LaZnB(5)O(10), the first lanthanum zinc borate.

Area of Science:

• Solid-state chemistry
• Inorganic materials science
• Crystallography

Background:

• The LnMB(5)O(10) structure type is known for housing various rare earth and divalent metal ions.
• Understanding the structural characteristics of novel borates is crucial for materials development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a new lanthanum zinc penta-borate compound.
• To elucidate the crystal structure of LaZnB(5)O(10) and its constituent layers and ion coordination.

Main Methods:

• Flux-supported solid-state reaction was employed for synthesis.
• Crystallographic analysis was performed to determine the three-dimensional structure.

Main Results:

• Lanthanum zinc penta-borate, LaZnB(5)O(10), was successfully synthesized.
• The crystal structure consists of 2D {[B(5)O(10)](5-)}(n) layers.
• Lanthanum ions exhibit a coordination number of nine, and zinc ions have a coordination number of six, occupying inter-layer positions.

Conclusions:

• LaZnB(5)O(10) belongs to the LnMB(5)O(10) structure type.
• The compound exhibits a robust three-dimensional framework built from layered borate units and interstitial metal ions.