Na1.85Mg1.85In1.15(PO4)3 and Ag1.69Mg1.69In1.31(PO4)3 with alluaudite-type structures

Abstract

Single crystals of two new phosphates, sodium magnesium indium(III) tris(orthophosphate) and silver magnesium indium(III) tris(orthophosphate), were obtained from solid-state reactions. The two phosphates are isotypic and exhibit alluaudite-type structures. They are characterized by a cationic disorder of the Mg and In sites and a partial occupation of the Na and Ag sites, respectively. The structure of both phosphates is made up of chains of edge-sharing [(Mg,In)O6] octahedra extending parallel to [10\overline{1}]. Adjacent chains are linked by PO4 tetrahedra to form a three-dimensional framework delimiting two types of channels parallel to [001] in which the monovalent cations are situated. The coordination numbers of the Na+ cations are 6 and 8, and for both Ag+ cations 6. The corresponding coordination spheres are considerably distorted.

Keywords

• crystal structure
• mixed-metal phosphate
• solid-state reaction
• disorder
• alluaudite