Search

Detailed crystallographic data on high-quality Li2MnO3 material has been obtained using a combination of X-ray diffraction (XRD), selected-area electron diffraction (SAED), high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM), and 0.1 nm probe high-angle annular dark-field imaging (HAADF) in a scanning transmission electron microscope. A high-purity Li2MnO3 powder was annealed at 950 °C for 3 days to obtain predominantly defect-free grains which average size was 3.0 ± 1.5 μm. Rietveld refinement indicated that the C2/m spacegroup provided the best fit for the XRD data. Electron diffraction patterns obtained along various zone axes, on defect-free oxide particles, could be uniquely indexed to the monoclinic structure. HREM and HAADF images of defect-free grains were consistent with a Li–Mn–Mn– arrangement, i.e., lithium ordering in the transition metal planes. Low-magnification TEM images occasionally revealed stacking defects within oxide particles. HREM images of sample areas containing defects revealed a low density of stacking faults within the monoclinic sequence, resulting in a trigonal P3 1 12 local arrangement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi-based superconducting phases have been studied by transmission electron microscopy. The strong one-dimensional modulations in undoped and Ce-doped monoclinic Bi2 Sr2 CuO6 (2201) samples are different from one another. We have found a new 2201 phase containing Pb and Ca with orthorhombic symmetry in nominal (Bi0.90 Pb0.10 )2 Sr2 CaCu2 O8 crystals. Its structure with space group Bbmb and two-dimensional modulation are analogous to those of the Pb-doped higher members of the structural series Bi2 Sr2 Can-1 Cun O2n+4 . Hence, this new orthorhombic rather than the monoclinic 2201 phase should be the first member of the structural series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]