Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 30, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Homologous phases built by boron clusters and their vibrational properties
F Zhang1, F Xu, A Leithe-Jasper
1National Institute for Materials Science, Advanced Materials Laboratory, Namiki 1-1, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
New rare earth boron-rich solids (REBC(N)) were discovered, exhibiting structures homologous to boron carbide (B(4)C). Their layered arrangements of boron icosahedra and octahedra influence unit cell dimensions and vibrational properties.
Area of Science:
- Solid-state chemistry
- Materials science
- Crystallography
Background:
- Boron carbide (B(4)C) is a well-known ceramic with a complex structure.
- Rare earth elements offer unique properties for material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discover and characterize new rare earth boron-rich solids.
- To investigate the structural relationships between these new phases and B(4)C.
- To analyze their vibrational properties.
Main Methods:
- Single crystal and powder X-ray diffraction for structure determination.
- Synthesis of monophase powders and single crystals.
- Raman spectroscopy for vibrational mode analysis.
Main Results:
- A series of new rare earth boron-rich solids in REBC(N) systems (RE: Y, Ho, Er, Tm, Lu) were identified.
- These new phases exhibit structures homologous to B(4)C with trigonal symmetry.
- Layered stacking of boron icosahedra and octahedra dictates unit cell parameters, particularly the c-axis length.
- Raman spectra revealed characteristic vibrational modes for these homologous phases.
Conclusions:
- The discovered REBC(N) compounds represent a new homologous series related to B(4)C.
- Structural variations are linked to the stacking sequence of boron polyhedra.
- Vibrational analysis provides insights into the bonding and structure of these novel materials.
More Related Videos
06:44From Molecules to Materials: Engineering New Ionic Liquid Crystals Through Halogen Bonding
Published on: March 24, 2018
08:54Vibrational Spectra of a N719-Chromophore/Titania Interface from Empirical-Potential Molecular-Dynamics Simulation, Solvated by a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Published on: January 25, 2020
Related Concept Videos
Hybridization of Atomic Orbitals I
Molecular Orbital Theory II
IR Spectrum Peak Broadening: Hydrogen Bonding
However, the extent of hydrogen bonding influences the observed stretching frequency and band broadening. Intermolecular or intramolecular hydrogen bonding...
IR Spectrum Peak Splitting: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Vibrations
IR Spectroscopy: Molecular Vibration Overview
Stretching vibrations are vibrational motions that occur along the bond line, changing the bond length or distance between two bonded atoms. They are further distinguished as symmetric or asymmetric. In symmetric stretching, the...
IR Spectroscopy: Hooke's Law Approximation of Molecular Vibration
According to Hooke's law, the vibrational frequency is directly proportional to the...