Abstract: LaAMnSnO(6) (A = Sr, Ba) have been synthesized by high temperature solid-state reactions under dynamic 1% H(2)/Ar flow. Rietveld refinements on room temperature powder X-ray diffraction data indicate that LaSrMnSnO(6) crystallizes in the GdFeO(3)-structure, with space group Pnma and, combined with transmission electron microscopy, LaBaMnSnO(6) in Imma. Both space groups are common in disordered double-perovskites. The Mn(3+) and Sn(4+) ions whose valence states were confirmed by X-ray absorption spectroscopy, are completely disordered over the B-sites and the BO(6) octahedra are slightly distorted. LaAMnSnO(6) are ferromagnetic semiconductors with a T(C) = 83 K for the Sr- and 66 K for the Ba-compound. The title compounds, together with the previously reported LaCaMnSnO(6) provide an interesting example of progression from Pnma to Imma as the tolerance factor increases. An analysis of the relationship between space group and tolerance factor for the series LaAMnMO(6) (A = Ca, Sr, Ba; M = Sn, Ru) provides a better understanding of the symmetry determination for double perovskites.

Abstract: In the present work, kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) technique has been used to study the CZTSe/CuxSe bilayer interface prepared by multi-step deposition and selenization process of metal precursors. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) confirmed the bilayer configuration of the CZTSe/CuxSe sample. Two configuration modes (surface mode and junction mode) in KPFM have been employed in order to measure the junction voltage under illumination conditions. The results show that CZTSe/CuxSe has small junction voltage of similar to 21 mV and the presence of CuxSe secondary phase in the CZTSe grain boundaries changes the workfunction of the local grain boundaries region. The negligible photovoltage difference between grain and grain boundaries in photovoltage image indicates that CuxSe phase deteriorates the higher photovoltage at grain boundaries normally observed in CZTSe based device. These results can be important for understanding the role of secondary phases in CZTSe based junction devices.

Abstract: Synthetic and naturally occurring forms of tricopper orthotellurate, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV (the mineral mcalpineite) have been investigated by 3D electron diffraction (3D ED), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), Raman and infrared (IR) spectroscopic measurements. As a result of the diffraction analyses, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV is shown to occur in two polytypes. The higher-symmetric (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-1C polytype is cubic, space group 1a (3) over bar, with a = 9.537 (1) angstrom and V = 867.4 (3) angstrom(3) as reported in previous studies. The 1C polytype is a well characterized structure consisting of alternating layers of (CuO6)-O-II octahedra and both (CuO6)-O-II and (TeO6)-O-VI octahedra in a patchwork arrangement. The structure of the lower-symmetric orthorhombic (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O polytype was determined for the first time in this study by 3D ED and verified by Rietveld refinement. The 2O polytype crystallizes in space group Pcca, with a = 9.745 (3) angstrom, b = 9.749 (2) angstrom, c = 9.771 (2) angstrom and V = 928.3 (4) angstrom(3) . High-precision XRPD data were also collected on (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O to verify the lower-symmetric structure by performing a Rietveld refinement. The resultant structure is identical to that determined by 3D ED, with unit-cell parameters a = 9.56157 (19) angstrom, b = 9.55853 (11) angstrom, c = 9.62891 (15) angstrom and V = 880.03 (2) angstrom(3) . The lower symmetry of the 2O polytype is a consequence of a different cation ordering arrangement, which involves the movement of every second (CuO6)-O-II and (TeO6)-O-VI octahedral layer by (1/4, 1/4, 0), leading to an offset of (TeO6)-O-VI and (CuO6)-O-II octahedra in every second layer giving an ABAB* stacking arrangement. Syntheses of (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV showed that low-temperature (473 K) hydrothermal conditions generally produce the 2O polytype. XRPD measurements in combination with Raman spectroscopic analysis showed that most natural mcalpineite is the orthorhombic 2O polytype. Both XRPD and Raman spectroscopy measurements may be used to differentiate between the two polytypes of (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV. In Raman spectroscopy, (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-1C has a single strong band around 730 cm(-1), whereas (Cu3TeO6)-Te-II-O-IV-2O shows a broad double maximum with bands centred around 692 and 742 cm(-1).

Abstract: Our study compares short-range order parameters refined from the diffuse scattering in single-crystal X-ray and single-crystal electron diffraction data. Nb0.84CoSb was chosen as a reference material. The correlations between neighbouring vacancies and the displacements of Sb and Co atoms were refined from the diffuse scattering using a Monte Carlo refinement in DISCUS. The difference between the Sb and Co displacements refined from the diffuse scattering and the Sb and Co displacements refined from the Bragg reflections in single-crystal X-ray diffraction data is 0.012 (7) angstrom for the refinement on diffuse scattering in single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and 0.03 (2) angstrom for the refinement on the diffuse scattering in single-crystal electron diffraction data. As electron diffraction requires much smaller crystals than X-ray diffraction, this opens up the possibility of refining short-range order parameters in many technologically relevant materials for which no crystals large enough for single-crystal X-ray diffraction are available.

Abstract: Scheelite related compounds (A',A '')(n)[(B',B '')O-4](m) with B', B '' = W and/or Mo are promising new materials for red phosphors in pc-WLEDs (phosphor-converted white-light-emitting-diode) and solid-state lasers. Cation substitution in CaMoO4 of Ca2+ by the combination of Na+ and Eu3+, with the creation of A cation vacancies, has been investigated as a factor for controlling the scheelite-type structure and the luminescent properties. Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) and NaxEu(2-x)/33+square(2-x)/3MoO4 (0.138 <= x <= 0.5) phases with a scheelite-type structure were synthesized by the solid state method; their structural characteristics were investigated using transmission electron microscopy. Contrary to powder synchrotron X-ray diffraction before, the study by electron diffraction and high resolution transmission electron microscopy in this paper revealed that Na0.286Eu0.571MoO4 has a (3 + 2)D incommensurately modulated structure and that (3 + 2)D incommensurately modulated domains are present in Na0.200Eu0.600MoO4. It also confirmed the (3 + 1)D incommensurately modulated character of Na(0.138)Eu(0.621)Mo04. The luminescent properties of all phases under near-ultraviolet (n-UV) light have been investigated. The excitation spectra of these phosphors show the strongest absorption at about 395 nm, which matches well with the commercially available n-UV-emitting GaN-based LED chip. The emission spectra indicate an intense red emission due to the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition of Eu3+, with local minima in the intensity at Na0.286Eu0.571MoO4 and Na0.200Eu0.600MoO4 for similar to 613 nm and similar to 616 nm bands. The phosphor Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) shows the brightest red light emission among the phosphors in the Na2MoO4-Eu2/3MoO4 system and the maximum luminescence intensity of Na5Eu(MoO4)(4) (lambda(ex) = 395 nm) in the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition region is close to that of the commercially used red phosphor YVO4:Eu3+ (lambda(ex) = 326 nm). Electron energy loss spectroscopy measurements revealed the influence of the structure and Na/Eu cation distribution on the number and positions of bands in the UV-optical-infrared regions of the EELS spectrum.

Abstract: We demonstrate that changes in the unit cell structure of lithium battery cathode materials during electrochemical cycling in liquid electrolyte can be determined for particles of just a few hundred nanometers in size using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The atomic coordinates, site occupancies (including lithium occupancy), and cell parameters of the materials can all be reliably quantified. This was achieved using electron diffraction tomography (EDT) in a sealed electrochemical cell with conventional liquid electrolyte (LP30) and LiFePO4 crystals, which have a well-documented charged structure to use as reference. In situ EDT in a liquid environment cell provides a viable alternative to in situ X-ray and neutron diffraction experiments due to the more local character of TEM, allowing for single crystal diffraction data to be obtained from multiphased powder samples and from submicrometer- to nanometer-sized particles. EDT is the first in situ TEM technique to provide information at the unit cell level in the liquid environment of a commercial TEM electrochemical cell. Its application to a wide range of electrochemical experiments in liquid environment cells and diverse types of crystalline materials can be envisaged.

Abstract: Nanocomposites In2O3/Ag obtained by ultraviolet (UV) photoreduction and impregnation methods were studied as materials for CO sensors operating in the temperature range 25-250 degrees C. Nanocrystalline In2O3 and In2O3/Ag nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), single-point Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) with energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) mapping. The active surface sites were investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy and thermo-programmed reduction with hydrogen (TPR-H-2) method. Sensor measurements in the presence of 15 ppm CO demonstrated that UV treatment leads to a complete loss of In2O3 sensor sensitivity, while In2O3/Ag-UV nanocomposite synthesized by UV photoreduction demonstrates an increased sensor signal to CO at T < 200 degrees C. The observed high sensor response of the In2O3/Ag-UV nanocomposite at room temperature may be due to the realization of an additional mechanism of CO oxidation with participation of surface hydroxyl groups associated via hydrogen bonds.

Abstract: LaSrMnNbO6 has been synthesized by high temperature solid state reaction under 1% H2/Ar dynamic flow. The structure is determined by Rietveld refinement of the powder X-ray diffraction data. It crystallizes in the monoclinic space group P21/n with the unit cell parameters: a=5.69187(12), b=5.74732(10), c=8.07018(15) Å and β=90.0504(29)°, which were also confirmed by electron diffraction. The Mn2+ and Nb5+ ions, whose valence states are confirmed by X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy, are almost completely ordered over the B-site (<1% inversion) of the perovskite structure due to the large differences of both cationic size (0.19 Å) and charge. The octahedral framework displays significant tilting distortion according to Glazers tilt system a−b−c+. Upon heating, LaSrMnNbO6 decomposes at 690 °C under O2 flow or at 775 °C in air. The magnetic susceptibility data indicate the presence of long-range antiferromagnetic ordering at TN=8 K; the experimentally observed effective paramagnetic moment, μeff=5.76 μB for high spin Mn2+ (3d5, S=5/2) is in good agreement with the calculated value (μcalcd=5.92 μB).

Abstract: The Pb2Fe2O5 compound with a layered intergrowth structure has been prepared by a solid-state reaction at 700 °C. The incommensurate compound crystallizes in a tetragonal system with a = 3.9037(2) Å, c = 3.9996(4) Å, and q = 0.1186(4)c*, or when treated as a commensurate approximant, a = 3.9047(2) Å, c = 36.000(3) Å, space group I4/mmm. The crystal structure of Pb2Fe2O5 was resolved from transmission electron microscopy data. Atomic coordinates and occupancies of the cation positions were estimated from high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy data. Direct visualization of the positions of the oxygen atoms was possible using annular bright-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. The structure can be represented as an intergrowth of perovskite blocks and partially disordered blocks with a structure similar to that of the Bi2O2 blocks in Aurivillius-type phases. The A-cation positions at the border of the perovskite block and the cation positions in the Aurivillius-type blocks are jointly occupied by Pb2+ and Fe3+ cations, resulting in a layer sequence along the c axis: PbOFeO2PbOFeO2Pb7/8Fe1/8O1xFe5/8Pb3/8O2Fe5/8Pb3/8. Upon heating, the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure transforms into an anion-deficient perovskite modulated by periodically spaced crystallographic shear (CS) planes. Considering the layered Pb2Fe2O5 structure as a parent matrix for the nucleation and growth of CS planes allows an explanation of the specific microstructure observed for the CS structures in the PbFeO system.

Abstract: The rapid progress in materials science that enables the design of materials down to the nanoscale also demands characterization techniques able to analyze the materials down to the same scale, such as transmission electron microscopy. As Belgium’s foremost electron microscopy group, among the largest in the world, EMAT is continuously contributing to the development of TEM techniques, such as high-resolution imaging, diffraction, electron tomography, and spectroscopies, with an emphasis on quantification and reproducibility, as well as employing TEM methodology at the highest level to solve real-world materials science problems. The lab’s recent contributions are presented here together with specific case studies in order to highlight the usefulness of TEM to the advancement of materials science.

Abstract: A polycrystalline sample of Pb2NiOsO6 was synthesized under high-pressure (6 GPa) and high-temperature (1575 K) conditions. Pb2NiOsO6 crystallizes in a monoclinic double perovskite structure with a centrosymmetric space group P2(1)/n at room temperature. Pb2NiOsO6 is metallic down to 2 K and shows a single antiferromagnetic (AFM) transition at T-N = 58 K. Pb2NiOsO6 is a new example of a metallic and AFM oxide with three-dimensional connectivity. Neutron powder diffraction and first-principles calculation studies indicate that both Ni and Os moments are ordered below T-N and the AFM magnetic order breaks inversion symmetry. This loss of inversion symmetry driven by AFM order is unusual in metallic systems, and the 3d-Sd double-perovskite oxides represent a new class of noncentrosymmetric AFM metallic oxides.

Abstract: The Sr3RFe4O10.5 (R=Y, Ho, Dy) anion-deficient perovskites were prepared using a solid-state reaction in evacuated sealed silica tubes. Transmission electron microscopy and 57Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy evidenced a complete A-cations and oxygen vacancies ordering. The structure model was further refined by ab initio structure relaxation, based on density functional theory calculations. The compounds crystallize in a tetragonal a≈2√2ap≈11.3 Å, с≈4сp≈16 Å unit cell (ap: parameter of the perovskite subcell) with the P42/mnm space group. Oxygen vacancies reside in the (FeO5/4□3/4) layers, comprising corner-sharing FeO4 tetrahedra and FeO5 tetragonal pyramids, which are sandwiched between the layers of the FeO6 octahedra. Smaller R atoms occupy the 9-fold coordinated position, whereas the 10-fold coordinated positions are occupied by larger Sr atoms. The Fe sublattice is ordered aniferromagnetically up to at least 500 K, while the rare-earth sublattice remains disordered down to 2 K.