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Published on: September 8, 2017
Sequence of phase transitions in (NH4)3SiF7
S V Mel'nikova1, M S Molokeev2, N M Laptash3
1Laboratory of Crystal Physics, Kirensky Institute of Physics, Federal Research Center KSC SB RAS, Krasnoyarsk, 660036, Russia. msmolokeev@mail.ru.
Researchers studied ammonium hexafluorosilicate fluoride crystals, revealing multiple phase transitions driven by hydrogen bonds. These structural changes were analyzed using advanced crystallographic and calorimetric techniques.
Area of Science:
- Solid State Chemistry
- Crystallography
- Materials Science
Background:
- Ammonium hexafluorosilicate fluoride ((NH4)3SiF7) is a complex salt exhibiting interesting structural properties.
- Understanding its phase transitions is crucial for potential applications in materials science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the structural phase transitions of single crystals of (NH4)3SiF7.
- To determine the sequence of symmetry transformations and crystal structures at different temperatures.
- To elucidate the driving forces behind these phase transitions.
Main Methods:
- Single crystal growth.
- Polarization optics.
- X-ray diffraction.
- Calorimetry.
- Group-theoretical analysis of order parameters.
Main Results:
- A sequence of five distinct crystallographic phases and their symmetry transformations (P4/mbm ↔ Pbam ↔ P21/c ↔ P1̄ ↔ P21/c) were identified with temperature changes.
- Crystal structures for the different phases were determined.
- Experimental data were interpreted using group-theoretical analysis, considering atomic displacements.
Conclusions:
- The observed phase transitions in (NH4)3SiF7 are driven by the strengthening of N-HF hydrogen bonds.
- The study provides a comprehensive understanding of the complex structural behavior of this silicon double salt.
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