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Crystal chemistry, magnetic, and electrical properties of the tetragonal plutonium oxide telluride Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te

Journal Article · · J. Solid State Chem.; (United States)
The preparation and some physical properties of Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te are described. The plutonium oxide telluride is isostructural with the corresponding rare-earth oxide tellurides which crystallize in the tetragonal system of La/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te-type. Magnetic susceptibility data from 4 K to room temperature are reported together with resistivity measurements. Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te is found to be an antiferromagnet below 56 K and a semiconductor with an intrinsic energy gap of 0.65 eV. The magnetic behavior is interpreted in terms of superexchange coupling interactions via nonmetal p orbitals, i.e., in terms of 5f-p overlaps. This conclusion is supported by crystal chemistry considerations by comparison of cell volumes of Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te and Nd/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te. In Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te, the Pu crystal radius is found to be much lower than that of Nd in Nd/sub 2/O/sub 2/Te, suggesting some 5f electron ''delocalization'' leading to a crystal radius shrinkage. As for the hexagonal Pu/sub 2/O/sub 2/X compounds, with X =O,S,Se, the measured gap may be considered as the energy separation between the chalcogen np band and the 6d-7s conduction band, the occupied 5f states lying just below the np band with some 5f-np overlap.
OSTI ID:
5559670
Journal Information:
J. Solid State Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Solid State Chem.; (United States) Vol. 47:2; ISSN JSSCB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English