How to Look for Compounds: Predictive Screening and in situ Studies in Na-Zn-Bi
Date
2021-11-17
Authors
Gvozdetskyi, Volodymyr
Wang, Renhai
Xia, Weiyi
Zhang, Feng
Lin, Zijing
Ho, Kai-Ming
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Iowa State University Digital Repository, Ames IA (United States)
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ChemistryAmes Laboratory
Abstract
Here we demonstrate the combination of theoretical computations followed by rapid experimental screening and in-situ diffraction studies as a powerful strategy for novel compounds discovery. When applied for the previously “empty” Na-Zn-Bi system, such an approach led to 4 novel phases. The compositional space of this system was rapidly screened via the hydride route method and the theoretically predicted NaZnBi (PbClF type, P4/nmm) and Na11Zn2Bi5 (Na11Cd2Sb5 type, P-1) phases were successfully synthesized, while other computationally generated compounds on the list were rejected. In addition, single crystal X-ray diffraction studies of NaZnBi indicate minor deviations from the stoichiometric 1:1:1 molar ratio. As a result, two isostructural (PbClF type, P4/nmm) Zn-deficient phases with similar compositions, but distinctly different unit cell parameters were discovered. The vacancies on Zn sites and unit cell expansion were rationalized from bonding analysis using electronic structure calculations on stoichiometric “NaZnBi”. In-situ synchrotron powder X-ray diffraction studies shed light on complex equilibria in the Na-Zn-Bi system at elevated temperatures. In particular, the high-temperature polymorph HT-Na3Bi (BiF3 type, Fm-3m) was obtained as a product of Na11Zn2Bi5 decomposition above 611 K. HT-Na3Bi cannot be stabilized at room temperature by quenching, and this type of structure was earlier observed in the high-pressure polymorph HP-Na3Bi above 0.5 GPa. The aforementioned approach of predictive synthesis can be extended to other multinary systems
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This is the published version of the following article: Gvozdetskyi, Volodymyr, Renhai Wang, Weiyi Xia, Feng Zhang, Zijing Lin, Kai‐Ming Ho, Gordon Miller, and Julia V. Zaikina. "How to Look for Compounds: Predictive Screening and in situ Studies in Na− Zn− Bi System." Chemistry–A European Journal 27, no. 64 (2021): 15954-15966. DOI: 10.1002/chem.202101948. Copyright 2021 The Authors. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0). DOE Contract Number(s): AC02-07CH11358; AC02-06CH11357.
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