeck coefficient and low thermal conductivity make Fe2WO6 an interesting candidate as an n-type thermoelectric in air, for which we report a maximum zT of 0.027 at 900 °C.

Pseudo-ternary LiBH4·LiCl·P2S5 system as structurally disordered bulk electrolyte for all-solid-state lithium batteries.

The properties of the mixed system LiBH4-LiCl-P2S5 are studied with respect to all-solid-state batteries. The studied material undergoes an amorphization upon heating above 60 °C, accompanied with increased Li+ conductivity beneficial for battery electrolyte applications. The measured ionic conductivity is ∼10-3 S cm-1 at room temperature with an activation energy of 0.40(2) eV after amorphization. Structural analysis and characterization of the material suggest that BH4 groups and PS4 may belong to the same molecular structure, where Cl ions interplay to accommodate the structural unit. Thanks to its conductivity, ductility and electrochemical stability (up to 5 V, Au vs. Li+/Li), this new electrolyte is successfully tested in battery cells operated with a cathode material (layered TiS2, theo. capacity 239 mA h g-1) and Li anode resulting in 93% capacity retention (10 cycles) and notable cycling stability under the current density ∼12 mA g-1 (0.05C-rate) at 50 °C. Further advanced characterisation by means of operando synchrotron X-ray diffraction in transmission mode contributes explicitly to a better understanding of the (de)lithiation processes of solid-state battery electrodes operated at moderate temperatures.

Exotic Compositional Ordering in Manganese-Nickel-Arsenic (Mn-Ni-As) Intermetallics.

In this work we benefited from recent advances in tools for crystal-structure analysis that enabled us to describe an exotic nanoscale phenomenon in structural chemistry. The Mn0.60 Ni0.40 As sample of the Mn1-x Nix As solid solution, exhibits an incommensurate compositional modulation intimately coupled with positional modulations. The average structure is of the simple NiAs type, but in contrast to a normal solid solution, we observe that manganese and nickel segregate periodically at the nano-level into ordered MnAs and NiAs layers with thickness of 2-4 face-shared octahedra. The detailed description was obtained by combination of 3D electron diffraction, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and neutron diffraction. The distribution of the manganese and nickel layers is perfectly described by a modulation vector q=0.360(3) c*. Displacive modulations are observed for all elements as a consequence of the occupational modulation, and as a means to achieve acceptable Ni-As and Mn-As distances. This modulated evolution of magnetic MnAs and non-magnetic NiAs-layers with periodicity at approximately 10 Šlevel, may provide an avenue for spintronics.

In Situ Flow MAS NMR Spectroscopy and Synchrotron PDF Analyses of the Local Response of the Brønsted Acidic Site in SAPO-34 during Hydration at Elevated Temperatures.

In situ flow magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS NMR) spectroscopy and synchrotron-based pair distribution function (PDF) analyses were applied to study water's interactions with the Brønsted acidic site and the surrounding framework in the SAPO-34 catalyst at temperatures up to 300 °C for NMR spectroscopy and 700 °C for PDF. 29 Si enrichment of the sample enabled detailed NMR spectroscopy investigations of the T-atom generating the Brønsted site. By NMR spectroscopy, we observed dehydration above 100 °C and a coalescence of Si peaks due to local framework adjustments. Towards 300 °C, the NMR spectroscopy data indicated highly mobile acidic protons. In situ total X-ray scattering measurements analyzed by PDF showed clear changes in the Al local environment in the 250-300 °C region, as the Al-O bond lengths showed a sudden change. This fell within the same temperature range as the increased Brønsted proton mobility. We suggest that the active site in this catalyst under industrial conditions comprises not only the Brønsted proton but also SiO4 . To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work proposing a structural model of a SAPO catalyst by atomic PDF analysis. The combination of synchrotron PDF analysis with in situ NMR spectroscopy is promising in revealing the dynamic features of a working catalyst.

Operando investigations of lithiation and delithiation processes in a BiVO4 anode material.

BiVO4 undergoes a series of conversion and alloying reactions as an anode material in lithium ion batteries. The current work demonstrates a charge capacity of 485 mA h g-1 after 50 cycles in a voltage range of 0-2.00 V (graphite has a capacity of 372 mA h g-1 theoretically). An exceptionally high volumetric capacity makes BiVO4 suitable for compact applications (volumetric capacity of 3984 mA h cm-3 for BiVO4 in comparison to 756 mA h cm-3 for graphite theoretically). Reaction steps and electronic transformations have been identified by operando quasi simultaneous synchrotron X-ray diffraction and absorption spectroscopy studies. An irreversible reaction step occurs for the Bi3+/Bi0 redox pair, whereas reversible mechanisms are found for the V5+/V3+ and Bi0/Bi3- redox pairs. The proposed mechanisms are supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

From Colloidal Monodisperse Nickel Nanoparticles to Well-Defined Ni/Al2O3 Model Catalysts.

In the past few decades, advances in colloidal nanoparticle synthesis have created new possibilities for the preparation of supported model catalysts. However, effective removal of surfactants is a prerequisite to evaluate the catalytic properties of these catalysts in any reaction of interest. Here we report on the colloidal preparation of surfactant-free Ni/Al2O3 model catalysts. Monodisperse Ni nanoparticles (NPs) with mean particle size ranging from 4 to 9 nm were synthesized via thermal decomposition of a zerovalent precursor in the presence of oleic acid. Five weight percent Ni/Al2O3 catalysts were produced by direct deposition of the presynthesized NPs on an alumina support, followed by thermal activation (oxidation-reduction cycle) for complete surfactant removal and surface cleaning. Structural and morphological characteristics of the nanoscale catalysts are described in detail following the propagation of the bulk and surface Ni species at the different treatment stages. Powder X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and temperature-programmed reduction experiments as well as infrared spectroscopy of CO adsorption and magnetic measurements were conducted. The applied thermal treatments are proven to be fully adequate for complete surfactant removal while preserving the metal particle size and the size distribution at the level attained by the colloidal synthesis. Compared with standard impregnated Ni/Al2O3 catalysts, the current model materials display narrowed Ni particle size distributions and increased reducibility with a higher fraction of the metallic nickel atoms exposed at the catalyst surface.

Chemical Structures of Specific Sodium Ion Battery Components Determined by Operando Pair Distribution Function and X-ray Diffraction Computed Tomography.

To improve lithium and sodium ion battery technology, it is imperative to understand how the properties of the different components are controlled by their chemical structures. Operando structural studies give us some of the most useful information for understanding how batteries work, but it remains difficult to separate out the contributions of the various components of a battery stack (e.g., electrodes, current collectors, electrolyte, and binders) and examine specific materials. We have used operando X-ray diffraction computed tomography (XRD-CT) to study specific components of an essentially unmodified working cell and extract detailed, space-resolved structural information on both crystalline and amorphous phases that are present during cycling by Rietveld and pair distribution function (PDF) methods. We illustrate this method with the first detailed structural examination of the cycling of sodium in a phosphorus anode, revealing surprisingly different mechanisms for sodiation and desodiation in this promising, high-capacity anode system.

Stacking Faults and Polytypes for Layered Double Hydroxides: What Can We Learn from Simulated and Experimental X-ray Powder Diffraction Data?

Layered double hydroxides (LDH) are a broad group of widely studied materials. The layered character of those materials and their high flexibility for accommodating different metals and anions make them technologically interesting. The general formula for the LDH compound is [M1-xIIMxIII(OH)2][An-]x/n·mH2O, where MII is a divalent metal cation which can be substituted by MIII trivalent cation, and An- is a charge compensating anion located between positively charged layers. In this paper we present a comprehensive study on possible structural disorder in LDH. We show how X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) can be used to reveal important features of the LDH crystal structure such as stacking faults, random interlayer shifts, anion-molecule orientation, crystal water content, distribution of interlayer distances, and also LDH slab thickness. All calculations were performed using the Discus package, which gives a better flexibility in defining stacking fault sequences, simulating and refining XRPD patterns, relative to DIFFaX, DIFFaX+, and FAULTS. Finally, we show how the modeling can be applied to two LDH samples: Ni0.67Cr0.33(OH)2(CO3)0.16·mH2O (3D structure) and Mg0.67Al0.33(OH)2(NO3)0.33 (2D layered structure).

Crystal Structure of LaSr3Fe3O8(OH)2·xH2O.

The crystal structure of the hydrated Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase LaSr3Fe3O8(OH)2·xH2O has been investigated with focus on the orientation of the hydroxide groups and intercalated water. Combined powder synchrotron X-ray and neutron diffraction techniques were used. On the basis of Rietveld refinements and Fourier maps, intercalated water was found to form a network within the rock-salt-type layers of the RP phase with a likely dynamic interchange between different orientations. The water content was determined at different temperatures using thermogravimetric analysis, with findings showing that the water occupation follows a linear temperature dependence. The magnetic properties of LaSr3Fe3O8(OH)2·xH2O are significantly influenced by hydration, but no long-range order was observed. The relationship between the physical properties and crystal structure is discussed in detail.

Electronic and Magnetic Structures of Hole Doped Trilayer La4-xSrxNi3O8 from First-Principles Calculations.

The magnetic and electronic properties of trilayer La4Ni3O8, similar to hole-doped cuprates, are investigated by performing full-potential linearized augmented plane wave method-based spin-polarized calculations with LDA and GGA functionals including Hubbard U parameters to account for strong correlation effects. On the basis of these calculations, we found that La4Ni3O8 is a C-type anti-ferromagnetic (C-AFM) Mott insulator in agreement with previous experimental and theoretical observations. Our calculations suggest that the two crystallographically nonequivalent nickel atoms Ni1 and Ni2 are found to be in high-spin state with an average valency of +1.33. Intermediate band-gap states are originated from dz2 electrons of both types of Ni ions after including the strong correlation effects. To understand the role of hole doping on electronic structure, phase stability, and magnetic properties of La4Ni3O8, similar calculations were performed for La4-xSrxNi3O8 as a function of x, using the supercell approach. We found that the hole doping brings insulator-to-metal transition without changing the C-AFM ordering, though the magnetic moment is enhanced at both Ni sites. Moreover, these Ni atoms are always in an average valence state irrespective of hole doping or volume change. So the electronic properties of hole-doped La4Ni3O8 cannot be compared with hole-doped cuprates that are high-TC superconductors.

4,4'-Dimeth-oxybi-phenyl-3,3'-di-car-box-ylic acid.

The title compound, C16H14O6, was recrystallized under solvothermal conditions. The mol-ecules are located on inversion centres, with one complete mol-ecule generated from the asymmetric unit by inversion. There are intra-molecular O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds involving the carb-oxy-lic acid group and the O atom of the adjacent meth-oxy group. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via O-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating along [100]. The chains are linked via C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds, forming sheets parallel to (001).

Dimethyl 3,3'-di-meth-oxy-biphenyl-4,4'-di-carboxyl-ate.

In the title compound, C18H18O6, the biphenyl moiety is twisted with a dihedral angle of 29.11 (10)°. The carbometh-oxy groups form C-C-C-O torsion angles of -18.3 (3) and -27.7 (3)° with the attached rings, as a result of steric hindrances from the nearby meth-oxy groups. In the absence of stacking inter-actions and with no H⋯O contacts shorter than 2.7 Å, the packing is dominated by weaker van der Waals inter-actions.

Methyl 5-iodo-2-meth-oxy-benzoate.

In the title compound, C9H9IO3, the mol-ecules are close to planar [maximum deviation from benzene ring plane = 0.229 (5) Šfor the methyl carboxylate C atom] with the methyl groups oriented away from each other. In the crystal, mol-ecules form stacked layers parallel to the ab plane, where every layer has either the iodine or meth-oxy/methyl carboxyl-ate substituents pointing towards each other in an alternating fashion.