Unconventional Clathrates with Transition Metal-Phosphorus Frameworks

ABa6Cu31Te22 (A = K, Rb, Cs) Featuring Polyanionic Copper-Telluride Frameworks with Ultralow Thermal Conductivity

Three polyanionic tellurides, ABa6Cu31Te22 (A = K, Rb, Cs), were synthesized in salt flux. The isostructural tellurides crystallize in a new structure type, in the cubic Pa3 space group with a Wyckoff sequence of d10c2b1 and large unit cell volumes of over 5500 Å3. The structures feature a framework of [CuTe4] tetrahedra and [CuTe3] trigonal pyramids with disorder in the Cu sites. The polyanionic frameworks have large square antiprism and cuboctahedral voids where Ba and alkali metal cations are situated, forming [BaTe8] and [ATe12], respectively. The overall compositions are close to being charge balanced. The large [ATe12] cuboctahedra allowed for significant anisotropic displacement of the A cations, as observed from both single crystal X-ray diffraction and heat capacity studies. Alkali cations rattling together with Cu atom displacement and disorder leads to the dispersion of phonons, thus softening the lattice and subsequently reducing the thermal conductivity. Evaluations of the electronic band structure revealed the occurrence of a narrow bandgap together with the presence of a flat band near the valence band maximum, giving rise to the high thermopower. The Cs and Rb analogues show a slope change in the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity around room temperature, which is typical for semimetals or degenerate semiconductors. For the as-synthesized and unoptimized materials, high values of the thermoelectric figure-of-merit of ∼0.2 were observed at 623 K.

Alloying and Doping Control in the Layered Metal Phosphide Thermoelectric CaCuP

We recently identified CaCuP as a potential low cost, low density thermoelectric material, achieving zT = 0.5 at 792 K. Its performance is limited by a large lattice thermal conductivity, κL, and by intrinsically large p-type doping levels. In this paper, we address the thermal and electronic tunability of CaCuP. Isovalent alloying with As is possible over the full solid solution range in the CaCuP1-xAsx series. This leads to a reduction in κL due to mass fluctuations but also to a detrimental increase in p-type doping due to increasing Cu vacancies, which prevents zT improvement. Phase boundary mapping, exploiting small deviations from 1:1:1 stoichiometry, was used to explore doping tunability, finding increasing p-type doping to be much easier than decreasing the doping level. Calculation of the Lorenz number within the single parabolic band approximation leads to an unrealistic low κL for highly doped samples consistent with the multiband behavior in these materials. Overall, CaCuP and slightly Cu-enriched CaCu1.02P yield the best performance, with zT approaching 0.6 at 873 K.

Multiple magnetic transition and magnetocaloric properties in the mixed valence Eu8CuNi2.5Si42.5 type I clathrate compound

We investigated the magnetocaloric and electrical transport properties of the Eu8CuNi2.5Si42.5 clathrate compound, synthesized by an arc melting and annealing method. X-ray photoemission spectroscopy revealed a mixed valence state of Eu2+ and Eu3+. The low-field and low-temperature magnetic measurements indicated a multiple magnetic transition, from ferromagnetic near 35 K to antiferromagnetic at 25 K. Increasing the magnetic field led to the broadening of antiferromagnetic peaks and a final ferromagnetic state under high magnetic fields, indicative of spin reorientation. The transition from a ferromagnetic to an antiferromagnetic state was further corroborated by specific heat measurements. We noted spontaneous magnetization at low temperatures via magnetic hysteresis and Arrott plot analysis. The coexistence of an antiferromagnetic ground state (attributed to the Eu2+ ions) and ferromagnetic clusters (associated with the Ni2+ ions) was supported by spontaneous magnetization at low temperatures in the antiferromagnetic state. The magnetocaloric analyses revealed a high spin entropy change over a broad temperature range for Eu8CuNi2.5Si42.5, which implies its potential as a robust low-temperature magnetocaloric material, distinguished by its high refrigerant capacity.

Single crystal synthesis and physical property of Ba8Cu1·0Ni2.5Ga10Si33.5 clathrate

This study reports the synthesis of type-I Ba8CuNi2.5Ga10Si33.5 clathrate as a single crystal by the flux method and physical properties investigations such as structural, chemical, magnetic, and thermal properties. Structural refinements indicate Ba atoms are situated at 2a and 6d positions with mixed occupancy across framework sites. Raman spectroscopy assessed host-guest interactions, while the compound's morphology and composition were investigated by the scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses. Magnetic properties revealed ferromagnetic interactions characterized by a positive Weiss constant and weak ferromagnetic hysteresis. The compound's metallic nature is evidenced by increased resistivity with temperature. The Sommerfeld coefficient, estimated at 12.59 mJ mol-1 K-2 from heat capacity data, alongside a pronounced peak around 15 K in the Cp/T3 vs T plot, suggests an Einstein contribution in heat capacity.

2.11 - Accurate characterization of indoor photovoltaic performance

Ambient energy harvesting has great potential to contribute to sustainable development and address growing environmental challenges. Converting waste energy from energy-intensive processes and systems (e.g. combustion engines and furnaces) is crucial to reducing their environmental impact and achieving net-zero emissions. Compact energy harvesters will also be key to powering the exponentially growing smart devices ecosystem that is part of the Internet of Things, thus enabling futuristic applications that can improve our quality of life (e.g. smart homes, smart cities, smart manufacturing, and smart healthcare). To achieve these goals, innovative materials are needed to efficiently convert ambient energy into electricity through various physical mechanisms, such as the photovoltaic effect, thermoelectricity, piezoelectricity, triboelectricity, and radiofrequency wireless power transfer. By bringing together the perspectives of experts in various types of energy harvesting materials, this Roadmap provides extensive insights into recent advances and present challenges in the field. Additionally, the Roadmap analyses the key performance metrics of these technologies in relation to their ultimate energy conversion limits. Building on these insights, the Roadmap outlines promising directions for future research to fully harness the potential of energy harvesting materials for green energy anytime, anywhere.

Microsolvation versus Encapsulation in Mono, Di, and Trivalent Cations

The effects of the formal charge in the stability and bonding of water cavities when solvating a cation are studied here using [X(H₂ O)₂₀ ]^q+ clusters starting with the well known 5¹² isomer of (water)₂₀ , placing a single mono, di, or trivalent X^q+ cation at the interior, and then optimizing and characterizing the resulting clusters. Highly correlated interaction and deformation energies are calculated using the CCSD(T)-DLPNO formalism. Bonding interactions are characterized using the tools provided by the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, natural bond orbitals, and non-covalent surfaces. Our results indicate that water to water hydrogen bonds are sensibly strengthened resulting in strong cooperative effects, which amount to ≈ 2 ${ \approx 2}$  kcal/mol per hydrogen bond in the bare cavity and to larger values for the systems including the cations. Approximate encapsulation, that is, surrounding the cation by a network of hydrogen bonds akin to the well known methane clathrate seems to be preferred by cations with smaller charge densities while microsolvation, that is, cluster structures having explicit X⋯O contacts seem to be preferred by cations with larger charge densities which severely deform the cavity.

Polyoxocationic antimony oxide cluster with acidic protons

The success and continued expansion of research on metal-oxo clusters owe largely to their structural richness and wide range of functions. However, while most of them known to date are negatively charged polyoxometalates, there is only a handful of cationic ones, much less functional ones. Here, we show an all-inorganic hydroxyiodide [H_10.7Sb_32.1O₄₄][H_2.1Sb_2.1I₈O₆][Sb_0.76I₆]₂·25H₂O (HSbOI), forming a face-centered cubic structure with cationic Sb₃₂O₄₄ clusters and two types of anionic clusters in its interstitial spaces. Although it is submicrometer in size, electron diffraction tomography of HSbOI allowed the construction of the initial structural model, followed by powder Rietveld refinement to reach the final structure. The cationic cluster is characterized by the presence of acidic protons on its surface due to substantial Sb³⁺ deficiencies, which enables HSbOI to serve as an excellent solid acid catalyst. These results open up a frontier for the exploration and functionalization of cationic metal-oxo clusters containing heavy main group elements.

Metal-Rich Phosphides Obtained from the Lead Flux: Synthesis, Crystal, and Electronic Structure of Sr5Pt12P9 and BaPt3P2

Using a high-temperature ampoule technique and lead metal as a flux, we have grown single crystals and determined crystal structures from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data of two metal-rich phosphides, Sr₅Pt₁₂P₉ (P 2₁/m, a = 6.1472(3) Å, b = 25.1713(13) Å, c = 6.4635(3) Å, β = 99.604(2)°, Z = 2, R₁ = 0.0326, wR₂ = 0.0786) and BaPt₃P₂ (P 2₁2₁2₁, a = 6.3605(6) Å, b = 6.8541(7) Å, c = 11.3493(12) Å, Z = 4, R₁ = 0.0231, wR₂ = 0.0501). Both compounds belong to their own structure types and feature 3D networks of Pt and P atoms, with the channels occupied by alkaline earth metal cations. Density functional theory calculations reveal Sr₅Pt₁₂P₉ to be a metal, while BaPt₃P₂ is a narrow-gap semiconductor with a band gap of 0.24 eV. Bonding analysis shows that both compounds feature networks of prominent covalent localized Pt-P bonds, responsible for their structural stability, as well as additional weaker and, likely, less localized Pt-Pt interactions.

Prediction of Novel Boron-carbon Based Clathrates

Clathrates are inclusion compounds featured with host framework cages and trapped guest atoms or small molecules. Recently, the first boron-carbon (B-C) clathrate SrB3C3 was successfully synthesized at high pressures near...

Unprecedented superstructure in the type I family of clathrates

The first arsenic-based clathrate exhibiting superstructural ordering due to optimization of Au-As, As-As, and Ba-Au bonding is reported. Ba₈Au₁₆As₃₀ crystallizes in a unique P2₁/c monoclinic clathrate structure. The synthesis, crystal and electronic structure, and transport properties are discussed.

From Three-Dimensional Clathrates to Two-Dimensional Zintl Phases AMSb2 (A = Rb, Cs; M = Ga, In) Composed of Pentagonal M-Sb Rings

Three new antimonide Zintl phases, RbGaSb₂, CsGaSb₂, and CsInSb₂, were discovered during exploration of corresponding A-M-Sb (A = Rb, Cs; M = Ga, In) ternary systems while searching for new clathrates. The AGaSb₂ phases crystallize in the tetragonal space group P4₂/nmc (No. 137) in the LiBS₂ structure type, while CsInSb₂ crystallizes in lower symmetry in the orthorhombic space group Cmce (No. 64) in the KGaSb₂ structure type with additional disorder of one of the Cs sites. The crystal structures of all three reported AMSb₂ compounds are composed of two-dimensional [MSb₂]^- tetrahedral layers separated by Rb⁺ or Cs⁺ cations. [MSb₂]^- layers are built from fused M-Sb pentagons and hexagons, which are also the main structural units for A₈M₂₇Sb₁₉ clathrate cages. The semiconductor nature of AMSb₂ was suggested by band structure calculations and confirmed by transport property characterization. CsGaSb₂ is a rare example of an n-type pnictide Zintl phase. All reported compounds exhibit low thermal conductivity typical for complex antimonides of heavy elements.

Investigating the Chemical Ordering in Quaternary Clathrate Ba8AlxGa16-xGe30

Recently, there has been an increased interest in quaternary clathrate systems as promising thermoelectric materials. Because of their increased complexity, however, the chemical ordering in the host framework of quaternary clathrates has not yet been comprehensively analyzed. Here, we have synthesized a prototypical quaternary type-I clathrate Ba₈Al_xGa_16–xGe₃₀ by Czochralski and flux methods, and we employed a combination of X-ray and neutron diffraction along with atomic scale simulations to investigate chemical ordering in this material. We show that the site occupancy factors of trivalent elements at the 6c site differ, depending on the synthesis method, which can be attributed to the level of equilibration. The flux-grown samples are consistent with the simulated high-temperature disordered configuration, while the degree of ordering for the Czochralski sample lies between the ground state and the high-temperature state. Moreover, we demonstrate that the atomic displacement parameters of the Ba atoms in the larger tetrakaidecahedral cages are related to chemical ordering. Specifically, Ba atoms are either displaced toward the periphery or localized at the cage centers. Consequently, this study reveals key relationships between the chemical ordering in the quaternary clathrates Ba₈Al_xGa_16–xGe₃₀ and the structural properties, thereby offering new perspectives on designing these materials and optimizing their thermoelectric properties.

The chemical ordering of quaternary clathrate Ba₈Al_xGa_16−xGe₃₀ is determined, showing that the Al occupation at the 6c site differs explicitly, depending on the synthesis methods. It is further corroborated by the theoretical calculations that the flux-grown samples are consistent with the simulated high-temperature disordered configuration, while the degree of ordering for the Czochralski sample lies between the ground state and the high-temperature state.

Chemically driven superstructural ordering leading to giant unit cells in unconventional clathrates Cs8Zn18Sb28 and Cs8Cd18Sb28

The unconventional clathrates, Cs₈Zn₁₈Sb₂₈ and Cs₈Cd₁₈Sb₂₈, were synthesized and reinvestigated. These clathrates exhibit unique and extensive superstructural ordering of the clathrate-I structure that was not initially reported. Cs₈Cd₁₈Sb₂₈ orders in the Ia3̄d space group (no. 230) with 8 times larger volume of the unit cell in which most framework atoms segregate into distinct Cd and Sb sites. The structure of Cs₈Zn₁₈Sb₂₈ is much more complicated, with an 18-fold increase of unit cell volume accompanied by significant reduction of symmetry down to P2 (no. 3) monoclinic space group. This structure was revealed by a combination of synchrotron X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques. A full solid solution, Cs₈Zn_18−xCd_xSb₂₈, was also synthesized and characterized. These compounds follow Vegard's law in regard to their primitive unit cell sizes and melting points. Variable temperature in situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction was used to study the formation and melting of Cs₈Zn₁₈Sb₂₈. Due to the heavy elements comprising clathrate framework and the complex structural ordering, the synthesized clathrates exhibit ultralow thermal conductivities, all under 0.8 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature. Cs₈Zn₉Cd₉Sb₂₈ and Cs₈Zn_4.5Cd_13.5Sb₂₈ both have total thermal conductivities of 0.49 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature, among the lowest reported for any clathrate. Cs₈Zn₁₈Sb₂₈ has typical p-type semiconducting charge transport properties, while the remaining clathrates show unusual n–p transitions or sharp increases of thermopower at low temperatures. Estimations of the bandgaps as activation energy for resistivity dependences show an anomalous widening and then shrinking of the bandgap with increasing Cd-content.

Giant clathrate supercell driven by ordering of Zn/Sb bonding in the framework and Cs-guest vacancies is found in unconventional clathrate Cs₈Zn₁₈Sb₂₈.

Metallic alloys at the edge of complexity: structural aspects, chemical bonding and physical properties

Complex metallic alloys belong to the vast family of intermetallic compounds and are hallmarked by extremely large unit cells and, in many cases, extensive crystallographic disorder. Early studies of complex intermetallics were focusing on the elucidation of their crystal structures and classification of the underlying building principles. More recently, ab initio computational analysis and detailed examination of the physical properties have become feasible and opened new perspectives for these materials. The present review paper provides a summary of the literature data on the reported compositions with exceptional structural complexity and their properties, and highlights the factors leading to the emergence of their crystal structures and the methods of characterization and systematization of these compounds.

High-Pressure Synthesis of Metal-Inorganic Frameworks Hf4 N20 ⋅N2 , WN8 ⋅N2 , and Os5 N28 ⋅3 N2 with Polymeric Nitrogen Linkers

Polynitrides are intrinsically thermodynamically unstable at ambient conditions and require peculiar synthetic approaches. Now, a one‐step synthesis of metal–inorganic frameworks Hf₄N₂₀⋅N₂, WN₈⋅N₂, and Os₅N₂₈⋅3 N₂ via direct reactions between elements in a diamond anvil cell at pressures exceeding 100 GPa is reported. The porous frameworks (Hf₄N₂₀, WN₈, and Os₅N₂₈) are built from transition‐metal atoms linked either by polymeric polydiazenediyl (polyacetylene‐like) nitrogen chains or through dinitrogen units. Triply bound dinitrogen molecules occupy channels of these frameworks. Owing to conjugated polydiazenediyl chains, these compounds exhibit metallic properties. The high‐pressure reaction between Hf and N₂ also leads to a non‐centrosymmetric polynitride Hf₂N₁₁ that features double‐helix catena‐poly[tetraz‐1‐ene‐1,4‐diyl] nitrogen chains [−N−N−N=N−]_∞.

III-V Clathrate Semiconductors with Outstanding Hole Mobility: Cs8In27Sb19 and A8Ga27Sb19 (A = Cs, Rb)

Three novel unconventional clathrates with unprecedented III-V semiconducting frameworks have been synthesized: Cs₈In₂₇Sb₁₉, Cs₈Ga₂₇Sb₁₉, and Rb₈Ga₂₇Sb₁₉. These clathrates represent the first examples of tetrel-free clathrates that are completely composed of main group elements. All title compounds crystallize in an ordered superstructure of clathrate-I in the Ia3̅ space group (No. 206; Z = 8). In the clathrate framework, a full ordering of {Ga or In} and Sb is observed by a combination of high-resolution synchrotron single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction techniques. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations show that all three clathrates are energetically stable with relaxed lattice constants matching the experimental data. Due to the complexity of the crystal structure composed of heavy elements, the reported clathrates exhibit ultralow thermal conductivities of less than 1 W·m^-1·K^-1 at room temperature. All compounds are predicted and experimentally confirmed to be narrow-bandgap p-type semiconductors with high Seebeck thermopower values, up to 250 μV·K^-1 at 300 K for Cs₈In₂₇Sb₁₉. The latter compound shows carrier concentrations and mobilities, 1.42 × 10¹⁵ cm^-3 and 880 cm² ·V^-1·s^-1, which are on par with the values for parent binary InSb, one of the best electronic semiconductors. The high hole carrier mobility is uncommon for complex bulk materials and a highly desirable trait, opening ways to design semiconducting materials based on tunable III-V clathrates.

EuNi2P4, the first magnetic unconventional clathrate prepared via a mechanochemically assisted route

The first magnetic unconventional clathrate EuNi₂P₄ has been prepared and its thermodynamic properties have been investigated.

Modeling of atomic-molecular structures by contiguous filling of space with Frank-Kasper atomic domains

An application of contiguous filling of space with convex polyhedra, also known as Frank-Kasper (FK) atomic domains is demonstrated here for modeling of atomic molecular structures. Both regular, when all polyhedron edges have equal length, and strained, depending on the topology of the polyhedron the length of its edges may slightly fluctuate from the common length, polyhedra are used. Polyhedra are connected to each other in agreement with Plateau's laws to form a contiguous uninterrupted space. An application of a new approach is demonstrated for a modeling of structures of graphite, graphene, graphane, diamond and two types of ice. The proposed approach allows to demonstrate a mutual arrangement of atoms in graphite layers, transitions between allotropic states of carbon atoms, to calculate the distances between layers in graphene and positions of water molecules in a square ice.

Superseding van der Waals with Electrostatic Interactions: Intercalation of Cs into the Interlayer Space of SiAs2

Cs _yM _xSi_{1- x}As₂ (M = Cu, Zn, or Ga; y = 0.15-0.19; x depends on M) represents a new group of pseudo-two-dimensional compounds that allow property tuning with various metal substituents without alteration of the main Si-As two-dimensional framework. Their crystal structure is built from M _xSi_{1- x}As₂ layers separated by disordered chains of Cs cations. These compounds are synthesized using a CsCl flux as a source of Cs, circumventing the need for an expensive and air-sensitive Cs metal reagent. M-Si substitution is required to compensate for the excess electrons donated by Cs cations. Alternatively, the charge compensation can be achieved by the formation of As vacancies. Resistivity measurements confirm the electron-balanced nature of the compounds that exhibit semiconducting behavior with small bandgaps.

Synthesis and Characterization of K and Eu Binary Phosphides

The synthesis, structural characterization, and optical properties of the binary Zintl phases of α-EuP₃, β-EuP₃, EuP₂, and α-K₄P₆ are reported in this study. These crystal structures demonstrate the versatility of P fragments with dimensionality varying from 0D (P₆ rings in α-K₄P₆) to 1D chains (EuP₂) to 2D layers (both EuP₃). EuP₂ is isostructural to previously reported SrP₂ and BaP₂ compounds. The thermal stabilities of the EuP₂ and both EuP₃ phases were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), with melting temperatures of 1086 K for the diphosphide and 1143 K for the triphosphides. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy indicated that EuP₂ is an indirect semiconductor with a direct bandgap of 1.12(5) eV and a smaller indirect one, less than 1 eV. Both EuP₃ compounds had bandgaps smaller than 1 eV.