Synthesis of new n = 2 Ruddlesden-Popper compound La2BaLu2O7

Abstract

Layered perovskite-like oxides with Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) phase structure are promising for high-technology industries, such as refractory, electronics, photonics, catalysis, and others. This work contributes to the advancement in the field of double-layered structures and reports a new double-layered compound La₂BaLu₂O₇. It is formed during solid-state reaction at 1200 °C through interaction of BaLu₂O₄ perovskite-like precursor with La₂O₃. No difference in the formation mechanism of the target phase was found, when using either BaO₂ or BaCO₃ as a starting component. The unit cell of crystallized La₂BaLu₂O₇ has a tetragonal symmetry (S.G. P4₂/mnm, (136)) with a = 6.04605 (65) Å, c = 20.8541 (44) Å, V = 762.32 (18) ų, Z = 4. The space group was selected based on a comparison of pycnometric (d_m = 7.65 ± 0.05 g /cm³) and X-ray (d_x = 7.64 g /cm³) densities. Indication data of the new compound are presented. The previously reported group of double-layered RP phases La₂BaFe₂O₇, La₂BaIn₂O₇, La₂BaSc₂O₇, La₂BaMn₂O₇ is supplemented by a new compound La₂BaLu₂O₇. The findings of this study may enhance the knowledge on double-layered RP phase structures and their potential applications.