Irreversible Electron-Induced Structural Change during HREM Imaging in Lithium Ruddlesden–Popper Phases in the Series Li2Lax (Nb2n−3xTi3x−n)O3n+1 (n=2, 3, 4) and Li2Sr1.5(Nb3−xFex)O10−x

• Published in: Journal of solid state chemistry 1999-06, Vol.145 (1), p.136-149
• Main Authors: Crosnier-Lopez, M.P., Bhuvanesh, N.S.P., Duroy, H., Fourquet, J.L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Electron, ion, and scanning probe microscopy; electron-induced structural change; Electrons and positron radiation effects; Exact sciences and technology; Inorganic compounds; lithium containing Ruddlesden–Popper oxides; Physical radiation effects, radiation damage; Physics; Structure of solids and liquids; crystallography; Structure of specific crystalline solids; transmission electron microscopy; Transmission, reflection and scanning electron microscopy(including ebic); Water, oxides, hydroxides, peroxides
• ISSN: 0022-4596; 1095-726X
• DOI: 10.1006/jssc.1999.8232

Several lithium Ruddlesden–Popper compounds are investigated by TEM (ED and HREM) in the series Li2Lax (Nb2n−3xTi3x−n)O3n+1 (n=2, 3, and 4, for x=0.833, 1.78, and 2.25, respectively) and Li2Sr1.5 (Nb3−xFex) O10−x (for n=3; x=0 and 0.115). These studies confirm the crystal structures previously established from single crystal X-ray diffraction data: they consist of perovskite layers separated by Li+ ions in distorted tetrahedral coordination. After the HREM study, for all the examined compounds, an irreversible structural change is evidenced leading to a unique model (space group I4/mmm) characterized by the preservation of the perovskite layers and by a substantial shrinking of the c parameter ( perpendicular to the perovskite slabs). In the hypothesis of the conservation of the cells contents, this phenomenon is explained by a concomitant change in the Li+ coordination which becomes octahedral.