Five-dimensional incommensurate structure of the melilite electrolyte [CaNd]2[Ga]2[Ga2O7]2

Fengxia Wei, Tom Baikie*, Tao An, Martin Schreyer, Christian Kloc, Tim J. White

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    33 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Melilite-type gallium oxides are potential intermediate temperature electrolytes for solid oxide fuel cells. Single crystals of [CaNd] 2[Ga]2[Ga2O7]2 grown using an optical floating zone furnace have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy and powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The anion array topologically conforms to a [(3.5.4.5)2, 3.5.3.5] network that contains distorted pentagonal tunnels. The distortion is necessary to achieve space filling and accommodate structural misfit between the layers. Satisfactory bond lengths and angles are obtained through two-dimensional modulation in the tetragonal based plane, leading to five-dimensional symmetry in the superspace group P4̄21m(α,α,0)00s(ᾱā,a,0)000, α = 0.2319(2), with modulation vectors q1 = α(a* + b*) and q2 = α(-a* + b*). Both displacive and occupational modulations are found. Through this mechanism, melilites are primed to accommodate mobile oxygen interstitials, suggesting a rational approach to crystallochemical tailoring that will enhance ionic diffusion and optimize electrolyte performance.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)15200-15211
    Number of pages12
    JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
    Volume133
    Issue number38
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Sept 2011

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