High pressure exploration in the Li–Ln–V–O system†
Abstract
Using in situ high pressure Raman spectroscopy, two structural changes were observed in a sample of the composition LiLa5O5(VO4)2. Taking this into account and by combining different conditions, three new compounds were further obtained from high pressure–high temperature synthesis. Their crystal structure description was done using the antiphase approach, which implies the presence of oxygen-centered [OLn4] building units, where Ln is La for (1) β-LiLa5O5(VO4)2 and (2) β-LiLa2O2(VO4) or Nd for (3) LiNd5O5(VO4)2 compounds. (1) crystallizes in the triclinic space group P with unit cell parameters of a = 5.8167(15) Å, b = 12.2954(28) Å, c = 18.7221(69) Å, α = 102.03(2)°, β = 98.76(2)°, and γ = 103.54(2)°; a 3D structure was deduced from the ambient pressure polymorph. (2) also crystallizes in P with a = 5.8144(7) Å, b = 5.8167(7) Å, c = 8.5272(1) Å, α = 98.184(7)°, β = 100.662(7)° and γ = 92.579(7)°. It shows a 2D structure with [La2O2]2+ layers surrounded by [LiO4] and [VO4] tetrahedra sharing corners and edges. (3) exhibits a 3D architecture isotypic with AP-LiLa5O5(VO4)2. The crucial role of high pressure in such types of synthesis and materials is also discussed.