Na(C2H10N2)2[Zn3(PO4)2(H0.5PO4)]2: A Short-Wave Ultraviolet Open-Framework Zincophosphate Exhibiting Substantial Optical Dispersion Ability.

The exploration of short-wave ultraviolet (SUV; λ < 280 nm) transparent phosphates with substantial birefringence is crucial for the advancement of SUV laser industry. Despite their SUV transparency and potential for constructing materials with large birefringence, open-framework (OF) phosphates have rarely been explored for their birefringent properties. Herein, through a systematic exploration in this field, a new ethylenediamine-based OF zincophosphate, Na(C2H10N2)2[Zn3(PO4)2(H0.5PO4)]2 (NEZPO), has been developed. NEZPO exhibits remarkable SUV transparency and significant birefringence (Δn = 0.060 at 546 nm), highlighting the potential for the development of benign SUV crystals within the OF phosphates family.

From K[ZnBP2O8] to K[(Zn0.5Al0.5)2P2O8]: Substitution-Induced Microporous Zincoaluminophosphate with a Congruent-Melting Behavior.

An open-frame aluminophosphate, K[(Zn0.5Al0.5)2P2O8] (KZAPO), was rationally designed by a substitution design strategy and synthesized by a high-temperature molten salt method. Compared with the parent crystal of K[ZnBP2O8], KZAPO was characterized by similar 4 × 8 × 8 networks, a comparable short-wave ultraviolet transparency and a more regular tetrahedral frame with the mixing of (ZnO4)6- and (AlO4)5- anionic groups, highlighting the multifunctional roles that anionic group mixing played in structural and property modulations. In particular, KZAPO was characterized by a high thermal stability (over 850 °C) and a congruent-melting behavior, being conducive to practical applications.