Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Molten-Salt Synthesis of Complex Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
Published on: October 27, 2018
Discrete Li-occupation versus pseudo-continuous Na-occupation and their relationship with structural change behaviors
Ji-Li Yue1, Yong-Ning Zhou2, Si-Qi Shi3
1Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysts and Innovative Materials, Department of Chemistry &Laser Chemistry Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China.
Abstract:
The key factors governing the single-phase or multi-phase structural change behaviors during the intercalation/deintercalation of guest ions have not been well studied and understood yet. Through systematic studies of orthorhombic Fe2(MoO4)3 electrode, two distinct guest ion occupation paths, namely discrete one for Li and pseudo-continuous one for Na, as well as their relationship with single-phase and two-phase modes for Na(+) and Li(+), respectively during the intercalation/deintercalation process have been demonstrated. For the first time, the direct atomic-scale observation of biphasic domains (discrete occupation) in partially lithiated Fe2(MoO4)3 and the one by one Na occupation (pseudo-continuous occupation) at 8d sites in partially sodiated Fe2(MoO4)3 are obtained during the discharge processes of Li/Fe2(MoO4)3 and Na/Fe2(MoO4)3 cells respectively. Our combined experimental and theoretical studies bring the new insights for the research and development of intercalation compounds as electrode materials for secondary batteries.
Related Concept Videos
Valence Bond Theory
Phase Transitions: Sublimation and Deposition
Molecular Orbital Theory II
Phase Diagram
Phase Diagram
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...

