Synthesis and characterisation of novel metal pyrophosphates

Baker, Annabelle R. (2014). Synthesis and characterisation of novel metal pyrophosphates. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

Preview

Baker14PhD.pdf
PDF - Accepted Version
Download (14MB)

Abstract

This thesis describes the synthesis, properties and structural characterisation of Mg\(^2\)\(^+\), Mn\(^2\)\(^+\)and Ti\(^4\)\(^+\) pyrophosphates and Li and V substituted analogues.
α and β polymorphs of MgH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\), were isolated by a novel acid melt synthetic route. Both polymorphs crystallised in monoclinic space groups, with α-MgH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) isostructural with NiH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) and β-MgH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) isostructural with CaH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\). Rietveld refinements of NPD data gave excellent fits to both structural models. MgLi\(_0\)\(_.\)\(_8\)H\(_1\)\(_.\)\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\)was also isolated with Rietveld refinement suggesting two similar possible structural models.
MnH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\), a structural polymorph of β-MgH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) was also synthesised via a similar route. Magnetic analysis revealed MnH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) to be paramagnetic, with a small antiferromagnetic component. Incorporation of Li was again achieved via the addition of lithium carbonate during synthesis. Rietveld refinement of NPD data suggests a similar structure to that of MnH\(_2\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\) and a composition of MnLi\(_0\)\(_.\)\(_5\)H\(_1\)\(_.\)\(_5\)P\(_2\)O\(_7\).
A metastable polymorph of TiP2O7 has been successfully synthesised at low temperature and adopts a structure similar to the ideal cubic structure. Incorporation of vanadium resulted in an expansion of the unit cell. Both phases undergo a phase transition above 275°C to the ideal cubic structure. Addition of vanadium results in an unusual uniform spherical morphology unseen in parent phase.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

Supervisor(s):