Showing papers in "Acta Crystallographica Section B Structural Crystallography and Crystal Chemistry in 2015"
TL;DR: Bond-valence parameters for cation–oxygen bonds are evaluated with regard to their agreement with the valence-sum rule, and new bond- valence parameters are derived for 135 cations bonded to oxygen.
Abstract: Published two-body bond-valence parameters for cation–oxygen bonds have been evaluated via the root mean-square deviation (RMSD) from the valence-sum rule for 128 cations, using 180 194 filtered bond lengths from 31 489 coordination polyhedra. Values of the RMSD range from 0.033–2.451 v.u. (1.1–40.9% per unit of charge) with a weighted mean of 0.174 v.u. (7.34% per unit of charge). The set of best published parameters has been determined for 128 ions and used as a benchmark for the determination of new bond-valence parameters in this paper. Two common methods for the derivation of bond-valence parameters have been evaluated: (1) fixing B and solving for Ro; (2) the graphical method. On a subset of 90 ions observed in more than one coordination, fixing B at 0.37 A leads to a mean weighted-RMSD of 0.139 v.u. (6.7% per unit of charge), while graphical derivation gives 0.161 v.u. (8.0% per unit of charge). The advantages and disadvantages of these (and other) methods of derivation have been considered, leading to the conclusion that current methods of derivation of bond-valence parameters are not satisfactory. A new method of derivation is introduced, the GRG (generalized reduced gradient) method, which leads to a mean weighted-RMSD of 0.128 v.u. (6.1% per unit of charge) over the same sample of 90 multiple-coordination ions. The evaluation of 19 two-parameter equations and 7 three-parameter equations to model the bond-valence–bond-length relation indicates that: (1) many equations can adequately describe the relation; (2) a plateau has been reached in the fit for two-parameter equations; (3) the equation of Brown & Altermatt (1985) is sufficiently good that use of any of the other equations tested is not warranted. Improved bond-valence parameters have been derived for 135 ions for the equation of Brown & Altermatt (1985) in terms of both the cation and anion bond-valence sums using the GRG method and our complete data set.
386 citations
TL;DR: A large series of tests revealed that the method provides structure models with an average error in atomic positions typically between 0.01 and 0.02 Å, which is significantly more accurate than models obtained by refinement using kinematical approximation for the calculation of model intensities.
Abstract: The recently published method for the structure refinement from three-dimensional precession electron diffraction data using dynamical diffraction theory [Palatinus et al. (2015). Acta Cryst. A71, 235-244] has been applied to a set of experimental data sets from five different samples - Ni2Si, PrVO3, kaolinite, orthopyroxene and mayenite. The data were measured on different instruments and with variable precession angles. For each sample a reliable reference structure was available. A large series of tests revealed that the method provides structure models with an average error in atomic positions typically between 0.01 and 0.02 A. The obtained structure models are significantly more accurate than models obtained by refinement using kinematical approximation for the calculation of model intensities. The method also allows a reliable determination of site occupancies and determination of absolute structure. Based on the extensive tests, an optimal set of the parameters for the method is proposed.
110 citations
TL;DR: The structural effects of both non-porous and porous MOFs are looked at, and their mechanical and chemical response to elevated pressures are discussed.
Abstract: Over the last 10 years or so, the interest and number of high-pressure studies has increased substantially. One area of growth within this niche field is in the study of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs or coordination polymers). Here we present a review on the subject, where we look at the structural effects of both non-porous and porous MOFs, and discuss their mechanical and chemical response to elevated pressures.
78 citations
TL;DR: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments were performed for a series of inverse perovskites, M3TtO, where three polymorphs can be found within the temperature range 500-50 K: Pm3m-Ibmm-Pbnm, and Ca3SiO, which shows tiny differences in the tilting of the OCa6 octahedra.
Abstract: Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments were performed for a series of inverse perovskites, M3TtO (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu; Tt = tetrel element: Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) in the temperature range 500–50 K. For Tt = Sn, Pb, they crystallize as an `ideal' perovskite-type structure (Pm\bar 3m, cP5); however, all of them show distinct anisotropies of the displacement ellipsoids of the M atoms at room temperature. This behavior vanishes on cooling for M = Ca, Sr, Eu, and the structures can be regarded as `ideal' cubic perovskites at 50 K. The anisotropies of the displacement ellipsoids are much more enhanced in the case of the Ba compounds. Finally, their structures undergo a phase transition at ∼ 150 K. They change from cubic to orthorhombic (Ibmm, oI20) upon cooling, with slightly tilted OBa6 octahedra, and bonding angles O—Ba—O ≃ 174° (100 K). For the larger Ba2+ cations, the structural changes are in agreement with smaller tolerance factors (t) as defined by Goldschmidt. Similar structural behavior is observed for Ca3TtO. Smaller Tt4− anions (Si, Ge) introduce reduced tolerance factors. Both compounds Ca3SiO and Ca3GeO with cubic structures at 500 K, change into orthorhombic (Ibmm) at room temperature. Whereby, Ca3SiO is the only representative within the M3TtO family where three polymorphs can be found within the temperature range 500–50 K: Pm\bar 3m–Ibmm–Pbnm. They show tiny differences in the tilting of the OCa6 octahedra, expressed by O—Ca—O bond angles of 180° (500 K), ∼ 174° (295 K) and 170° (100 K). For larger M (Sr, Eu, Ba), together with smaller Tt (Si, Ge) atoms, pronounced tilting of the OM6 octahedra, and bonding angles of O—M—O ≃ 160° (295 K) are observed. They crystallize in the anti-GdFeO3 type of structure (Pbnm, oP20), and no phase transitions occur between 500 and 50 K. The observed phase transitions are all accompanied by multiple twinning, in terms of pseudo-merohedry or reticular pseudo-merohedry.
65 citations
TL;DR: Many aspects of co-crystals, including their synthesis, characterization and possible applications, are receiving considerable attention from academia and industry alike, but can this interdisciplinary activity be translated into new fundamental insight and new solid forms of high-value materials with improved performances?
Abstract: Many aspects of co-crystals, including their synthesis, characterization and possible applications, are receiving considerable attention from academia and industry alike. The question is, can this interdisciplinary activity be translated into new fundamental insight and new solid forms of high-value materials with improved performances.
58 citations
TL;DR: This work used machine learning to create a hyper-dimensional partial dependency structure plot that has the simplicity of one based on using just the Mendeleev numbers, but with the added advantages of having a higher accuracy and providing a measure of likelihood of the predicted structure.
Abstract: We explored the use of machine learning methods for classifying whether a particular ABO3 chemistry forms a perovskite or non-perovskite structured solid. Starting with three sets of feature pairs (the tolerance and octahedral factors, the A and B ionic radii relative to the radius of O, and the bond valence distances between the A and B ions from the O atoms), we used machine learning to create a hyper-dimensional partial dependency structure plot using all three feature pairs or any two of them. Doing so increased the accuracy of our predictions by 2-3 percentage points over using any one pair. We also included the Mendeleev numbers of the A and B atoms to this set of feature pairs. Doing this and using the capabilities of our machine learning algorithm, the gradient tree boosting classifier, enabled us to generate a new type of structure plot that has the simplicity of one based on using just the Mendeleev numbers, but with the added advantages of having a higher accuracy and providing a measure of likelihood of the predicted structure.
57 citations
TL;DR: This review on crystal chemistry of borohydrides and their similarity to oxides is a contribution which should serve materials engineers as a roadmap to design new materials, synthetic chemists in their search for promising compounds to be prepared, and materials scientists in understanding the properties of novel materials.
Abstract: The crystal structures of inorganic homoleptic metal borohydrides are analysed with respect to their structural prototypes found amongst metal oxides in the inorganic databases such as Pearson's Crystal Data [Villars & Cenzual (2015). Pearson's Crystal Data. Crystal Structure Database for Inorganic Compounds, Release 2014/2015, ASM International, Materials Park, Ohio, USA]. The coordination polyhedra around the cations and the borohydride anion are determined, and constitute the basis of the structural systematics underlying metal borohydride chemistry in various frameworks and variants of ionic packing, including complex anions and the packing of neutral molecules in the crystal. Underlying nets are determined by topology analysis using the program TOPOS [Blatov (2006). IUCr CompComm. Newsl. 7, 4-38]. It is found that the Pauling rules for ionic crystals apply to all non-molecular borohydride crystal structures, and that the latter can often be derived by simple deformation of the close-packed anionic lattices c.c.p. and h.c.p., by partially removing anions and filling tetrahedral or octahedral sites. The deviation from an ideal close packing is facilitated in metal borohydrides with respect to the oxide due to geometrical and electronic considerations of the BH4(-) anion (tetrahedral shape, polarizability). This review on crystal chemistry of borohydrides and their similarity to oxides is a contribution which should serve materials engineers as a roadmap to design new materials, synthetic chemists in their search for promising compounds to be prepared, and materials scientists in understanding the properties of novel materials.
57 citations
TL;DR: The vast diversity of carboxyl–carboxyl(ate) arrangements is reduced to 17 supramolecular motifs and eight catemers, extracted from the CSD.
Abstract: Carboxyl and carboxylate groups form important supramolecular motifs (synthons). Besides carboxyl cyclic dimers, carboxyl and carboxylate groups can associate through a single hydrogen bond. Carboxylic groups can further form polymeric-like catemer chains within crystals. To date, no exhaustive classification of these motifs has been established. In this work, 17 association types were identified (13 carboxyl–carboxyl and 4 carboxyl–carboxylate motifs) by taking into account the syn and anti carboxyl conformers, as well as the syn and anti lone pairs of the O atoms. From these data, a simple rule was derived stating that only eight distinct catemer motifs involving repetitive combinations of syn and anti carboxyl groups can be formed. Examples extracted from the Cambridge Structural Database (CSD) for all identified dimers and catemers are presented, as well as statistical data related to their occurrence and conformational preferences. The inter-carboxyl(ate) and carboxyl(ate)–water hydrogen-bond properties are described, stressing the occurrence of very short (strong) hydrogen bonds. The precise characterization and classification of these supramolecular motifs should be of interest in crystal engineering, pharmaceutical and also biomolecular sciences, where similar motifs occur in the form of pairs of Asp/Glu amino acids or motifs involving ligands bearing carboxyl(ate) groups. Hence, we present data emphasizing how the analysis of hydrogen-containing small molecules of high resolution can help understand structural aspects of larger and more complex biomolecular systems of lower resolution.
55 citations
TL;DR: The crystal structures of the superionic conductors Li9.81Sn0.81P2.19S12 and Li10.35Si1.35P1.65S12, both having a Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS)-type structure, were determined by neutron diffraction analysis over the temperature range 12-800 K, showing one-dimensional diffusion in the c direction over a wide temperature range.
Abstract: The crystal structures of the superionic conductors Li9.81Sn0.81P2.19S12 and Li10.35Si1.35P1.65S12, both having a Li10GeP2S12 (LGPS)-type structure, were determined by neutron diffraction analysis over the temperature range 12–800 K. The maximum entropy method was also employed to clarify the lithium distribution in these materials. The Sn system showed one-dimensional diffusion in the c direction over a wide temperature range, even though the Ge-based system typically exhibits three-dimensional conduction at higher temperatures. The ionic conduction mechanisms of analogous Si, Ge and Sn phases with LGPS-type structures are discussed on the basis of the observed structural parameter changes.
46 citations
TL;DR: This work addresses the use of operando diffraction techniques to understand the mechanisms behind lithium (de)intercalation phenomena in electrode materials and focuses on powerful probes such as neutrons and synchrotron X-ray radiation, which have become increasingly familiar to the electrochemical community.
Abstract: In the last few decades Li-ion batteries changed the way we store energy, becoming a key element of our everyday life. Their continuous improvement is tightly bound to the understanding of lithium (de)intercalation phenomena in electrode materials. Here we address the use of operando diffraction techniques to understand these mechanisms. We focus on powerful probes such as neutrons and synchrotron X-ray radiation, which have become increasingly familiar to the electrochemical community. After discussing the general benefits (and drawbacks) of these characterization techniques and the work of customization required to adapt standard electrochemical cells to an operando diffraction experiment, we highlight several very recent results. We concentrate on important electrode materials such as the spinels Li1 + xMn2 - xO4 (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.10) and LiNi0.4Mn1.6O4. Thorough investigations led by operando neutron powder diffraction demonstrated that neutrons are highly sensitive to structural parameters that cannot be captured by other means (for example, atomic Debye-Waller factors and lithium site occupancy). Synchrotron radiation X-ray powder diffraction reveals how LiMn2O4 is subject to irreversibility upon the first electrochemical cycle, resulting in severe Bragg peak broadening. Even more interestingly, we show for the first time an ordering scheme of the elusive composition Li0.5Mn2O4, through the coexistence of Mn(3+):Mn(4+) 1:3 cation ordering and lithium/vacancy ordering. More accurately written as Li0.5Mn(3+)0.5Mn(4+)1.5O4, this intermediate phase loses the Fd\overline 3m symmetry, to be correctly described in the P213 space group.
43 citations
TL;DR: Seven new hybrid lead iodide compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and their compositions, stability and hydrogen bonding between the protonated amine and the iodide ions of the PbI6 octahedra are described.
Abstract: The structural chemistry of hybrid organic-inorganic lead iodide materials has become of increasing significance for energy applications since the discovery and development of perovskite solar cells based on methylammonium lead iodide. Seven new hybrid lead iodide compounds have been synthesized and structurally characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The lead iodide units in materials templated with bipyridyl, 1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethane, 1,2-di(4-pyridyl)ethylene and imidazole adopt one-dimensional chain structures, while crystallization from solutions containing piperazinium cations generates a salt containing isolated [PbI6](4-) octahedral anions. Templating with 4-chlorobenzylammonium lead iodide adopts the well known two-dimensional layered perovskite structure with vertex shared sheets of composition [PbI4](2-) separated by double layers of organic cations. The relationships between the various structures determined, their compositions, stability and hydrogen bonding between the protonated amine and the iodide ions of the PbI6 octahedra are described.
TL;DR: This third article generalizes CHARDI to structures based on anion-centred polyhedra, which have drawn attention in recent years, and shows that computations based on both descriptions can be useful to obtain a deeper insight into the structural details, in particular for mixed-valence compounds whereCHARDI is able to give precise indications on the statistical distribution of atoms with different oxidation number.
Abstract: The charge distribution (CHARDI) method is a self-consistent generalization of Pauling's concept of bond strength which does not make use of empirical parameters but exploits the experimental geometry of the coordination polyhedra building a crystal structure. In the two previous articles of this series [Nespolo et al. (1999). Acta Cryst. B55, 902-916; Nespolo et al. (2001). Acta Cryst. B57, 652-664], we have presented the features and advantages of this approach and its extension to distorted and heterovalent polyhedra and to hydrogen bonds. In this third article we generalize CHARDI to structures based on anion-centred polyhedra, which have drawn attention in recent years, and we show that computations based on both descriptions can be useful to obtain a deeper insight into the structural details, in particular for mixed-valence compounds where CHARDI is able to give precise indications on the statistical distribution of atoms with different oxidation number. A graph-theoretical description of the structures rationalizes and gives further support to the conclusions obtained via the CHARDI approach.
TL;DR: Considering a number of recently investigated toy systems, with particular emphasis on non-crystalline ordered structures, the limits of the current definition of crystals are explored.
Abstract: Crystals are paradigms of ordered structures. While order was once seen as synonymous with lattice periodic arrangements, the discoveries of incommensurate crystals and quasicrystals led to a more general perception of crystalline order, encompassing both periodic and aperiodic crystals. The current definition of crystals rests on their essentially point-like diffraction. Considering a number of recently investigated toy systems, with particular emphasis on non-crystalline ordered structures, the limits of the current definition are explored.
TL;DR: The D positions in MgCl2·10D2O, determined by the difference Fourier methods using the neutron powder diffraction patterns at 2.5 GPa, show the features such as bifurcated hydrogen bonds and tetrahedrally coordinated O atoms, which were not found in other forms of magnesium chloride hydrates.
Abstract: Magnesium dichloride decahydrate (MgCl2·10H2O) and its deuterated counterpart (MgCl2·10D2O) are identified for the first time by in-situ powder synchrotron X-ray and spallation neutron diffraction. These substances are crystallized from a previously unidentified nanocrystalline compound, which originates from an amorphous state at low temperature. A combination of a recently developed autoindexing procedure and the charge-flipping method reveals that the crystal structure of MgCl2·10H2O consists of an ABCABC⋯ sequence of Mg(H2O)6 octahedra. The Cl− anions and remaining water molecules unconnected to the Mg2+ cations bind the octahedra, similar to other water-rich magnesium dichloride hydrates. The D positions in MgCl2·10D2O, determined by the difference Fourier methods using the neutron powder diffraction patterns at 2.5 GPa, show the features such as bifurcated hydrogen bonds and tetrahedrally coordinated O atoms, which were not found in other forms of magnesium chloride hydrates.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements on powdered single-crystal samples of BaFe2.9Ru0.1As2.
Abstract: We present the results of synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements on powdered single-crystal samples of BaFe2 − xRuxAs2, as a function of Ru content, and as a function of temperature, across the spin-density wave transition in BaFe1.9Ru0.1As2. The Rietveld refinements reveal that with Ru substitution, while the a-axis increases, the c-axis decreases. In addition, the variation of positional coordinates of As (zAs), the Fe—As bond length and the As—Fe—As bond angles have also been determined. In the sample with x = 0.1, temperature-dependent XRD measurements indicate that the orthorhombicity shows the characteristic increase with a decrease in temperature, below the magnetic transition. It is seen that the c-axis, the As—Fe—As bond angles, Fe—As bond length and positional coordinates of the As show definite anomalies close to the structural transition. The observed anomalies in structural parameters are analysed in conjunction with restricted geometric optimization of the structure using ab initio electronic structure calculations.
TL;DR: Four datasets on [2,2]-paracyclophane were collected in-house and at the Advanced Photon Source at two different temperatures for charge density investigation and depicted deficiencies in the topological analysis.
Abstract: Four datasets on [2,2]-paracyclophane were collected in-house and at the Advanced Photon Source at two different temperatures for charge density investigation. Global data quality indicators such as high resolution, high I/σ(I) values, low merging R values and high multiplicity were matched for all four datasets. The structural parameters did not show significant differences, but the synchrotron data depicted deficiencies in the topological analysis. In retrospect these deficiencies could be assigned to the low quality of the innermost data, which could have been identified by e.g. merging R values for only these reflections. In the multipole refinement these deficiencies could be monitored using DRK-plot and residual density analysis. In this particular example the differences in the topological parameters were relatively small but significant.
TL;DR: X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses show that zwitterionic lomefloxacin can adjust itself to fulfill a different supramolecular array in either binary salts or ternary salt co-crystals, formulated as HLf, and structural comparison indicated that a delicate balance of geometries and hydrogen-bonding partners is required for stacking to favor the formation of ternaries.
Abstract: The cocrystallization of lomefloxacin (Lf) with barbituric acid (HBA) and/or isophthalic acid (H2ip) leads to novel binary and ternary salts via hydrogen-bonding recognition. X-ray single-crystal diffraction analyses show that zwitterionic lomefloxacin can adjust itself to fulfill a different supramolecular array in either binary salts or ternary salt co-crystals, formulated as [HLf]·[Hip]·H2O (1), [HLf]·[BA]·[HBA]·H2O (2) and [HLf]·[BA]·[H2ip]·CH3OH·H2O (3). These pharmaceutical agents present uniform charge-assisted hydrogen-bonding networks between HLf cations and acidic coformers with the lattice capturing water molecules. Structural comparison of (2) and (3) indicated that a delicate balance of geometries and hydrogen-bonding partners is required for stacking to favor the formation of ternary salt co-crystals. Cocrystallization was able to overcome the water insolubility of lomefloxacin. Both the salt co-crystals display enhanced solubility and better pharmaceutical applicability.
TL;DR: The ability to use high-energy X-ray scattering and atomic pair distribution function analyses, PDF, to resolve structure in amorphous metal oxide catalysts films is demonstrated.
Abstract: Amorphous thin film oxygen evolving catalysts, OECs, of first-row transition metals show promise to serve as self-assembling photoanode materials in solar-driven, photoelectrochemical `artificial leaf' devices. This report demonstrates the ability to use high-energy X-ray scattering and atomic pair distribution function analysis, PDF, to resolve structure in amorphous metal oxide catalyst films. The analysis is applied here to resolve domain structure differences induced by oxyanion substitution during the electrochemical assembly of amorphous cobalt oxide catalyst films, Co-OEC. PDF patterns for Co-OEC films formed using phosphate, Pi, methylphosphate, MPi, and borate, Bi, electrolyte buffers show that the resulting domains vary in size following the sequence Pi < MPi < Bi. The increases in domain size for CoMPi and CoBi were found to be correlated with increases in the contributions from bilayer and trilayer stacked domains having structures intermediate between those of the LiCoOO and CoO(OH) mineral forms. The lattice structures and offset stacking of adjacent layers in the partially stacked CoMPi and CoBi domains were best matched to those in the LiCoOO layered structure. The results demonstrate the ability of PDF analysis to elucidate features of domain size, structure, defect content and mesoscale organization for amorphous metal oxide catalysts that are not readily accessed by other X-ray techniques. PDF structure analysis is shown to provide a way to characterize domain structures in different forms of amorphous oxide catalysts, and hence provide an opportunity to investigate correlations between domain structure and catalytic activity.
TL;DR: The partial disorder in the silicon substructure was detected and the crystal structure was described as incommensurate composite, introducing an additional atomic site with a different modulation function.
Abstract: The crystal structure of the higher manganese silicide MnSi1.7 (known in the literature as HMS) is investigated in samples with different compositions obtained by different techniques at temperatures not higher than 1273 K. Powder X-ray diffraction was applied. The crystal structure is described as incommensurate composite. In addition to the ordered model already known in the literature, the partial disorder in the silicon substructure was detected and described introducing an additional atomic site with a different modulation function.
TL;DR: Two of the reported crystal structures containing 6CU show additional Cl...O halogen bonds, which connect the chains to two-dimensional layers, while one weak and one strong Cl...Cl interaction are observed in the two structures in which molecules of M6CU are present.
Abstract: In order to obtain complexes held together by hydrogen as well as halogen bonds, 6-chlorouracil [6-chloropyrimidin-2,4(1H,3H)-dione; 6CU] and its 3-methyl derivative [6-chloro-3-methylpyrimidin-2,4(1H,3H)-dione; M6CU] were cocrystallized with 2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine and the three triazine derivatives 2,4,6-triamino-1,3,5-triazine (melamine), 2,4-diamino-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazine and 2-chloro-4,6-diamino-1,3,5-triazine, which all offer complementary hydrogen-bonding sites. Three of these compounds form cocrystals with 6CU; however, melamine yielded only a new pseudopolymorph with 6CU, but formed a cocrystal with M6CU. All six cocrystals contain solvent molecules (N,N-dimethylformamide, N,N-dimethylacetamide or N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one), whose intermolecular interactions contribute significantly to the stabilization of the crystal packing. Each of these structures comprises chains, which are primarily formed by strong hydrogen bonds with a basic framework built by R2(2)(8) hydrogen bonds of either pure N-H...N or mixed patterns. Solvent molecules are aligned to the border of these chains via N-H...O hydrogen bonds. Two of the reported crystal structures containing 6CU show additional Cl...O halogen bonds, which connect the chains to two-dimensional layers, while one weak and one strong Cl...Cl interaction are observed in the two structures in which molecules of M6CU are present.
TL;DR: Structural determination of γ-Co(dca)2 shows that the rutile-like topology of the pristine material is retained at high pressures, with the lower symmetry allowing a progression of volume-reducing structural distortions.
Abstract: In situ synchrotron powder diffraction has been used to probe the pressure-dependent structural properties of the magnetic molecular framework material Co(dca)2 [dca = dicyanamide or N(CN)2−]. An orthorhombic (Pmnn) to monoclinic (P21/n) transformation to a high-pressure phase, namely γ-Co(dca)2, occurs at 1.1 GPa. Structural determination of γ-Co(dca)2 shows that the rutile-like topology of the pristine material is retained at high pressures, with the lower symmetry allowing a progression of volume-reducing structural distortions. γ-Co(dca)2 was stable at the maximum pressure measured of 4.2 GPa. Both phases were soft, with bulk moduli (B0) for α-Co(dca)2 and γ-Co(dca)2 of 13.15 (18) and 9.0 (6) GPa, respectively. Modest uniaxial negative linear compressibility (K) of the order of −4 TPa−1 was observed over the entire measured pressure range.
TL;DR: Possibilities for 'simple' octahedral tilting in the hexagonal and tetragonal tungsten bronzes (HTB and TTB) have been examined, making use of group theory as implemented in the computer program ISOTROPY.
Abstract: Possibilities for `simple' octahedral tilting in the hexagonal and tetragonal tungsten bronzes (HTB and TTB) have been examined, making use of group theory as implemented in the computer program ISOTROPY. For HTB, there is one obvious tilting pattern, leading to a structure in space group P63/mmc. This differs from the space group P63/mcm frequently quoted from X-ray studies – these studies have in effect detected only displacements of the W cations from the centres of the WO6 octahedra. The correct space group, taking account of both W ion displacement and the octahedral tilting, is P6322 – structures in this space group and matching this description have been reported. A second acceptable tilting pattern has been found, leading to a structure in P6/mmm but on a larger `2 × 2 × 2' unit cell – however, no observations of this structure have been reported. For TTB, a search at the special points of the Brillouin zones revealed only one comparable tilting pattern, in a structure with space-group symmetry I4/m on a `21/2 × 21/2 by 2' unit cell. Given several literature reports of larger unit cells for TTB, we conducted a limited search along the lines of symmetry and found structures with acceptable tilt patterns in Bbmm on a `21/22 × 21/2 × 2' unit cell. A non-centrosymmetric version has been reported in niobates, in Bbm2 on the same unit cell.
TL;DR: This paper illustrates that the combined application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder diffraction is a possible solution to the problem of crystal structure solution of modulated compounds.
Abstract: The crystal structure solution of modulated compounds is often very challenging, even using the well established methodology of single-crystal X-ray crystallography. This task becomes even more difficult for materials that cannot be prepared in a single-crystal form, so that only polycrystalline powders are available. This paper illustrates that the combined application of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder diffraction is a possible solution to the problem. Using examples of anion-deficient perovskites modulated by periodic crystallographic shear planes, it is demonstrated what kind of local structural information can be obtained using various TEM techniques and how this information can be implemented in the crystal structure refinement against the powder diffraction data. The following TEM methods are discussed: electron diffraction (selected area electron diffraction, precession electron diffraction), imaging (conventional high-resolution TEM imaging, high-angle annular dark-field and annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy) and state-of-the-art spectroscopic techniques (atomic resolution mapping using energy-dispersive X-ray analysis and electron energy loss spectroscopy).
TL;DR: A single crystal of Nd5Mo3O16 with lead partly substituting for neodymium, which has a fluorite-like structure, was studied by precision X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy and EDX microanalysis and the first experimental verification of an additional oxygen ion in the voids abutting MoO4 tetrahedra was obtained.
Abstract: A single crystal of Nd5Mo3O16 with lead partly substituting for neodymium, which has a fluorite-like structure, was studied by precision X-ray diffraction, high-resolution transmission microscopy and EDX microanalysis. The crystal structure is determined in the space group Pn\bar 3n. It was found that the Pb atoms substitute in part for Nd atoms in the structure and are located in the vicinity of Nd2 positions. Partial substitutions of Mo cations for Nd positions and of Nd for Mo positions in crystals of the Ln5Mo3O16 oxide family are corroborated by X-ray diffraction for the first time. The first experimental verification of the location of an additional oxygen ion in the voids abutting MoO4 tetrahedra was obtained.
TL;DR: This study reveals poor activation by coordination of dinitrogen in mononuclear complexes, always having end-on coordination, however, partial weakening of nitrogen-nitrogen bonding is found for end- on binuclear complex, whereas side-on complexes can be completely activated.
Abstract: Transition-metal complexes show a wide variety of coordination modes for the nitrogen molecule. A structural database study has been undertaken for dinitrogen complexes, and geometrical parameters around the LnM—N2 unit are retrieved from the Cambridge Structural Database. These data were classified in families of compounds, according to metal properties, to determine the degree of lengthening for the dinitrogen bonding. The importance of the nature of the metal center, such as coordination number and electronic configuration, is reported. Our study reveals poor activation by coordination of dinitrogen in mononuclear complexes, always having end-on coordination. However, partial weakening of nitrogen–nitrogen bonding is found for end-on binuclear complexes, whereas side-on complexes can be completely activated.
TL;DR: This work presents novel results on the flexibility window of the EMT zeolite framework containing 18-crown-6 ether as a structure directing agent (SDA) and reviews framework flexibility properties in energy materials.
Abstract: Framework materials have structures containing strongly bonded polyhedral groups of atoms connected through their vertices. Typically the energy cost for variations of the inter-polyhedral geometry is much less than the cost of distortions of the polyhedra themselves – as in the case of silicates, where the geometry of the SiO4 tetrahedral group is much more strongly constrained than the Si—O—Si bridging angle. As a result, framework materials frequently display intrinsic flexibility, and their dynamic and static properties are strongly influenced by low-energy collective motions of the polyhedra. Insight into these motions can be obtained in reciprocal space through the `rigid unit mode' (RUM) model, and in real-space through template-based geometric simulations. We briefly review the framework flexibility phenomena in energy-relevant materials, including ionic conductors, perovskites and zeolites. In particular we examine the `flexibility window' phenomenon in zeolites and present novel results on the flexibility window of the EMT framework, which shed light on the role of structure-directing agents. Our key finding is that the crown ether, despite its steric bulk, does not limit the geometric flexibility of the framework.
TL;DR: Design strategies of optical materials based on selected pharmaceutical molecules based on push-pull molecules and APIs are presented andoretically predicted optical properties of the molecular/ionic building blocks as well as bulk effects have been confirmed experimentally.
Abstract: Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs), through their favourable donor/acceptor spatial distribution and synthon formation flexibility, are attractive building blocks in modern materials crystallography. The optical properties of a crystal strongly depend on two factors, i.e. the spatial distribution of molecules in the crystal structure and the electronic properties of molecular building blocks (dipole moments, polarizabilities, hyperpolarizabilities). Although the latter are easy to predict through ab initio calculations, the former are not. Only a combination of experimental and theoretical charge density studies together with prediction and measurement of optical properties enable full analysis of the obtained functional material in terms of its usefulness in practical applications. This article presents design strategies of optical materials based on selected pharmaceutical molecules. Factors that contribute to molecular recognition in the four selected polar/chiral crystal phases (derived through charge density and Hirshfeld surfaces analysis) have been determined. Theoretically predicted optical properties of the molecular/ionic building blocks as well as bulk effects have been confirmed experimentally. This research is a first step in the design of novel optical materials based on push–pull molecules and APIs.
TL;DR: It is shown by a combination of diffraction and spectroscopic methods that CuH produced by borohydride reduction of a CuII salt consists of a core of CuH with the Wurtzite structure and a shell of water.
Abstract: Copper(I) hydride (cuprous hydride, CuH) was the first binary metal hydride to be discovered (in 1844) and is singular in that it is synthesized in solution, at ambient temperature. There are several synthetic paths to CuH, one of which involves reduction of an aqueous solution of CuSO4·5H2O by borohydride ions. The product from this procedure has not been extensively characterized. Using a combination of diffraction methods (X-ray and neutron) and inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopy, we show that the CuH from the borohydride route has the same bulk structure as CuH produced by other routes. Our work shows that the product consists of a core of CuH with a shell of water and that this may be largely replaced by ethanol. This offers the possibility of modifying the properties of CuH produced by aqueous routes.
TL;DR: Correlated variations of chemical bonds demonstrate stabilization by the resonance of the chloranilic acid anion by proton transfer in some of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds responsible for the ferroelectic properties.
Abstract: The co-crystal of phenazine (Phz) and chloranilic acid (H2ca) becomes ferroelectric upon cooling through the loss of inversion symmetry. Further cooling results in the development of an incommensurate ferroelectric phase, followed by a lock-in transition towards a twofold superstructure. Here we present the incommensurately modulated crystal structure of Phz-H2ca at T = 139 K with a symmetry given by the superspace group P21(½ σ2 ½)0 and σ2 = 0.5139. The modulation mainly affects the positions of the protons within half of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds that are responsible for the spontaneous polarization in all three low-temperature phases. Evidence for proton transfer in part of the hydrogen bonds is obtained from the correlated dependence on the phase of the modulation of the lengths of bonds involved in resonance stabilization of the acidic anion, and much smaller variations of bond lengths of atoms not involved in the resonance mechanism. Incommensurability is explained as competition between proton transfer favored for single hydrogen bonds on the basis of pKa values and avoiding unfavorable Coulomb repulsion within the lattice of the resulting ionic molecules.
TL;DR: Single-phase polycrystalline samples of solid solutions are investigated by high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction in air and Orientation preferences of the BO3 units lead to a strong anisotropy of thermal expansion.
Abstract: Crystal structures of Sr3B2 + xSi1 − xO8 − x/2 solid solutions with nominal compositions x = 0.28, 0.53, 0.78 in the Sr3B2SiO8–Sr2B2O5 section of the SrO–B2O3–SiO2 system are refined using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. Incommensurate structure modulations are mainly associated with various orientations of corner-sharing (B,Si)-polyhedra. Preference is given to the (3 + 2)-dimensional symmetry group Pnma(0βγ)000(0{\rm{\bar \beta }}γ)000 for a single crystal compared with an alternate model of a twin formed by monoclinic components, each of them corresponding to the (3 + 1)-dimensional symmetry group P21/n(0βγ). Single-phase polycrystalline samples of solid solutions are investigated by high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction in air. Orientation preferences of the BO3 units lead to a strong anisotropy of thermal expansion. Negative expansion is observed along the a axis over the temperature range 303–753 K. Anisotropy decreases both on heating and decreasing of the boron content.