Abstract: Three different perovskite-related phases were isolated in the SrGa(1-x)Sc(x)O(2.5) system: Sr(2)GaScO(5), Sr(10)Ga(6)Sc(4)O(25), and SrGa(0.75)Sc(0.25)O(2.5), Sr(2)GaScO(5) (x = 0.5) crystallizes in a brownrnillerite-type structure [space group (S.G.) Icmm, a = 5.91048(5) angstrom, b = 15.1594(1) angstrom, and c = 5.70926(4) angstrom] with complete ordering of Sc(3+) and Ga(3+) over octahedral and tetrahedral positions, respectively. The crystal structure of Sr(10)Ga(6)Sc(4)O(25) (x = 0.4) was determined by the Monte Carlo method and refined using a combination of X-ray, neutron, and electron diffraction data [S.G. I4(1)/a, a = 17.517(1) angstrom, c = 32.830(3) angstrom]. It represents a novel type of ordering of the B cations and oxygen vacancies in perovskites. The crystal structure of Sr(10)Ga(6)Sc(4)O(25) can be described as a stacking of eight perovskite layers along the c axis ...[-(Sc/Ga)O(1.6)-SrO(0.8)-(Sc/Ga)O(1.8)-SrO(0.8)-](2 center dot center dot center dot) Similar to Sr(2)GaScO(5), this structure features a complete ordering of the Sc(3+) and Ga(3+) cations over octahedral and tetrahedral positions, respectively, within each layer. A specific feature of the crystal structure of Sr(10)Ga(6)Sc(4)O(25) is that one-third of the tetrahedra have one vertex not connected with other Sc/Ga cations. Further partial replacement of Sc(3+) by Ga(3+) leads to the formation of the cubic perovskite phase SrGa(0.75)Sc(0.25)O(2.5) (x = 0.25) with a = 3.9817(4) angstrom. This compound incorporates water molecules in the structure forming SrGa(0.75)Sc(0.25)O(2.5)center dot xH(2)O hydrate, which exhibits a proton conductivity of similar to 2.0 x 10(-6) S/cm at 673 K.

Abstract: For the composition (Sr0.61Pb0.18)(Fe0.75Mn0.25)O2.29, a new modulated crystallographic shear structure, related to perovskite, has been synthesized and structurally characterized by transmission electron microscopy. The structure can be described using a monoclinic supercell with cell parameters am = 27.595(2) Å, bm = 3.8786(2) Å, cm = 13.3453(9) Å, and βm = 100.126(5)°, refined from powder X-ray diffraction data. The incommensurate crystallographic shear phases require an alternative approach using the superspace formalism. This allows a unified description of the incommensurate phases from a monoclinically distorted perovskite unit cell and a modulation wave vector. The structure deduced from the high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark-field−scanning transmission electron microscopy images is that of a 1/2[110]p(203)p crystallographic shear structure. The structure follows the concept of a phasoid, with two coexisting variants with the same unit cell. The difference is situated at the translational interface, with the local formation of double (phase 2) or single (phase 1) tunnels, where the Pb cations are likely located.

Abstract: Pb2MnTeO6, a new double perovskite, was synthesized. Its crystal structure was determined by synchrotron X-ray and powder neutron diffraction. Pb2MnTeO6 is monoclinic (I2/m) at room temperature with a regular arrangement of all the cations in their polyhedra. However, when the temperature is lowered to similar to 120 K it undergoes a phase transition from I2/m to C2/c structure. This transition is accompanied by a displacement of the Pb atoms from the center of their polyhedra due to the 6s2 lone-pair electrons, together with a surprising off-centering of Mn2+ (d5) magnetic cations. This strong first-order phase transition is also evidenced by specific heat, dielectric, Raman, and infrared spectroscopy measurements. The magnetic characterizations indicate an anti-ferromagnetic (AFM) order below TN approximate to 20 K; analysis of powder neutron diffraction data confirms the magnetic structure with propagation vector k = (0 1 0) and collinear AFM spins. The observed jump in dielectric permittivity near similar to 150 K implies possible anti-ferroelectric behavior; however, the absence of switching suggests that Pb2MnTeO6 can only be antipolar. First-principle calculations confirmed that the crystal and magnetic structures determined are locally stable and that anti-ferroelectric switching is unlikely to be observed in Pb2MnTeO6.

Abstract: The chromium-based metal organic framework MIL-101(Cr) served as a host for the in situ synthesis of Fe3O4 nano particles. This hybrid nanomaterial was tested as an adsorbent for arsenite and arsenate species in groundwater and surface water and showed excellent affinity towards As-III and As-V species. The adsorption capacities of 121.5 and 80.0 mg g(-1) for arsenite and arsenate species, respectively, are unprecedented. The presence of Ca2+, Mg2+, and phosphate ions and natural organic matter does not affect the removal efficiency or the selectivity. The structural integrity of the hybrid nanomaterial was maintained during the adsorption process and even after desorption through phosphate elution. Additionally, no significant leaching of Cr or Fe species was observed.

Abstract: Electrocatalysts play a pivotal role in advancing the application of water splitting for hydrogen production. This research unveils the potential of defective biphenylenes as high-efficiency catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction. Using first-principles simulations, we systematically investigated the structure, stability, and catalytic performance of defective biphenylenes. Our findings unveil that defect engineering significantly enhances the electrocatalytic activity for hydrogen evolution. Specifically, biphenylene with a double-vacancy defect exhibits an outstanding Gibbs free energy of -0.08 eV, surpassing that of Pt, accompanied by a remarkable exchange current density of -3.08 A cm(-2), also surpassing that of Pt. Furthermore, we find the preference for the Volmer-Heyrovsky mechanism in the hydrogen evolution reaction, with a low energy barrier of 0.80 eV. This research provides a promising avenue for developing novel metal-free electrocatalysts for water splitting with earth-abundant carbon elements, making a significant step toward sustainable hydrogen production.