Orthoborates LiCdRE5(BO3)6 (RE = Sm-Lu and Y) with Rare-Earth Ions on a Triangular Lattice: Synthesis, Crystal Structure, and Optical and Magnetic Properties.

Abstract

Single crystals of LiCdY5(BO3)6 were successfully grown from a Li2O-B2O3 flux, and its lanthanide homotypic compounds, LiCdRE5(BO3)6 (RE = Sm-Lu), have been prepared by solid-state reaction. They crystallize in the noncentrosymmetric space group P6522 with cell parameters in the ranges of a = 7.0989(2)-6.9337(1) Å and c = 25.9375(1)-24.8960(6) Å. As a representative example, LiCdY5(BO3)6 features a triangular lattice in the ab plane composed of three distinct crystallographic Y sites. The triangular lattices spaced with the same distance of [Formula: see text]c are further stacked to build three-dimensional frameworks by reinforcement of the isolated planar BO3 groups and distorted LiO4 tetrahedra. Magnetic measurements show that Eu and Sm compounds exhibit typical Van Vleck-type paramagnetism and other rare-earth borates show weak antiferromagnetic behavior. In addition, UV-vis-near-IR diffuse-reflectance and photoluminescence spectra were performed to understand the transition energy levels of active rare-earth ions and their relationships to magnetism.