Structural analysis of some molten materials by X-ray diffraction. Part 4.—Alkali nitrates RNO3(R = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs and Ag)

Abstract

The structures of molten LiNO₃, NaNO₃, KNO₃, RbNO₃, CsNO₃ and AgNO₃ have been investigated by deriving the radial distribution function from X-ray diffraction data. The existence of NO^–₃ ions in these molten salts was confirmed by analysis of the first peaks of the radial distribution functions. Nitrate ions and cations could have a diamond (or zinc blende)-like arrangement with 25 % random vacancies in molten NaNO₃, KNO₃, RbNO₃ and CsNO₃. On the other hand, nitrate ions and cations could have a simple cubic (or NaCl)-like arrangement in molten AgNO₃ and LiNO₃.