Network Formation by Condensed Tetrahedral [Au3Al] Units in Na2Au3Al: Crystal and Electronic Structure, Spectroscopic Investigations, and Physical Properties of an Ordered Ternary Auride

Synthesis, magnetic and NMR spectroscopic properties of the MAl5Pt3 series (M = Ca, Y, La-Nd, Sm-Er)

Following recent investigation in the ternary system Sr-Al-Pt led to the discovery of SrAl5Pt3 which crystallizes in the orthorhombic YNi5Si3 type (Pnma) structure. Interestingly, only two more aluminum representatives, CeAl5Pt3 and EuAl5Pt3, have been reported to adopt this structure type. Therefore, we decided to investigate the existence range of compounds adopting the YNi5Si3 type structure. Besides the already known Sr, Ce and Eu members, the series could be extended to Ca, Y and La-Nd as well as Sm-Er. All compounds were synthesized from the elements and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. While for CaAl5Pt3 and LaAl5Pt3 also the respective M2Al16Pt9 members were observed, the other compounds could be obtained either as X-ray pure materials or with small amounts of Al3Pt2 as a side phase. The structure of ErAl5Pt3 could be refined from single crystal data, verifying that also the small rare-earth elements adopt the YNi5Si3 type structure. Selected members of the series were furthermore characterized by magnetization and susceptibility measurements. Since YAl5Pt3 could be obtained as a phase pure material and exhibits no paramagnetic behaviour it was investigated by 27Al MAS NMR investigations. Also, XPS measurements were conducted on this compound to gain an insight into the charge distribution. Finally, quantum-chemical calculations supported the NMR measurements and gave an insight into the chemical bonding and the charge distribution.

H-Glass Supported Hybrid Gold Nano-Islands for Visible-Light-Driven Hydrogen Evolution

Flat panel reactors, coated with photocatalytic materials, offer a sustainable approach for the commercial production of hydrogen (H2) with zero carbon footprint. Despite this, achieving high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) conversion efficiency with these reactors is still a significant challenge due to the low utilization efficiency of solar light and rapid charge recombination. Herein, hybrid gold nano-islands (HGNIs) are developed on transparent glass support to improve the STH efficiency. Plasmonic HGNIs are grown on an in-house developed active glass sheet composed of sodium aluminum phosphosilicate oxide glass (H-glass) using the thermal dewetting method at 550 °C under an ambient atmosphere. HGNIs with various oxidation states (Au0, Au+, and Au-) and multiple interfaces are obtained due to the diffusion of the elements from the glass structure, which also facilitates the lifetime of the hot electron to be ≈2.94 ps. H-glass-supported HGNIs demonstrate significant STH conversion efficiency of 0.6%, without any sacrificial agents, via water dissociation. This study unveils the specific role of H-glass-supported HGNIs in facilitating light-driven chemical conversions, offering new avenues for the development of high-performance photocatalysts in various chemical conversion reactions for large-scale commercial applications.

Searching for Laves Phase Superstructures: Structural and 27Al NMR Spectroscopic Investigations in the Hf-V-Al System

Laves phases exhibit a plethora of different structures and a multitude of physical properties. Investigations in the ternary system Hf-V-Al led to the discovery of numerous members of the solid solution Hf(V1-xAlx)2, which adopt the hexagonal MgZn2 type (C14) for medium to high amounts of Al (x = 0.2-1) and the cubic MgCu2 type (C15) for small Al amounts (x = 0.05-0.1). While all members exhibit Pauli-paramagnetic behavior due to the absence of localized magnetic moments, the V-rich cubic member Hf(V0.95Al0.05)2 additionally exhibits a superconducting state below TC = 7.6(1) K. All synthesized compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, and selected samples were furthermore investigated by 27Al solid-state magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR. HfAl2 exhibits two Al resonances, one rather sharp and one significantly broadened signal, in line with the crystal structure and respective coordination environments. The members of the solid solution exhibit extremely broadened resonances due to the mixing of V and Al on the same crystallographic sites. For nominal Hf(V0.125Al0.875)2, however, two distinct sharp NMR signals were observed. This contrasts with the description of a solid solution. Therefore, single-crystal X-ray studies were conducted, showing that Hf(V0.125Al0.875)2 really is an ordered compound with the sum formula Hf4VAl7 (P3̅m1), which exhibits an, thus far, unknown superstructure of MgZn2.

Raman and NMR spectroscopic and theoretical investigations of the cubic laves-phases REAl2 (RE = Sc, Y, La, Yb, Lu)

The cubic Laves-phase aluminides REAl₂ with RE = Sc, Y, La, Yb and Lu were prepared from the elements by arc-melting or using refractory metal ampoules and induction heating. They all crystallize in the cubic crystal system with space group Fd3̄m and adopt the MgCu₂ type structure. The title compounds were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and spectroscopically investigated using Raman and ²⁷Al and in the case of ScAl₂ by ⁴⁵Sc solid-state MAS NMR. In both, the Raman and NMR spectra, the aluminides exhibit only one signal due to the crystal structure. DFT calculations were used to calculate Bader charges illustrating the charge transfer in these compounds along with NMR parameters and densities of states. Finally, the bonding situation was assessed by means of ELF calculations rendering these compounds aluminides with positively charged RE^δ+ cations embedded in an [Al₂]^δ- polyanion.

Theoretical and 27Al NMR Spectroscopic Investigations of Binary Intermetallic Alkaline-Earth Aluminides

The binary alkaline-earth aluminides AEAl₂ (AE = Ca and Sr) and AEAl₄ (AE = Ca-Ba) have been synthesized from the elements and investigated via powder X-ray diffraction experiments. CaAl₂ adopts the cubic MgCu₂-type structure (Fd3̅m), while SrAl₂ crystallizes in the orthorhombic KHg₂-type (Imma). LT-CaAl₄ crystallizes with the monoclinic CaGa₄-type (C2/m), while HT-CaAl₄, SrAl₄, and BaAl₄ adopt the tetragonal BaAl₄-type structure (I4/mmm). The close structural relation of the two CaAl₄ polymorphs was established using a group-subgroup relation in the Bärnighausen formalism. In addition to the room-temperature and normal pressure phase of SrAl₂, a high-pressure/high-temperature phase has been prepared using multianvil techniques, and its structural and spectroscopic parameters were determined. Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry showed that no significant impurities with other elements besides the weighed ones are present and the chemical compositions match the synthesized ones. The title compounds have been furthermore investigated by ²⁷Al solid-state magic angle spinning NMR experiments to validate the crystal structure and to gain information about the influence of the composition on the electron transfer and the NMR characteristics. This has also been investigated from a quantum chemical point of view using Bader charges, while the stabilities of the binary compounds in the three phase diagrams (Ca-Al, Sr-Al and Ba-Al) have been studied by calculations of formation energies per atom.

Extending the knowledge on the quaternary rare earth nickel aluminum germanides of the RENiAl4Ge2 series (RE=Y, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) – structural, magnetic and NMR-spectroscopic investigations

The quaternary rare earth nickel aluminum germanide series RENiAl4Ge2 (RE = Y, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) has been extended by several members. The compounds were synthesized from the elements by arc-melting, and single crystals of YNiAl4Ge2, GdNiAl4Ge2, and LuNiAl4Ge2 were grown from an aluminum flux. All members crystallize isostructurally in the rhombohedral SmNiAl4Ge2-type structure (R3̅m, Z = 3). The compounds can be described as a stacking of RE δ+ and [NiAl4Ge2] δ− slabs with an ABC stacking sequence, or alternatively as stacking of CsCl and CdI2 building blocks. The results of the magnetic measurements indicate that all rare earth atoms are in a trivalent oxidation state. Of the RENiAl4Ge2 series, the members with RE = Sm, Gd–Dy exhibit antiferromagnetic ordering with a maximum Néel temperature of T N = 16.4(1) K observed for GdNiAl4Ge2. 27Al NMR spectroscopic investigations yielded spectra with two distinct signals, in line with the crystal structure, however, significantly different resonance frequencies of δ iso ms(YNiAl4Ge2) = 77(1) and 482(1) ppm as well as δ iso ms(LuNiAl4Ge2) = 90(1) and 467(1) ppm were observed. These indicate significantly different s-electron densities at the two crystallographically different Al atoms, in line with the results from DFT calculations. The Bader charge analysis confirms that the present compounds must be considered as germanides, as expected from the relative electronegativities of the constituent elements, while the low charges on Al and Y indicate significant covalent bonding.

Temperature induced valence phase transition in intermediate-valent YbPd2Al3

A temperature induced valence phase transition from Yb3+ at higher temperatures to Yb2+ at lower temperatures was observed at T = 110(1) K for intermetallic YbPd2Al3. The title compound has been prepared from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules. The structure was refined from single-crystal data and the title compound was found to crystallize in the hexagonal YNi2Al3 type structure with space group P6/mmm and lattice parameters of a = 929.56(7) and c = 420.16(3) pm (300 K data). Full ordering of the Pd and Al atoms within the [Pd2Al3] δ- polyanion was observed. Magnetic measurements revealed an anomaly in the dc susceptibility data and intermediate valent Yb at higher temperature, as observed from the effective magnetic moment. The proposed valence phase transition was also observed as a λ-type anomaly in heat capacity measurements (T = 108.4(1) K), however, no systematic shift of the λ-peak was observed in field dependent heat capacity measurements. An antiferromagnetic ordering at this temperature, however, could be excluded, based on field-dependent susceptibility measurements and magnetization isotherms. No dynamic phenomenon was observed in ac susceptibility measurements, excluding e.g. spin-glass behavior. Subsequent temperature dependent single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction experiments indicated a steep increase in the length of the c axis around T = 110 K upon cooling. However, no structural phase transition was found via single-crystal diffraction experiments conducted at 90 K. The anomaly was also observed in other physical measurements of e.g. the electrical resistivity, indicating a clear change in the electronic structure of the material. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy conducted at room temperature shows the presence of both, Yb2+ and Yb3+, underlining the mixed-valent state. Members of the solid solution Yb1-x Ca x Pd2Al3 (x = 0.33, 0.67, 1) were finally used to further study the charge ordering and the present temperature induced valence phase transition.

Correlations of Crystal and Electronic Structure via NMR and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopies in the RETMAl2 (RE = Sc, Y, La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu; TM = Ni, Pd, Pt) Series

A total of 35 intermetallic aluminum compounds have been synthesized from the elements via arc melting and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. A total of 15 of them have been previously reported; however, detailed property investigations were missing. Compounds of the RETMAl₂ (rare earth metal RE = Sc, Y, La-Nd, Sm, Gd-Tm, Lu) series with transition metal TM = Ni, Pd, and Pt crystallize isostructurally in the orthorhombic MgCuAl₂ type structure ( Cmcm, oC16, fc²). Single-crystal X-ray diffraction investigations were conducted on YNiAl₂, LaNiAl₂, YPdAl₂, ScPtAl₂, and YPtAl₂. The TM and Al atoms form a [TMAl₂]^δ- polyanion, the RE atoms reside in cavities within the framework. While the Sc, Y, La, and Lu compounds exhibit Pauli-paramagnetic behavior, consistent with all atoms being closed shell, the other RETMAl₂ compounds show paramagnetism along with magnetic ordering at low temperatures, in line with an open-shell trivalent oxidation state for the RE atoms. Solid-state ²⁷Al NMR investigations were carried out on the Pauli-paramagnetic samples, all showing only a single central transition, in line with one crystallographic site for the respective atoms. The observed quadrupolar coupling constants and electric-field-gradient asymmetry parameters were found to be in good agreement with the density-functional-theory-calculated values. Isotropic resonance shifts are dominated by the Fermi-contact interactions with s-conduction electron densities at the Fermi edge (Knight shifts). The bonding characteristics mirror the electronic density of states and crystal chemistry of the family of intermetallic compounds under consideration. Both the Knight shifts and quadrupolar coupling constants can be predicted based on element-specific increments.

Two series of rare earth metal-rich ternary aluminium transition metallides – RE 6Co2Al (RE=Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) and RE 6Ni2.25Al0.75 (RE=Y, Gd–Tm, Lu)

The rare earth metal-rich cobalt and nickel aluminium compounds with the general compositions RE 6Co2Al (RE=Sc, Y, Nd, Sm, Gd–Tm, Lu) and RE 6Ni2.25Al0.75 (RE=Y, Gd–Tm, Lu) have been synthesised from the elements by arc-melting, followed by annealing. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments on Y6Co2.02(1)Al0.98(1) (Ho6Co2Ga type; Immm; a=944.1(2), b=952.4(2), c=999.0(2) pm; wR2=0.0452, 1123 F 2 values, 35 variables) and Y6Ni2.26(1)Al0.74(1) (Ho6Co2Ga type; Immm; a=938.30(5), b=959.45(5), c=996.05(6) pm; wR2=0.0499, 1131 F 2 values, 35 variables) revealed that the compounds form solid solutions according to the general formula RE 6(Co/Ni)2+ x Al1−x with different homogeneity ranges. The compounds of the Ni series can be obtained in X-ray pure form only with the nominal composition RE 6Ni2.25Al0.75. A significant increase of the U 22 component of the anisotropic displacement parameters of the Co/Ni2 atoms (4g site) was observed that requires a description of the structure with a split-position model at RT. Further investigations by low temperature (90 K) single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments of Y6Co2.02(1)Al0.98(1) showed a significant decrease of U 22. Magnetic measurements were conducted on the X-ray pure members of the RE 6Co2Al (RE=Y, Dy–Tm, Lu) series. Antiferromagnetic ordering was observed for the members with unpaired f electrons with Néel temperatures up to T N=48.0(1) K and two spin reorientations for Dy6Co2Al.

Structural Characterization of Intermetallic Compounds by 27Al Solid State NMR Spectroscopy

Intermetallic compounds are of broad interest for solid state chemists, condensed matter physicists, and material scientists due to their intriguing crystal chemistry, their physical properties, and their potential applications, ranging from lab curiosities to everyday objects. To characterize and understand the properties of new compounds and novel materials, the availability of structural information, particularly single-crystal X-ray diffraction data, is a mandatory prerequisite. Especially when it comes to the formation of compounds with deficient or mixed site occupancies, superstructures, or representatives crystallizing in other, thus far unknown structure types, a complementary method for structural analysis is of great value. Solid state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been a valuable tool in many areas of chemistry, being an element-selective, site-specific, and inherently quantitative tool for detailed structural characterization. Magic-angle spinning conditions eliminate or reduce the effect of anisotropic interactions in the solid state, producing high-resolution spectra. Until recently, ²⁷Al NMR studies of intermetallic aluminum compounds have been relatively sparse and mostly limited to binary systems. In this Account, we will summarize the current state of the art of high-resolution ²⁷Al NMR in intermetallic compounds focusing on recent research efforts in our laboratories and the interpretation of NMR parameters in terms of the structural details of the compounds investigated. Besides theoretical aspects of ²⁷Al NMR spectroscopy, short paragraphs on experimental details and the crystal chemistry of the discussed compounds are given. In the main part of this Account, we focus on three key aspects: (i) crystal structure validation, (ii) structural disorder and mixed site occupancies, and (iii) the electronic structure, all of which can be investigated by spectroscopic means. For the first part, we have chosen the ternary equiatomic compounds CaAuAl (TiNiSi type), BaAuAl (LaIrSi type), and Ba₃Pt₄Al₄ (own type). Structural disorder and mixed site occupancies have been probed in the ScTAl series (T = Cr, Ru, Ag, Re) crystallizing in the TiNiSi, HfRhSn, and MgZn₂-type structures. Also Na₂Au₃Al and the Heusler compounds, Sc(T_0.5T'_0.5)₂Al (T = T' = Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au), have been used for structure validation purposes, based on the number and signal area ratios of the resonances observed and on the comparison between experimental and theoretically calculated nuclear electric quadrupolar interaction parameters. Electronic structure information available from ²⁷Al magnetic shielding will be discussed based on experimental data obtained for the RET₅Al₂ series (RE = Y, Lu; T = Pd, Pt), the extended RE₁₀TAl₃ series (RE = Y, Lu; T = Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd, Pt), and the ordered Heusler compounds ScT₂Al (T = Ni, Pd, Pt, Cu, Ag, Au).