Abstract Scope |
We present the structural behavior of two solid solutions, Cax-1LixB6 and Srx-1LixB6 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.3, 0.5), and show their evolution as the experimental concentration, x, is increased. The powders were synthesized by combustion synthesis, acid-washed with HCl, and characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS), electron diffraction, and transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM and SEM, respectively). Electron micrographs mostly show cubic morphologies with a particle size range from ~100 nm to 1 µm, while XRD analyses demonstrate single solid solution phases. EELS results suggest a homogeneous distribution of Li ions across the cubic nanoparticles. Finally, TEM along with electron diffraction show that the structures possess a high degree of crystallinity, with minimal misalignments and changes in crystallite orientation. |