Synthesis and characterization of two novel mixed metal tellurates: KGaTeO5·H2O and K3GaTe2O8(OH)2·H2O

Abstract

Single crystals of KGaTeO₅·H₂O and K₃GaTe₂O₈(OH)₂·H₂O have been synthesized by supercritical hydrothermal techniques using Te(OH)₆, Ga₂O₃ and KOH as reagents, and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Ion-exchange studies revealed KGaTeO₅·H₂O, with its open-framework structure, is capable of exchanging both smaller (Na⁺) and larger (Rb⁺) ions. In addition, higher thermal stability and reversible hydration properties were observed for KGaTeO₅·H₂O.