Mixed Rare-Earth Chalcogenide Borate Eu9-xRExMgS2B20O41 (RE = Sm, Gd) Featuring a 3D {[B20O41]22-}∞ Framework Connected by [B6O9(O0.5)6]6- and [B7O13(O0.5)3]8- Clusters.

Rare-earth (RE) chalcogenide borates are very rarely discovered in view of the difficulties in synthesis though they have demonstrated attractive physical performances. Here, the first mixed RE chalcogenide borates Eu5.4Sm3.6MgS2B20O41 (1) and Eu3Gd6MgS2B20O41 (2) are synthesized by combining RE, sulfur, and borate ions into one structure. They crystallize in the centrosymmetric hexagonal space group P63/m, and their 3D honeycomb-like {[B20O41]22-}∞ open frameworks are built by [B6O9(O0.5)6]6- and [B7O13(O0.5)3]8- polyanionic clusters and consolidated by Mg2+ ions; both of which are formed by BO4 tetrahedra and BO3 planar triangles. The coordination modes of RE ions are rare REO6S2 bicapped trigonal prisms and REO8S irregular polyhedra, and their band gaps are determined to be 2.25 and 2.22 eV, respectively. They exhibit antiferromagnetic interactions and distinct photocurrent responses. The corresponding theoretical calculations are also performed. The study of 1 and 2 perhaps stimulates interest in exploring new functional RE chalcogenide borates.