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The binary Ru4Si3 remained the only compound in its structure type for more than 60 years. Herein, we report the synthesis and crystal structure of the first ternary silicide (Ir4−xCuSi2) in the Ru4Si3-type structure, which can be derived from RuSi by unit cell twinning. According to single-crystal X-ray diffraction, Ir vacancies exist along the twin boundary. Ir4−xCuSi2 exhibits a distorted structure compared to Ru4Si3, as the larger Cu selectively replaces Si on only one of three possible sites, leading to zigzag chains with short Cu–Cu distances. Furthermore, DFT calculations show that the rigid band approximation does not apply to this structure type, but the similarities of electronic structures of the ideal binary and ternary compositions suggest that this structure type can accommodate a large variety of elemental substitutions without a significant change of its electronic structure if a similar valence electron count is maintained, hinting at a potentially rich substitutional chemistry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The novel composition – TiFe1.3Os3.9B2.8 – is the first quaternary phase of the NbRuB structure type. The layer‐like structure consists of boron (mixed with 8 % Fe) dumbbells in the same layer as osmium atoms, some sites with mixed occupancies. The second layer has isolated boron, osmium/titanium (51 % Os) and iron atoms. The presence of iron enables the study of magnetism as Fe‐chains are present, with intra‐ and interchain distances of 3.02 Å and 5.76 Å, respectively. Density functional theory (DFT) predicts magnetic ordering to be likely with the antiferromagnetic ground state only 13 meV more favorable than the ferromagnetic state. This discovery opens the possibilities of studying various quaternary compositions in the superconducting NbRuB structure type. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural parameters, chemical bonding and magnetic properties of the ternary boride series M1.5Rh5.5B3 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) were investigated by first principles DFT calculations. The calculated crystallographic lattice parameters corroborate well with the experimental results of the reported Fe1.3Rh5.7B3 single crystal. In the most stable structural model used, Fe-dumbbells as well as isolated Fe-atoms exist. From spin polarised calculations, ferromagnetism is found for the members with M = Fe, Co, while ferrimagnetism is more stable for Mn1.5Rh5.5B3 and Pauli paramagnetism is more stable for M = Cr, Ni. The total magnetic moment per formula unit for the M = Mn, Fe and Co phases is calculated to be 3.32, 5.00 and 3.26 μB, respectively. According to COHP chemical bonding analysis, Rh-B contacts are mainly responsible for the structural stability, while Rh-M interactions influence the magnetic behavior of these complex borides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ta3Ru5B2, Zr2.86(5)Ru5.14(5)B2, and Hf2.83(2)Ru5.17(2)B2 have been successfully synthesized as polycrystalline powders as well as single crystals and characterized by powder and single- crystal X-ray diffraction and EDX analysis. Furthermore, their electronic structures and bonding characteristics have been analyzed by DFT calculations. The three phases are isotypic and crystallize with a Ti3Co5B2-type structure (space group P4/mbm). Their electronic densities of states, which all possess a large pseudogap at the Fermi level, closely follow the rigid band model. Bonding analyses indicated that Ru-B and Ru-M (M = Zr, Hf, Ta) heteroatomic interactions are mainly responsible for their structural stability and that the homoatomic M-M interactions behave differently when connecting either two tetragonal or two pentagonal Ru prisms at the same distance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline samples and single crystals of the new metal-rich boride V1+ xNb1- xIrB2 ( x ≈ 0.1), were synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled copper crucible under an argon atmosphere and characterized by X-ray diffraction and EDX measurements. The crystal structure was refined on the basis of single crystal data. The new phase adopts the Mo2IrB2-type structure (space group Pnnm, no. 58) with the lattice parameters a = 7.301(7) Å, b = 9.388(9) Å and c = 3.206(5) Å. It is the first quaternary representative of Mo2IrB2-type structure. The structure contains zigzag B4-fragments with boron-boron distances of 1.83-1.85 Å. The electronic density of states and crystal orbital Hamilton population (for bonding analysis) were calculated, using the linear muffin-tin orbital atomic sphere approximation (LMTO-ASA) method. According to these calculations, this metal-rich compound should be metallic, as expected. Furthermore, very strong boron-boron interactions are observed in the zigzag B4-fragment and two significantly different Ir-B interactions are observed in the new phase and the prototype Mo2IrB2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single crystals and polycrystalline samples of (Nb2- xSc x)4 gNb2 aRu5B2 (1 ≤ x < 2), Nb3- xM xRu5B2 (M = Ti, V; x ≈ 1), and Nb2+ xM1- xRu5B2 (M = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni; 0 < x ≤ 0.5) were synthesized from the elements and characterized by single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. These phases are substitutional variants of the recently reported Nb3Ru5B2 phase and crystallize in the Ti3Co5B2-type structure (tetragonal, space group P4/ mbm, no. 127). The structure consists of layers of ruthenium atoms that build trigonal, tetragonal, and pentagonal prisms, in which the other atoms are incorporated. The larger 3d metals, Sc, Ti, and V are found on the larger pentagonal prisms, together with niobium, and also (except for Sc) on the tetragonal prisms. The smaller 3d metals, Cr-Ni, are only found on the tetragonal prisms, but also mix with niobium. DFT calculations on the ternary phase Nb3Ru5B2 suggested that the reason for this site mixing can be found in its electronic structure and the application of the rigid band model proposed a valence electron (VE) range between ca. 58 and 64 for the derived stable phases. All synthesized quaternary phases fit very well within this VE range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline samples and single crystals of four members of the new complex boride series Ti3−xRu5−yIryB2+x (0 ≤ x ≤ 1 and 1 < y < 3) were synthesized by arc-melting the elements in a water-cooled copper crucible under an argon atmosphere. The new silvery phases were structurally characterized by powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as energy- and wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy analyses. They crystallize with the tetragonal Ti3Co5B2 structure type in space group P4/mbm (No. 127). Tetragonal prisms of Ru/Ir atoms are filled with titanium in the boron-poorest phase (Ti3Ru2.9Ir2.1B2). Gradual substitution of titanium by boron then results in the successive filling of this site by a Ti/B mixture en route to the complete boron occupation, leading to the boron-richest phase (Ti2Ru2.8Ir2.2B3). Furthermore, both ruthenium and iridium share two sites in these structures, but a clear Ru/Ir site preference is found. First-principles density functional theory calculations (Vienna ab initio simulation package) on appropriate structural models (using a supercell approach) have provided more evidence on the stability of the boron-richest and -poorest phases, and the calculated lattice parameters corroborate very well with the experimentally found ones. Linear muffin-tin orbital atomic sphere approximation calculations further supported these findings through crystal orbital Hamilton population bonding analyses, which also show that the Ru/Ir−B and Ru/Ir−Ti heteroatomic interactions are mainly responsible for the structural stability of these compounds. Furthermore, some stable and unstable phases of this complex series could be predicted using the rigid-band model. According to the density of states analyses, all phases should be metallic conductors, as was expected from these metal-rich borides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polycrystalline samples and single crystals of the complex boride Ti9Fe2Ru18B8 were synthesized by arc-melting the elements and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. Ti9Fe2Ru18B8 is a new substitutional variant of the Zn11Rh18B8 structure type, space group P4/mbm (No. 127), whose remarkable feature is that it contains one-dimensional chains of dumbbells of magnetically active Fe atoms, which form "ladders" along the c axis. The Fe-Fe distance within a dumbbell is 2.489(2) Å, and the Fe2-Fe2 distance between two dumbbells is 2.968(1) Å; in contrast, the chains are well-separated from each other by distances of at least 11.217(2) Å. According to the results of tight-binding electronic structure calculations, Ru-B and Ti-Ru contacts are responsible for the structural robustness, while Fe-Fe interactions influence the magnetic behavior, According to magnetization measurements, Ti9Fe2Ru18B8 orders ferromagnetically between 10 and 200 K. A model for ferromagnetism in this ladder-based structure identifies ferromagnetic coupling among neighboring spin-triplet Fe2 dimers along the c axis as the origin of the magnetic behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have investigated the electrical transport properties of nanodevices fabricated from exfoliated flakes of two-dimensional metallic ferromagnets Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) and Fe5Ge2Te2 (FG2T) down to below three layers in thickness. The per-layer anomalous Hall conductivity even in thick FGT and FG2T devices is found to be much smaller than ∼ e 2 h , the approximate value calculated for thick undoped crystals. Moreover, we obtain a power-law scaling relation between the per-layer anomalous Hall and per-layer longitudinal conductivities with an exponent close to 1.6, which agrees with the universal value for poor ferromagnetic conductors. Both FGT and FG2T devices show clear layer-dependent Curie temperatures and layer-dependent perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, with FG2T dominating the former and FGT dominating the latter for all thicknesses. Despite their declining trend as the device thickness decreases, both Curie temperature and magnetic anisotropy retain a significant fraction of their bulk values (>60% and >80% of the bulk values, respectively, even in the thinnest FG2T device), indicating attractive potential for practical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new ternary phase, TiIrB, was synthesized by arc-melting of the elements and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction. The compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic Ti1+xRh2−x+yIr3−yB3 structure type, space group Pbam (no. 55) with the lattice parameters a = 8.655(2), b = 15.020(2), and c = 3.2271(4) Å. Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to understand the electronic structure, including a Bader charge analysis. The charge distribution of TiIrB in the Ti1+xRh2−x+yIr3−yB3-type phase has been evaluated for the first time, and the results indicate that more electron density is transferred to the boron atoms in the zigzag B4 units than to isolated boron atoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quinary members in the solid solution Hf2Fe1−δRu5−xIrx+δB2 (x=1–4, VE=63–66) have been investigated experimentally and computationally. They were synthesized via arc‐melting and analyzed by EDX and X‐ray diffraction. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations predicted a preference for magnetic ordering in all members, but with a strong competition between ferro‐ and antiferromagnetism arising from interchain Fe−Fe interactions. The spin exchange and magnetic anisotropy energies predicted the lowest magnetic hardness for x=1 and 3 and the highest for x=2. Magnetization measurements confirm the DFT predictions and demonstrate that the antiferromagnetic ordering (TN=55–70 K) found at low magnetic fields changed to ferromagnetic (TC=150–750 K) at higher fields, suggesting metamagnetic behavior for all samples. As predicted, Hf2FeRu3Ir2B2 has the highest intrinsic coercivity (Hc=74 kA/m) reported to date for Ti3Co5B2‐type phases. Furthermore, all coercivities outperform that of ferromagnetic Hf2FeIr5B2, indicating the importance of AFM interactions in enhancing magnetic anisotropy in these materials. Importantly, two members (x=1 and 4) maintain intrinsic coercivities in the semi‐hard range at room temperature. This study opens an avenue for controlling magnetic hardness by modulating antagonistic AFM and FM interactions in low‐dimensional rare‐earth‐free magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In an effort to explore the coordination chemistry of the coordinative sulfur centers in arachno-ruthenaborane [(Cp*Ru)2(B3H8)(CS2H)] (arachno-1), we have thermolyzed arachno-1 with group-6 metal carbonyls [M(CO)5·THF] (M = Cr, Mo and W). The reaction of arachno-1 with [Cr(CO)5·THF] resulted in the formation of hetero-trimetallic triply bridging borylene [(Cp*Ru)2(μ-CO)(μ3-CH2S2-κ2S′:κ2S′′){Cr(CO)3}(μ3-BH)] (2), bridging boryl–borylene [(Cp*Ru)2(μ-CO){(μ3-BH(CH2S2)-κ2B:κ2S′:κ1S′′)}{Cr(CO)3}(μ3-BH)] (3), and sulfido bridged hetero-trimetallic complex [(Cp*Ru)2(μ-CO)3{Cr(CO)3}(μ3-S)] (4). In 2, one side of Ru2Cr-triangle features a μ3-BH ligand while the other side is quadruply bridged by a methanedithiolato ligand in an unsymmetrical fashion. Unlike 2, in complex 3, one side of the Ru2Cr-triangle has a μ3-BH ligand while the opposite side is bridged by a boryl ligand BH(CH2S2) in an unsymmetrical way (μ3–κ2:κ2:κ1) to the metal centers. Interestingly, when the similar reactions of arachno-1 were performed with heavier group-6 metal carbonyls [M(CO)5·THF] (M = Mo and W), it led to the formation of methanedithiolato bridged hetero-trimetallic chain complexes, [{Cp*Ru(CO)}2(μ-CO)2(μ3-CH2S2-κ2S′:κ2S′′){M(CO)2}] (5, M = Mo; 6, M = W) and sulfido-bridged hetero-trimetallic complexes [(Cp*Ru)2(μ-CO)3{M(CO)3}(μ3-S)] (7, M = Mo; 8, M = W), analogous to 4. In complexes 5 and 6, a Ru2M-chain is symmetrically bridged by a methanedithiolato ligand. On the other hand, in complexes 4, 7, and 8, a sulfido ligand coordinates to two ruthenium and one group-6 metal atoms in μ3-fashion. All the complexes have been characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, UV-vis, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry and their structural architectures have been unambiguously established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In addition, theoretical investigations provided valuable insights into their electronic structures and bonding properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new Y2Co3Ga9 and Gd3Ru4Al12 type representatives M2T3Al9 (M = Ca, Sr, Eu; T = Ir, Pt) and M3Rh4Al12 (M = Ca, Eu) have been synthesized from the elements by heating the respective elemental compositions in sealed tantalum tubes. The samples were analysed by powder X-ray diffraction to check their purity. By applying different temperature treatments, their phase purity and crystallinity were enhanced. The crystal structures of Ca3Rh4Al12 and Eu3Rh4Al12 (hexagonal Gd3Ru4Al12 type, P63/mmc) as well as Ca2Ir3Al9 and Ca2Pt3Al9 (orthorhombic Y2Co3Ga3 type, Cmcm) were refined from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. All structures can be described based on distorted cube-like T@Al8 units that are connected to form strands. Additionally, an Al11 supertetrahedral building block can be identified within the structures. While the trigonal bipyramidal core of the cluster contains substantial bonding interactions in the case of the M3Rh4Al12 members, the connection via common edges in the case of the M2Ir3Al9 compounds seems to weaken these interactions. The differences in the bonding situation and the question why these different structure types are formed for the different transition metals has been targeted by quantum-chemical calculations. The calculated formation energy using three different reaction paths suggests that the stability of these phases is highly dependent on the side phases involved, even though Ca3T4Al12 phases are in general thermodynamically more favourable. According to the Bader analysis of the two polyanions, an improved covalent bonding can be observed in the [T4Al12]δ− over the [T3Al9]δ− framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ternary borides Ta3Ru5B2, Zr2.86Ru5.14B2, and Hf2.83Ru5.17B2 are synthesized by arc-melting of stoichiometric mixtures of the elements (Ar, Cu crucibles). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present the first bulk synthesis of Ti3Co5B2, which was realized by arc-melting a Co-rich elemental mixture. Our X-ray diffraction studies revealed a Ti/Co mixed occupancy on one of two possible Ti sites suggesting a phase width with x = 0-0.52 in Ti3- xCo5+ xB2. Moreover, we studied experimentally and theoretically the isoelectronic substitution of Ti and Co by their respective higher homologues (Zr/Rh and Hf/Ir). Surprisingly, Ti3Co5B2-type phase was obtained only for the Hf/Ir combination (single crystal analysis of Hf3Ir5B2), whereas for Zr/Rh a perovskite-like phase (ZrRh3Bx) was discovered instead. We found that small but crucial differences (atomic radius ratio and electronegativity difference) between elements of the same group in the periodic Table are responsible for the unexpected trend deviation. This finding is supported by DFT calculations of the free energy of formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conspectus: Boron's unique chemical properties and its reactions with metals have yielded the large class of metal borides with compositions ranging from the most boron-rich YB66 (used as monochromator for synchrotron radiation) up to the most metal-rich Nd2Fe14B (the best permanent magnet to date). The excellent magnetic properties of the latter compound originate from its unique crystal structure to which the presence of boron is essential. In general, knowing the crystal structure of any given extended solid is the prerequisite to understanding its physical properties and eventually predicting new synthetic targets with desirable properties. The ability of boron to form strong chemical bonds with itself and with metallic elements has enabled us to construct new structures with exciting properties. In recent years, we have discovered new boride structures containing some unprecedented boron fragments (trigonal planar B4 units, planar B6 rings) and low-dimensional substructures of magnetically active elements (ladders, scaffolds, chains of triangles). The new boride structures have led to new superconducting materials (e.g., NbRuB) and to new itinerant magnetic materials (e.g., Nb6Fe1-xIr6+xB8). The study of boride compounds containing chains (Fe-chains in antiferromagnetic Sc2FeRu5B2), ladders (Fe-ladders in ferromagnetic Ti9Fe2Rh18B8), and chains of triangles (Cr3 chains in ferrimagnetic and frustrated TiCrIr2B2) of magnetically active elements allowed us to gain a deep understanding of the factors (using density functional theory calculations) that can affect magnetic ordering of such low-dimensional magnetic units. We discovered that the magnetic properties of phases containing these magnetic subunits can be drastically tuned by chemical substitution within the metallic nonmagnetic network. For example, the small hysteresis (measure of magnetic energy storage) of Ti2FeRh5B2 can be successively increased up to 24-times by gradually substituting Ru for Rh, a result that was even surpassed (up to 54-times the initial value) for Ru/Ir substitutions. Also, the type of long-range magnetic interactions could be drastically tuned by appropriate substitutions in the metallic nonmagnetic network as demonstrated using both experimental and theoretical methods. It turned out that Ru-rich and valence electron poor metal borides adopting the Ti3Co5B2 or the Th7Fe3 structure types have dominating antiferromagnetic interactions, while in Rh-rich (or Ir-rich) and valence electron rich phases ferromagnetic interactions prevail, as found, for example, in the Sc2FeRu5-xRhxB2 and FeRh6-xRuxB3 series. Fascinatingly, boron clusters (e.g., B6 rings) even directly interact in some cases with the magnetic subunits, an interaction which was found to favor the Fe-Fe magnetic exchange interactions in the ferromagnetic Nb6Fe1-xIr6+xB8. Using less expensive transition metals, we have recently predicted new itinerant magnets, the experimental proof of which is still pending. Furthermore, new structures have been discovered, all of which are being studied experimentally and computationally with the aim of finding new superconductors, magnets, and mechanically hard materials. A new direction is being pursued in our group, as binary and ternary transition metal borides show great promise as efficient water splitting electrocatalysts at the micro- and nanoscale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The polycrystalline title compound and single crystals thereof are prepared by arc-melting of a stoichiometric pelletized mixture of the elements (Cu crucible under Ar) and characterized by XRD and EDX. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti1.68Rh2.38Ir1.94B3 is prepared by arc-melting of the elements and characterized by single crystal XRD and DFT calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The prolific Ti3Co5B2 structure type has produced exciting materials with tunable magnetic properties, ranging from soft magnetic Ti2FeRh5B2, to semihard magnetic Ti2FeRu4RhB2 and hard magnetic Sc2FeRu3Ir2B2. Density functional theory (DFT) was employed to investigate their spin-orbit coupling effect, spin exchange, and magnetic dipole-dipole interactions in order to understand their magnetic anisotropy and relate it to their various coercivities, with the objective of being able to predict new materials with large magnetic anisotropy. Our calculations show that the contribution of magnetic dipole-dipole interactions to the magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy (MAE) in Ti3Co5B2-type compounds is much weaker than the spin-orbit coupling effect, and Sc2FeRu3Ir2B2 has, by far, the largest MAE and strong intrachain and interchain Fe-Fe spin exchange coupling, thus confirming its hard magnetic properties. We then targeted materials containing the more earth-abundant and less expensive Co, instead of Rh, Ru or Ir, so that our study started with Ti3Co5B2, which we found to be nonmagnetic. In the next step, substitutions on the Ti sites in Ti3Co5B2 led to new potential quaternary phases with the general formula T2T'Co5B2 (T = Ti, Hf; T' = Mn, Fe). For Hf2MnCo5B2, we found a large MAE (+0.96 meV/f.u.) but relatively weak interchain Mn-Mn spin exchange interactions, whereas for Hf2FeCo5B2, there is a relatively smaller MAE (+0.17 meV/f.u.) but strong Fe-Fe interchain and intrachain spin exchange interactions. Therefore, these two Co-rich phases are predicted to be new rare-earth-free, semihard to hard magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new rod‐packing metal–organic frameworks (RPMOF) are constructed by regulating the in situ formation of the capping agent. In CPM‐s7, carboxylate linkers extend 1D manganese‐oxide chains in four additional directions, forming 3D RPMOF. The substitution of Mn2+ with a stronger Lewis acidic Co2+, leads to an acceleration of the hydrolysis‐prone sulfonate linker, resulting in presence of sulfate ions to reduce two out of the four carboxylate‐extending directions, and thus forming a new 2D rod‐packing CPM‐s8. Density functional theory calculations and magnetization measurements reveal ferrimagnetic ordering of CPM‐s8, signifying the potential of exploring 2D RPMOF for effective low‐dimensional magnetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research on van der Waals (vdW) metal chalcogenides electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been devoted to finding new catalysts with active basal planes. Here, we report on experimental and theoretical investigations of the HER activity of a recently discovered iron‐rich vdW spintronic material, Fe5Ge2Te2 (FG2T) in alkaline media (1 M KOH). We show that a densified electrode of FG2T requires an overpotential of only −90.5 mV to drive a current density of 10 mA/cm2. Free energy calculations of hydrogen adsorption using density functional theory (DFT) proved that the numerous sites present on the hexagonal Te layer are more active than those found in the recently proposed Fe3GeTe2 (FGT) catalyst, supporting higher activity for the new Fe‐richer catalyst. Like in FGT, XPS analysis has found that a thin oxide layer covers the active FG2T layers, suggesting the real active surface to be a hybrid FG2T/oxide layer. These results strengthen the idea of continued screening of iron‐based vdW materials to replace the non‐abundant platinum group electrocatalysts toward HER and other electrocatalytic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal borides (TMBs) containing Bn‐fragment (n>3) have recently gained interest for their ability to enable exciting magnetic materials. Herein, we show that the B4‐containing TiFe0.64(1)Os2.36(1)B2 is a new ferromagnetic TMB with a Curie temperature of 523(2) K and a Weiss constant of 554(3) K, originating from the chain of M3‐triangles (M=64 %Fe+36 %Os). The new phase was synthesized from the elements by arc‐melting, and its structure was elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. It belongs to the Ti1+xOs2−xRuB2‐type structure (space group P6‾ 2 m, no. 189) and contains trigonal‐planar B4 boron fragments [B−B distance of 1.87(4) Å] interacting with M3‐triangles [M–M distances of 2.637(8) Å and 3.0199(2) Å]. The experimental results were supported by computational calculations based on the ideal TiFeOs2B2 composition, which revealed strong ferromagnetic interactions within and between the Fe3‐triangles. This discovery represents the first magnetically ordered Os‐rich TMB, thus it will help expand our knowledge of the role of Os in low‐dimensional magnetism of intermetallics and enable the design of such materials in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic combination of experiment and density functional theory has led to the discovery of the first ferromagnetic material, Nb6Fe1−xIr6+xB8, containing in its crystal structure iron chains embedded in stacked B6 rings. The strong ferromagnetic Fe–Fe interactions found in the iron chains induce an unexpected strengthening of the B–B interactions in the B6 rings. Beside these strong B–B interactions, strong interlayer metal–boron bonds (Ir–B and Nb–B) ensure the overall structural stability of this phase, while the magnetic Fe–Fe interactions are mainly responsible for the observed ferromagnetic ordering below TC=350 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic combination of experiment and density functional theory has led to the discovery of the first ferromagnetic material, Nb6Fe1−xIr6+ xB8, containing in its crystal structure iron chains embedded in stacked B6 rings. The strong ferromagnetic Fe-Fe interactions found in the iron chains induce an unexpected strengthening of the B-B interactions in the B6 rings. Beside these strong B-B interactions, strong interlayer metal-boron bonds (Ir-B and Nb-B) ensure the overall structural stability of this phase, while the magnetic Fe-Fe interactions are mainly responsible for the observed ferromagnetic ordering below TC=350 K. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Powder samples and single crystals of the new ternary compound NbRuB were synthesized by arc-melting of the elements in a water-cooled crucible under an argon atmosphere. The samples have been characterized by X-ray diffraction and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurements. Furthermore, the crystallographic, electronic, and bonding characteristics have been studied by density functional theory. The title compound crystallizes with a new orthorhombic structure type in the space group Pmma (no. 51) with the lattice parameters a = 10.870(2) Å, b = 3.173(1) Å, and c = 6.350(2) Å. The structure consists of two kinds of atomic layers: the first layer (at y = 0) contains niobium atoms and isolated boron atoms, and the second (at y = 0.5) contains ruthenium atoms and boron dumbbells. Electronic structure relaxation has confirmed the crystallographic parameters, and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) bonding analysis indicates that the B-B bond is the strongest bond, but the numerous and relatively strong metal-boron and Nb-Ru bonds are responsible for the overall stability and indicate a three-dimensional bonding character in the new compound. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Eu2Ni8Si3 and its anti‐type representative Sr2Pt3Al8 were synthesized from the elements. They crystallize in the tetragonal crystal system with space group P42/nmc and with lattice parameters of a=997.9(1) and c=747.6(1) pm (Eu2Ni8Si3) as well as a=1082.9(2) and c=823.3(2) pm (Sr2Pt3Al8). Both compounds were investigated via single crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating slight Si/Ni mixing for the silicide. Sr2Pt3Al8 exhibits a temperature independent magnetic susceptibility, suggesting superimposed dia‐ and Pauli‐paramagnetic contributions. The independent Al and Pt sites of the platinide were further characterized by 27Al and 195Pt solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, which were assigned with the help of electronic structure calculations. ICOHP calculations and Bader charges were used to analyze the bonding situation. Eu2Ni8Si3 in contrast is paramagnetic with a ferromagnetic transition at TC=46.9(2) K and exhibits an effective magnetic moment of μeff=6.61(1) μB per Eu atom. The latter is in line with an intermediate valence that was further proven by 151Eu Mößbauer spectroscopic investigations. At 300 K, the refined Eu2+/Eu3+ ratios are 60 %/40 %, at 78 K 62 % and 38 % (Eu2+/Eu3+) are observed, being in line with the ratio deduced from the magnetic susceptibility. Finally, at 6 K a ratio of 68 % Eu2+ and 32 % Eu3+ was observed. Below the Curie temperature, the Eu2+ signal shows a full magnetic hyperfine splitting, with an internal magnetic field value of B0=28.4 T. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Single-phase polycrystalline samples of the compounds MRh6B3 (M = Fe, Co) as well as single crystals of CoRh6B3 have been synthesized by arc-melting the elements under a purified argon atmosphere in a water-cooled copper crucible. The characterization of the new phases was achieved by using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction as well as EDX measurements. The two phases are isotypic and crystallize in the hexagonal Th7Fe3 structure type (space group P63mc, no. 186, Z = 2). In this structure, the magnetically active atoms (Fe, Co) are preferentially found on only one of the three available rhodium sites, and together with rhodium they build a three-dimensional network of interconnected (Rh/M)3 triangles. Magnetic properties investigations show that both phases order ferromagnetically below Curie temperatures of 240 K (for FeRh6B3) and 150 K (for CoRh6B3). First-principles DFT calculations correctly reproduce not only the lattice parameters but also the ground state magnetic ordering in the two phases. These calculations also show that the long-range magnetic ordering in both phases occurs via indirect ferromagnetic coupling between the iron atoms mediated by rhodium. This magnetic structural model also predicts the saturation magnetizations to be 4.02 μB for FeRh6B3 (3.60 μB found experimentally) and 2.75 μB for CoRh6B3. Furthermore, both phases are predicted to be metallic conductors as expected for these intermetallic borides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic structures of "Ti9-nFe2+nRu18B8" (n= 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3); in connection to the recently synthesized Ti9-nFe2+n-RU18B8(n = 1, 2), have been investigated and analyzed using LSDA tight-binding calculations to elucidate the distribution of Fe and Ti, to determine the maximum Fe content, and to explore possible magnetic structures to interpret experimental magnetization results. Tbrough a combination of calculations on specific models and using tbe rigid band approximation, which is validated by the DOS curves for "T9-nFe2+nRu18B8" (n = 0, 0.5, 1, 2,3), mixing of Fe and Ti is anticipated at both tbe 2b- and 4h-chain sites. The model "Ti8.5Fe2.5Ru18B8" (n = 0.5) revealed that both Brewer-type Ti-Ru interactions as well as ligand field splitting ofthe Fe 3d orbitals regulated the observed valence electron counts between 220 and 228 electrons/formula unit. Finally, models of magnetic structures were created using "Ti6Fe5Ru18B8" (n = 3). A rigid band analysis of tbe LSDA DOS curves concluded preferred ferromagnetic ordering at low Fe content (n ⩽ 0.75) and ferrimagnetic ordering at higher Fe content (n > 0.75). Ferrimagnetism arises from antiferromagnetic exchange coupling in the scaffold of Fel-ladder and 4h-chain sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthesis, structure determination, and magnetic properties are reported for the metastable and crystal-chemically isotypic phases cobalt carbodiimide, CoNCN, and nickel carbodiimide, NiNCN, adopting the hexagonal system and space group P63/mmc (NiAs type) with interatomic distances of Co-N = 2.17 Å and Ni-N = 2.12 Å and an octahedral coordination of the transition-metal ions; the NCN2- units reveal the carbodiimide shape with two CN double bonds. The low-susceptibility data go back to strong antiferromagnetic spin-spin coupling, similar to the behavior of the electronically related oxides CoO and NiO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal borides (TMBs) have recently attracted attention as excellent hydrogen evolution (HER) electrocatalysts in bulk crystalline materials. Herein, we show for the first time that VB and V3B4 have high electrocatalytic HER activity. Furthermore, we show that the HER activity (in 0.5 m H2SO4) increases with increasing boron chain condensation in vanadium borides: Using a −23 mV overpotential decrement derived from −0.296 mV (for VB at −10 mA cm−2 current density) and −0.273 mV (for V3B4) we accurately predict the overpotential of VB2 (−0.204 mV) as well as that of unstudied V2B3 (−0.250 mV) and hypothetical "V5B8" (−0.227 mV). We then derived an exponential equation that predicts the overpotentials of known and hypothetical VxBy phases containing at least a boron chain. These results provide a direct correlation between crystal structure and HER activity, thus paving the way for the design of even better electrocatalytic materials through structure–activity relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transition‐metal borides (TMBs) have recently attracted attention as excellent hydrogen evolution (HER) electrocatalysts in bulk crystalline materials. Herein, we show for the first time that VB and V3B4 have high electrocatalytic HER activity. Furthermore, we show that the HER activity (in 0.5 m H2SO4) increases with increasing boron chain condensation in vanadium borides: Using a −23 mV overpotential decrement derived from −0.296 mV (for VB at −10 mA cm−2 current density) and −0.273 mV (for V3B4) we accurately predict the overpotential of VB2 (−0.204 mV) as well as that of unstudied V2B3 (−0.250 mV) and hypothetical "V5B8" (−0.227 mV). We then derived an exponential equation that predicts the overpotentials of known and hypothetical VxBy phases containing at least a boron chain. These results provide a direct correlation between crystal structure and HER activity, thus paving the way for the design of even better electrocatalytic materials through structure–activity relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article analyzes the green crystal structures of the inorganic compound trans-tetraamminedibromidochromium(III) trans-diamminetetrabromidochromate(III). It describes the coordination between the octahedral cations and anions of the compound through the interactions of nitrogen, hydrogen and bromide hydrogen bonds as well as its crystal packing showing a distorted CsCl-type lattice. It also considers the compound as the first real mixed ammine-acido chromiumIII cation-anion complex compound.

Layered van der Waals (vdW) crystals with intrinsic magnetic properties such as high Curie temperature (TC) and large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) are key to the development and application of spintronic devices. The ferromagnetic vdW metal Fe3−xGeTe2 (FGT) has gained prominence recently due to its high TC (220 K) and strong PMA. Herein, a new metallic vdW ferromagnet, Fe5−xGe2Te2 or FG2T, is introduced, which is successfully synthesized and fully characterized. FG2T is a metal that orders ferromagnetically with a very sharp transition at 250 K (bulk and single‐crystal thin flakes) and shows large PMA, as found by both experimental and computational studies. Novel heterostructure devices with near‐room‐temperature capabilities using FG2T as a spin injector are enabled by this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal‐rich borides with the Ti3Co5B2‐type structure represent an ideal playground for tuning magnetic interactions through chemical substitutions. In this work, density functional theory (DFT) and experimental studies of Ru‐rich quaternary borides with the general composition A2MRu5B2 (A=Zr, Hf, M=Fe, Mn) are presented. Total energy calculations show that the phases Zr2FeRu5B2 and Hf2FeRu5B2 prefer ground states with strong antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions between ferromagnetic (FM) M‐chains. Manganese substitution for iron lowers these antiferromagnetic interchain interactions dramatically and creates a strong competition between FM and AFM states with a slight preference for AFM in Zr2MnRu5B2 and for FM in Hf2MnRu5B2. Magnetic property measurements show a field dependence of the AFM transition (TN): TN is found at 0.1 T for all phases with predicted AFM states whereas for the predicted FM phase it is found at a much lower magnetic field (0.005 T). Furthermore, TN is lowest for a Hf‐based phase (20 K) and highest for a Zr‐based one (28 K), in accordance with DFT predictions of weaker AFM interactions in the Hf‐based phases. Interestingly, the AFM transitions vanish in all compounds at higher fields (>1 T) in favor of FM transitions, indicating metamagnetic behaviors for these Ru‐rich phases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The CsCl/LiCl system has been studied for over a century now. Numerous phases have been predicted – only three have hitherto been found. We present the synthesis and single‐crystal structure of the cesium lithium pentachloride Cs3Li2Cl5, predicted earlier but with a different structure. The anhydrous new phase readily reacts to Cs3LiCl4·4H2O in air. The tetrahydrate can also be obtained through the simplest, most inexpensive and green synthesis possible: an immediate, room‐temperature mechanosynthesis from only CsCl and LiCl (3:1) in air. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA), as well as in situ temperature‐dependent powder X‐ray diffraction studies on this second ever reported ternary alkali chloride hydrate allowed for a revision of the CsCl/LiCl phase diagram. Density of states and total energy calculations further elucidate the new alkali chlorides and update the relative stability of previous structure predictions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new MPtAl2 (M=Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu) compounds, adopting the orthorhombic MgCuAl2‐type structure, have been synthesized from the elements using tantalum ampoules. All compounds are obtained as platelet‐shaped crystallites and exhibit an increasing moisture sensitivity with increasing size of the formal M cation. Structural investigations indicate a pronounced elongation of the crystallographic b‐axis, which results in a significant distortion of the [PtAl2]δ− polyanion. Within the polyanion, layer‐like arrangements can be found with bonding Pt−Al interactions within the slab; the increase of the b‐axis can be attributed to increasing Al−Al distances and therefore decreasing interactions between the slabs, caused by the differently‐sized formal M cations. While the alkaline earth (M=Ca, Sr) representatives exhibit Pauli paramagnetism, BaPtAl2 shows diamagnetic behavior, finally EuPtAl2 is ferromagnetic with TC=54.0(5) K. The effective magnetic moment indicates that the Eu atoms are in a divalent oxidation state, which is confirmed by 151Eu Mössbauer spectroscopic investigations. Measurements below the Curie‐temperature show a full magnetic hyperfine field splitting with Bhf=21.7(1) T. 27Al and 195Pt magic‐angle spinning NMR spectroscopy corroborates the presence of single crystallographic sites for the Pt and Al atoms. The large 27Al nuclear electric quadrupolar coupling constants confirm unusually strong electric field gradients, in agreement with the structural distortions and the respective theoretical calculations. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy has been utilized to investigate the charge transfer within the polyanion. The Pt 4f binding energy decreases with decreasing electronegativity / ionization energy of the alkaline earth elements, suggesting an increasing electron density at the Pt atoms. Theoretical investigations underline the platinide character of the investigated compounds by Bader charge calculations. The analysis of the integrated crystal orbital Hamilton population (ICOHP) values, electron localization function (ELF) and isosurface analyses lead to a consistent structural picture, indicating stable layer‐like arrangements of the [PtAl2]δ− polyanion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to tune the physical properties of bistable organic functional materials by means of chemistry can facilitate their development for molecular electronic switching components. The butylamine‐containing biphenalenyl boron neutral radical, [Bu]2B, crystalline compound has recently attracted significant attention by displaying a hysteretic phase transition accompanied by simultaneous bistability in magnetic, electrical, and optical properties close to room temperature. In this report, substitutional doping was applied to [Bu]2B by crystallizing solid solutions of bistable [Bu]2B and its non‐radical‐containing counterpart [Bu]2Be. With increasing doping degree, the hysteretic phase transition is gradually suppressed in terms of reducing the height, but conserves the width of the hysteresis loop as observed through magnetic susceptibility and electrical conductivity measurements. At the critical doping level of about 6 %, the abrupt transformation of the crystal structure to that of the pure [Bu]2Be crystal packing was observed, accompanied by a complete collapse of the hysteresis loop. Further study of the structure–properties relationships of bistable neutral radical conductors based on the [Bu]2B host can be conducted utilizing a variety of biphenalenyl‐based molecular conductors. A bistable butylamine‐containing biphenalenyl boron neutral radical, [Bu]2B, was substitutionally doped with its non‐radical containing counterpart, [Bu]2Be. The effects of the doping on the structure and bistable properties of [Bu]2B were investigated. At the critical doping of about 6 %, the abrupt transformation of the crystal structure to the pure [Bu]2Be crystal packing was observed together with a collapse of the hysteresis loop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on a structural distortion of kinetically stable B6‐based ferromagnetic Nb6FeIr6B8 that induces an unprecedented transformation of a ferromagnetic Fe chain into two ferrimagnetic Fe chains through superstructure formation. Density functional theory calculations showed that the ferromagnetic Fe–Fe intrachain interactions found in the undistorted structure become ferrimagnetic in the distorted superstructure, mainly because the two independent iron atoms building each chain interact antiferromagnetically and carry different magnetic moments. High‐temperature SQUID magnetometry confirmed ferrimagnetic ordering at 525 K with a high and negative Weiss constant of −972 K indicating the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions, as predicted. This finding paves the way for the development of low‐dimensional magnetic intermetallic systems based on Heisenberg ferrimagnetic chains, which have previously been studied only in molecular‐based compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report on a structural distortion of kinetically stable B6‐based ferromagnetic Nb6FeIr6B8 that induces an unprecedented transformation of a ferromagnetic Fe chain into two ferrimagnetic Fe chains through superstructure formation. Density functional theory calculations showed that the ferromagnetic Fe–Fe intrachain interactions found in the undistorted structure become ferrimagnetic in the distorted superstructure, mainly because the two independent iron atoms building each chain interact antiferromagnetically and carry different magnetic moments. High‐temperature SQUID magnetometry confirmed ferrimagnetic ordering at 525 K with a high and negative Weiss constant of −972 K indicating the presence of strong antiferromagnetic interactions, as predicted. This finding paves the way for the development of low‐dimensional magnetic intermetallic systems based on Heisenberg ferrimagnetic chains, which have previously been studied only in molecular‐based compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new ternary compound Nb1–xOs1+xB (x = 0.17) was synthesized by arc‐melting of the elements in a water‐cooled crucible under an argon atmosphere and was characterized by powder and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction as well as energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX). The compound crystallizes with a new orthorhombic structure type in the space group Pnma (no. 62) with the lattice parameters a = 11.283(2) Å, b = 3.0101(4) Å, and c = 12.883(2) Å. The structure contains isolated boron atoms in osmium trigonal prisms, and boron chains in face‐sharing niobium trigonal prisms. Electronic structure relaxation has confirmed the crystallographic parameters, and crystal orbital Hamilton population (COHP) bonding analysis was used to understand the chemical bonding. It is shown that a local stabilizing effect from replacing Nb with Os is favored despite a global destabilization. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intermetallic compound CaAu2Al2, and the members of the solid solutions SrAu2- xAl2+ x (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.33) and Ba3Au5+ xAl6- x ( x = 0, 0.14, 0.49) were synthesized from the elements in sealed tantalum ampoules. The Ca compound crystallizes with the orthorhombic ThRu2P2 type structure, whereas the targeted SrAu2Al2 was found to form a solid solution according to SrAu2- xAl2+ x. For the Ba system no 'BaAu2Al2' was found, however, Ba3Au5+ xAl6- x was discovered to crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/ c with its own structure type. The samples were investigated by powder X-ray diffraction and their crystal structures were refined on the basis of single-crystal X-ray diffraction data. All compounds were characterized furthermore by susceptibility measurements. The crystallographic aluminum sites of CaAu2Al2 and Ba3Au5Al6 can be differentiated by 27Al solid state NMR spectra on the basis of their different electric field gradients, in agreement with theoretical calculations. The electron transfer from the alkaline earth metals and the aluminum atoms onto the gold atoms was investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) classifying these intermetallics as aurides, in full agreement with the calculated Bader charges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tuning of the magnetic properties of intermetallic materials is increasingly gaining interest in the chemistry community. We report on the successful synthesis and magnetic characterizations of the two new quaternary boride series MRh6- nRu nB3 (M = Co, Ni; 1 ≤ n ≤ 5). Powder samples have been synthesized by arc-melting the elements under purified argon in a water-cooled copper crucible. The products were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction through Rietveld refinements as well as EDX measurements. All phases crystallize in the hexagonal Th7Fe3 structure type (space group P63 mc, no. 186, Z = 2). In the Co-based series, the lattice parameters decrease linearly with increasing ruthenium content, whereas in the Ni-based series they remain nearly constant for the Rh-rich side then decrease with increasing Ru content. Significant ferromagnetic interactions are observed for the Co-based series, and they decrease linearly with increasing Ru content with magnetic moments decreasing from 0.74 µB (CoRh5RuB3) to 0.13 µB (CoRhRu5B3) at 5 K and 5 T. Pauli paramagnetism dominates the Ni-based series. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum-based materials have been considered as alternative catalysts to noble metals, such as platinum, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We have synthesized four binary bulk molybdenum borides Mo2B, α-MoB, β-MoB, and MoB2 by arc-melting. All four phases were tested for their electrocatalytic activity (linear sweep voltammetry) and stability (cyclic voltammetry) with respect to the HER in acidic conditions. Three of these phases were studied for their HER activity and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the first time; MoB2 and β-MoB show excellent activity in the same range as the recently reported α-MoB and β-Mo2C phases, while the molybdenum richest phase Mo2B show significantly lower HER activity, indicating a strong boron-dependency of these borides for the HER. In addition, MoB2 and β-MoB show long-term cycle stability in acidic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molybdenum-based materials have been considered as alternative catalysts to noble metals, such as platinum, for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). We have synthesized four binary bulk molybdenum borides Mo2B, α-MoB, β-MoB, and MoB2 by arc-melting. All four phases were tested for their electrocatalytic activity (linear sweep voltammetry) and stability (cyclic voltammetry) with respect to the HER in acidic conditions. Three of these phases were studied for their HER activity and by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) for the first time; MoB2 and β-MoB show excellent activity in the same range as the recently reported α-MoB and β-Mo2C phases, while the molybdenum richest phase Mo2B show significantly lower HER activity, indicating a strong boron-dependency of these borides for the HER. In addition, MoB2 and β-MoB show long-term cycle stability in acidic solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nb2RuB2 and Ta2RuB2 phases were recently predicted by GGA-VASP structure optimization to crystallize in the Nb2OsB2-type structure. Although the Fe-based (Mo2FeB2 type) and Os-based (Nb2OsB2 type, superstructure variant of Mo2FeB2 type) analogues have been synthesized and characterized successfully, the Ru-based phases remained unknown. Crystal structure prediction of Nb2RuB2 and Ta2RuB2 phases, using an evolutionary algorithm, led to the AlMn2B2-type structure in contrast to the aforementioned optimization; however, phonon calculations showed that the Nb2OsB2-type phases are dynamically more stable than the AlMn2B2-type phases. A slightly modified synthetic strategy finally led to the successful preparation of the predicted phases. The extremely quick arc-melting procedure, under argon atmosphere, not only led to a quantitative amount of the phases but also to single crystals suitable for structure determination. Powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction as well as EDX analysis of the metal ratio have confirmed the GGA-VASP structure optimization: Nb2RuB2 and Ta2RuB2 compounds indeed crystallize isotypically with Nb2OsB2 structure, a superstructure variant of Mo2FeB2 type, in which B-dumbbells and Peierls-distorted Ru-chains are found. Susceptibility measurements on a Ta2RuB2 single crystal reveal no superconducting transition down to 2 K, even though some features in the band structures of both phases, similar to those reported in superconducting NbRuB, hinted at possible superconductivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new intermetallic compound Sr2Pd4Al5 was prepared from the elements by reaction in niobium ampoules. The structure was refined from single-crystal data, which indicate the formation of a new structure type in the orthorhombic crystal system [ a = 1814.49(10), b = 431.64(4), c = 1102.47(4) pm] with space group Pnma ( wR2 = 0.0251, 1666 F2 values, 68 parameters). Full ordering of the transition-metal and aluminum sites was observed. The compound can be described as a polar intermetallic phase with a polyanionic [Pd4Al5] δ- network; however, a quite unique bonding situation was found within this framework. In addition to the usual Pd-Al bonding, significant contributions to the stability of the framework caused by homoatomic Pd-Pd and Al-Al interactions can also be found. Structural relaxation confirmed the electronic stability and predicted the compound to be a metallic conductor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ba3Pt4Al4 was prepared from the elements in niobium ampules and crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure, space group Cmcm (oP44, a = 1073.07(3), b = 812.30(3), c = 1182.69(3) pm) isopointal to the Zintl phase A2Zn5As4 (A = K, Rb). The structure features strands of distorted [Pt4Al4] heterocubane-like units connected by condensation over Pt/Al edges. These are arranged in a hexagonal rod packing by further condensation over Pt and Al atoms with the barium atoms located inside cavities of the [Pt4Al4]δ− framework. Structural relaxation confirmed the electronic stability of the new phase, while band structure calculations indicate metallic behavior. Crystal orbital Hamilton bonding analysis coupled with Bader effective charge analysis suggest a polar intermetallic phase in which strong Al-Pt covalent bonds are present, while a significant electron transfer from Ba to the [Pt4Al4]δ− network is found. By X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements the Pt 4f5/2 and 4f7/2 energies for Ba3Pt4Al4 were found in the range of those of elemental Pt due to the electron transfer of Ba, while PtAl and PtAl2 show a pronounced shift toward a more cationic platinum state. 27Al magic-angle spinning NMR investigations verified the two independent crystallographic Al sites with differently distorted tetrahedrally coordinated [AlPt4] units. Peak assignments could be made based on both geometrical considerations and in relation to electric field gradient calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly crystalline Nb6Fe1-xIr6+xB8 (68% yield) is prepared from the elements in the molar ratio of Nb:Fe:Ir:B = 6:1:6:9 by rapid arc melting and quenching. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synergistic combination of experiment and density functional theory has led to the discovery of the first ferromagnetic material, Nb6Fe1−xIr6+xB8, containing in its crystal structure iron chains embedded in stacked B6 rings. The strong ferromagnetic Fe–Fe interactions found in the iron chains induce an unexpected strengthening of the B–B interactions in the B6 rings. Beside these strong B–B interactions, strong interlayer metal–boron bonds (Ir–B and Nb–B) ensure the overall structural stability of this phase, while the magnetic Fe–Fe interactions are mainly responsible for the observed ferromagnetic ordering below TC=350 K. A mutual dependency between ferromagnetic iron chains and stacked B6 rings (see picture) is found in the new ferromagnetic material, Nb6Fe1−xIr6+xB8 (TC=350 K) by combining experiment and density functional theory (DFT). The strong magnetic Fe–Fe interactions found in the iron chains induce an unexpected strengthening of the B–B interactions in the B6 rings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]