Lithiation-induced zinc clustering of Zn3, Zn12, and Zn18 units in Zintl-like Ca~30Li3+xZn60-x (x=0.44-1.38)
- Ames Laboratory (AMES), Ames, IA (United States)
Zinc clusters are not common for binary intermetallics with relatively low zinc content, but this work shows that zinc clustering can be triggered by lithiation, as exemplified by Ca~30Li3+xZn60-x, P6/mmm, Z = 1, which can be directly converted from CaZn2. Two end members of the solid solution (x = 0.44 and 1.38) were established and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses: Ca30Li3.44(6)Zn59.56(6), a = 15.4651(9) Å, c = 9.3898(3) Å; Ca30.45(2)Li4.38(6)Zn58.62(6), a = 15.524(3) Å, c = 9.413(2) Å. The structures of Ca~30Li3+xZn60-x feature a condensed anionic network of Zn3 triangles, lithium-centered Zn12 icosahedra, and arachno-(Zn,Li)18 tubular clusters that are surrounded respectively by Ca14, Ca20, and Ca30 polyhedra. These polyhedra share faces and form a clathrate-like cationic framework. The specific occupation of lithium in the structure is consistent with theoretical “coloring” analyses. Analysis by the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) method within the atomic sphere approximation reveals that Ca~30Li3+xZn60-x is a metallic, Zintl-like phase with an open-shell electronic structure. The contribution of Ca–Zn polar covalent interactions is about 41%.
- Research Organization:
- Ames Lab., Ames, IA (United States)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE Office of Science (SC)
- DOE Contract Number:
- DE-AC02-07CH11358
- OSTI ID:
- 1166900
- Report Number(s):
- IS-J-8487
- Journal Information:
- Inorganic Chemistry, Vol. 54, Issue 3; ISSN 0020-1669
- Publisher:
- American Chemical Society (ACS)
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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