Resolving old problems with layered polytungstates related to hexagonal tungsten bronze: phase formation, structures, crystal chemistry and some properties.

A 60-year-old problem with the atomic arrangements and exact compositions of alkali polytungstates related to hexagonal tungsten bronze (HTB) was solved. The systems A2WO4-WO3 (A = K, Rb) were restudied and the average monoclinic layered structures of stoichiometric polytungstates A4W11O35 (A = K, Rb, Cs, Tl) and A2W7O22 (A = K, Rb, Cs) were first successfully determined. The structures resemble those of "MoW11O36" and "MoW14O45" (J. Graham and A. D. Wadsley, Acta Crystallogr., 1961, 14, 379-383) and are derived from HTB by breaking into slabs parallel to (100) due to the ordered omission of some [WO]∞ chains along the hexagonal tunnels. The slabs in A4W11O35 (A = Cs, Tl) and A2W7O22 (A = Rb, Cs) are mutually shifted by the a/2 HTB unit cell axis. These data mainly confirmed our preliminary structural models of HTB-like alkali polytungstates (S. F. Solodovnikov, N. V. Ivannikova, Z. A. Solodovnikova and E. S. Zolotova, Inorg. Mater., 1998, 34, 845-853) and revealed a new similar thallium polytungstate. The structures of the HTB-like polytungstates and related compounds form a homologous series of layered complex oxides or fluorides An+2-xM3n+2X9n+8 where n = 2, 3 and 4 are equal to the numbers of HTB hexagonal tunnels across the polytungstate slab width for Tl2W4O13, A4W11O35 and A2W7O22 (A = K, Rb, Cs or Tl), respectively. The structures of the HTB-like polytungstates seem to intergrow with HTB-type AxWO3 to form, in particular, higher homologues of the series. Our group-supergroup analysis, measurements of nonlinear optical activity and electrical conductivity, and calculations of the bond-valence site energy barriers indicate possible ferroelectric/ferroelastic properties and moderate 2D oxide-ion mobility within the HTB-type slabs of the studied polytungstates.

Triple molybdates K3-xNa1+xM4(MoO4)6 (M = Ni, Mg, Co) and K3+xLi1-xMg4(MoO4)6 isotypic with II-Na3Fe2(AsO4)3 and yurmarinite: synthesis, potassium disorder, crystal chemistry and ionic conductivity.

The triple molybdates K3-xNa1+xM4(MoO4)6 (M = Ni, Mg, Co) and K3+xLi1-xMg4(MoO4)6 were found upon studying the corresponding ternary molybdate systems, and their structures, thermal stability and electrical conductiviplusmnty were investigated. The compounds crystallize in the space group R3c and are isostructural with the sodium-ion conductor II-Na3Fe2(AsO4)3 and yurmarinite, Na7(Fe3+, Mg, Cu)4(AsO4)6; their basic structural units are flat polyhedral clusters of the central M1O6 octahedron sharing edges with three surrounding M2O6 octahedra, which combine with single NaO6 octahedra and bridging MoO4 tetrahedra to form open three-dimensional (3D) frameworks where the cavities are partially occupied by disordered potassium (sodium) ions. The split alkali-ion positions in K3-xNa1+xM4(MoO4)6 (M = Ni, Mg, Co) give their structural formulae as [(K,Na)0.5□0.5)]6(Na)[M1][M2]3(MoO4)6, whereas the lithium-containing compound (K0.5□0.5)6(Mg0.89K0.11)(Li0.89Mg0.11)Mg3(MoO4)6 shows an unexpected (Mg, K) isomorphism, which is similar to (Mn, K) and (Co, K) substitutions in isostructural K3+xLi1-xM4(MoO4)6 (M = Mn, Co). The crystal chemistry of the title compounds and related arsenates, phosphates and molybdates was considered, and the connections of the cationic distributions with potential 3D ionic conductivity were shown by means of calculating the bond valence sum (BVS) maps for the Na+, Li+ and K+ ions. Electrical conductivity measurements gave relatively low values for the triple molybdates [σ = 4.8 × 10-6 S cm-1 at 390°C for K3NaCo4(MoO4)6 and 5 × 10-7 S cm-1 at 400°C for K3LiMg4(MoO4)6] compared with II-Na3Fe2(AsO4)3 (σ = 8.3 × 10-4 S cm-1 at 300°C). This may be explained by a low concentration of sodium or lithium ions and the blocking of their transport by large potassium ions.

Rb9-xAg3+xSc2(WO4)9: a new glaserite-related structure type, rubidium disorder, ionic conductivity.

A new triple tungstate Rb9-xAg3+xSc2(WO4)9 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) synthesized by solid state reactions and spontaneous crystallization from melts presents a new structure type related to those of Cs7Na5Yb2(MoO4)9 and Na13Sr2Ta2(PO4)9. The title compound in centrosymmetric space group Cmcm contains dimers of two ScO6 octahedra sharing corners with three bridging WO4 tetrahedra. Three pairs of opposite terminal WO4 tetrahedra are additionally linked by AgO2 dumbbells to form {Ag3[Sc2(WO4)9]}9- groups, which together with some rubidium ions are packed in pseudohexagonal glaserite-like layers parallel to (001), but stacking of the layers is different in these three structures. In the title structure, the layers stack with a shift along the b axis and their interlayer space contains disordered Rb+ cations partially substituted by Ag+ ions. Almost linear chains of incompletely filled close Rb3a-Rb3d positions (the shortest distances Rb-Rb are 0.46 to 0.64 Å) are found to locate approximately along the b axis. This positional disorder and the presence of wide common quadrangular faces of Rb2 and Rb3a-Rb3d coordination polyhedra favor two-dimensional ionic conductivity in the (001) plane with Rb+ and Ag+ carriers, which was confirmed with bond valence sum (BVS) maps. Electrical conductivity measurements on Rb9Ag3Sc2(WO4)9 ceramics revealed a first-order superionic phase transition at 570 K with a sharp increase in the electrical conductivity. The conductivity σi = 1.8 × 10-3 S cm-1 at 690 K is comparable with the value of 1.0 × 10-3 S cm-1 (500 K) observed earlier for rubidium-ion transport in pyrochlore-like ferroelectric RbNbWO6.

New triple molybdate Rb2AgIn(MoO4)3: synthesis, framework crystal structure and ion-transport behaviour.

A new triple molybdate, Rb2Ag1+3xIn1-x(MoO4)3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.02), was found in the course of a study of the system Rb2MoO4-Ag2MoO4-In2(MoO4)3 and was synthesized as both powders and single crystals by solid-state reactions and spontaneous crystallization from melts. The structure of Rb2Ag1+3xIn1-x(MoO4)3 (x ≉ 0.004) is of a new type crystallizing in the centrosymmetric space group R-3c [a = 10.3982 (9), c = 38.858 (4) Å, Z = 12 and R = 0.0225] and contains (In,Ag)O6 octahedra and distorted Ag1O6 trigonal prisms linked by common faces to form [Ag(In,Ag)O9] dimers connected to each other via MoO4 tetrahedra into an open three-dimensional (3D) framework. Between two adjacent [Ag(In,Ag)O9] dimers along the c axis, an extra Ag2O6 trigonal prism with about 1% occupancy was found. The Ag1O6 and Ag2O6 prisms are located at levels of z ≉ 1/12, 1/4, 5/12, 7/12, 3/4 and 11/12, and can facilitate two-dimensional ionic conductivity. The 12-coordinate Rb atoms are in the framework cavities. The structure of Rb2AgIn(MoO4)3 is a member of the series of rhombohedral 3D framework molybdate structure types with a ≉ 9-10 Šand long c axes, which contain rods of face-shared filled and empty coordination polyhedra around threefold axes. Electrical conductivity of ceramics is measured by impedance spectroscopy. Rb2AgIn(MoO4)3 undergoes a `blurred' first-order phase transition at 535 K with increasing electrical conductivity up to 1.1 × 10-2 S cm-1 at 720 K. Thus, the compound may be of interest for developing new materials with high ionic conductivity at elevated temperatures.

Synthesis, crystal structures and properties of the new compounds K7-xAg1+x(XO4)4 (X = Mo, W).

Two new isostructural compounds, namely heptapotassium silver tetrakis(tetraoxomolybdate), K7-xAg1+x(MoO4)4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4), and heptapotassium silver tetrakis(tetraoxotungstate), K7-xAg1+x(WO4)4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.4), have been synthesized and found to crystallize in the polar space group P63mc (Z = 2) with the unit-cell dimensions a = 12.4188 (2) and c = 7.4338 (2) Šfor K6.68Ag1.32(MoO4)4 (single-crystal data), and a = 12.4912 (5) and c = 7.4526 (3) Šfor K7Ag(WO4)4 (Rietveld analysis data). Both structures represent a new structure type, with characteristic [K1(XO4)6] `pinwheels' of K1O6 octahedra and six XO4 tetrahedra (X = Mo, W) connected by common opposite faces into columns along the c axes. The octahedral columns are linked to each other through Ag1O4 tetrahedra along with the K2 and K3/Ag2 polyhedra, forming the polar rods (...Ag1O4-X1O4-empty octahedron-Ag1O4...). Ag1 is located almost at the centre of the largest face of its coordination tetrahedron and seems to have some mobility. The new structure type is related to the Ba6Nd2Al4O15 and CaBaSiO4 types, and to other structures of the α-K2SO4-glaserite family. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and second harmonic generation (SHG) results show that both compounds undergo first-order phase transformations to high-temperature centrosymmetric phases.

Cs3LiZn2(WO4)4 and Rb3Li2Ga(MoO4)4: different filled derivatives of the cation-deficient Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 structure.

Two new compounds, namely cubic tricaesium lithium dizinc tetrakis(tetraoxotungstate), Cs3LiZn2(WO4)4, and tetragonal trirubidium dilithium gallium tetrakis(tetraoxomolybdate), Rb3Li2Ga(MoO4)4, belong to the structural family of Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 (space group I-43d, Z = 4), with a partially incomplete (Zn5/6□1/6) position. In Cs3LiZn2(WO4)4, this position is fully statistically occupied by (Zn2/3Li1/3), and in Rb3Li2Ga(MoO4)4, the 2Li + Ga atoms are completely ordered in two distinct sites of the space group I-42d (Z = 4). In the same way, the crystallographically equivalent A+ cations (A = Cs, Rb) in Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8, Cs3LiZn2(WO4)4 and isostructural A3LiZn2(MoO4)4 and Cs3LiCo2(MoO4)4 are divided into two sites in Rb3Li2Ga(MoO4)4, as in other isostructural A3Li2R(MoO4)4 compounds (AR = TlAl, RbAl, CsAl, CsGa, CsFe). In the title structures, the WO4 and (Zn,Li)O4 or LiO4, GaO4 and MoO4 tetrahedra share corners to form open three-dimensional frameworks with the caesium or rubidium ions occupying cuboctahedral cavities. The tetrahedral frameworks are related to that of mayenite 12CaO·7Al2O3 and isotypic compounds. Comparison of isostructural Cs3MZn2(MoO4)4 (M = Li, Na, Ag) and Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 shows a decrease of the cubic lattice parameter and an increase in thermal stability with the filling of the vacancies by Li+ in the Zn position of the Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 structure, while filling of the cation vacancies by larger Na+ or Ag+ ions plays a destabilizing role. The series A3Li2R(MoO4)4 shows second harmonic generation effects compatible with that of ß'-Gd2(MoO4)3 and may be considered as nonlinear optical materials with a modest nonlinearity.

Synthesis, Structural, Thermal, and Electronic Properties of Palmierite-Related Double Molybdate α-Cs2Pb(MoO4)2.

Cs2Pb(MoO4)2 crystals were prepared by crystallization from their own melt, and the crystal structure has been studied in detail. At 296 K, the molybdate crystallizes in the low-temperature α-form and has a monoclinic palmierite-related superstructure (space group C2/m, a = 2.13755(13) nm, b = 1.23123(8) nm, c = 1.68024(10) nm, ß = 115.037(2)°, Z = 16) possessing the largest unit cell volume, 4.0066(4) nm3, among lead-containing palmierites. The compound undergoes a distortive phase transition at 635 K and incongruently melts at 943 K. The electronic structure of α-Cs2Pb(MoO4)2 was explored by using X-ray emission spectroscopy (XES) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy methods. For α-Cs2Pb(MoO4)2, the photoelectron core-level and valence-band spectra and the XES band representing the energy distribution of Mo 4d and O 2p states were recorded. Our results allow one to conclude that the Mo 4d and O 2p states contribute mainly to the central part and at the top of the valence band, respectively, with also significant contributions throughout the whole valence-band region of the molybdate under consideration.

Rubidium dimolybdate, Rb(2)Mo(2)O(7), and caesium dimolybdate, Cs(2)Mo(2)O(7).

The crystal structures of dirubidium heptaoxodimolybdate, Rb(2)Mo(2)O(7), and dicaesium heptaoxodimolybdate, Cs(2)Mo(2)O(7), in the space groups Ama2 and P2(1)/c, respectively, have been determined for the first time by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The structures represent two novel structure types of monovalent ion dimolybdates, A(2)Mo(2)O(7) (A = alkaline elements, NH(4), Ag or Tl). In the structure of Rb(2)Mo(2)O(7), Mo atoms are on a twofold axis, on a mirror plane and in a general position. One of the Rb atoms lies on a twofold axis, while three others are on mirror planes. Two O atoms attached to the Mo atom on a mirror plane are located on the same plane. Rubidium dimolybdate contains a new kind of infinite Mo-O chain formed from linked MoO(4) tetrahedra and MoO(6) octahedra alternating along the a axis, with two terminal MoO(4) tetrahedra sharing corners with each octahedron. The chains stack in the [001] direction to form channels of an approximately square section filled by ten-coordinate Rb ions. Seven- and eight-coordinate Rb atoms are located between chains connected by a c translation. In the structure of Cs(2)Mo(2)O(7), all atoms are in general positions. The MoO(6) octahedra share opposite corners to form separate infinite chains running along the c axis and strengthened by bridging MoO(4) tetrahedra. The same Mo-O polyhedral chain occurs in the structure of Na(2)Mo(2)O(7). Eight- to eleven-coordinate Cs atoms fill the space between the chains. The atomic arrangement of caesium dimolybdate has an orthorhombic pseudosymmetry that suggests a possible phase transition P2(1)/c-->Pbca at elevated temperatures.

New triple molybdates Cs3LiCo2(MoO4)4 and Rb3LiZn2(MoO4)4, filled derivatives of the Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 type.

Two new isotypic triple molybdates, namely tricesium lithium dicobalt tetrakis(tetraoxomolybdate), Cs3LiCo2(MoO4)4, and trirubidium lithium dizinc tetrakis(tetraoxomolybdate), Rb3LiZn2(MoO4)4, crystallize in the non-centrosymmetric cubic space group I-43d and adopt the Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 structure type. In the parent structure, the Zn positions have 5/6 occupancy, while they are fully occupied by statistically distributed M2+ and Li+ cations in the title compounds. In both structures, all corners of the (M(2/3)Li(1/3))O4 tetrahedra (M = Co and Zn), having point symmetry -4, are shared with the MoO4 tetrahedra, which lie on threefold axes and share corners with three (M,Li)O4 tetrahedra to form open mixed frameworks. Large alkaline cations occupy distorted cuboctahedral cavities with -4 symmetry. The mixed tetrahedral frameworks in the structures are close to those of mayenite (12CaO.7Al2O3) and the related compounds 11CaO.7Al2O3.CaF2, wadalite (Ca6Al5Si2O16Cl3) and Na6Zn3(AsO4)4.3H2O, but the terminal vertices of the MoO4 tetrahedra are directed in opposite directions along the threefold axes compared with the configurations of Al(Si)O4 or AsO4 tetrahedra. The cation arrangements in Cs3LiCo2(MoO4)4, Rb3LiZn2(MoO4)4 and Cs6Zn5(MoO4)8 repeat the structure of Y3Au3Sb4, being stuffed derivatives of the Th3P4 type.