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Structure and properties of La/sub 2/Mo/sub 2/O/sub 7/: a quasi-two-dimensional metallic oxide with strong Mo-Mo bonds

Journal Article · · J. Solid State Chem.; (United States)

Single crystals of La/sub 2/Mo/sub 2/O/sub 7/, prepared by fused salt electrolysis, were used for structural and electronic characterization. La/sub 2/Mo/sub 2/O/sub 7/ is orthorhombic with a = 6.034 A, b = 12.236 A, and c = 3.888 A. The dominant feature of the structure, which was refined in space group Pnnm, is Mo/sub 2/O/sub 10/ units formed by edge-sharing MoO/sub 6/ octahedra which contain Mo-Mo distances of only 2.478 A. These groups then share corners in two dimensions to give rise to Mo-O layers which are held together by the lanthanum ions. The relationship of the La/sub 2/Mo/sub 2/O/sub 7/ structure to those of other reduced oxides is discussed. La/sub 2/Mo/sub 2/O/sub 7/ is a metallic conductor down to 125 K where a phase transition takes place. A similar transition is seen in the magnetic susceptibility. The anomalous electric and magnetic behavior of this compound may be associated with a charge density wave instability of the type often found in quasi-two-dimensional materials.

Research Organization:
Texas A and M Univ., College Station
OSTI ID:
7122715
Journal Information:
J. Solid State Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Solid State Chem.; (United States) Vol. 66:1; ISSN JSSCB
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English