Synthesis and crystal structure of LiZn13

Abstract

By simultaneous deposition of zinc and lithium onto a cooled sapphire substrate, LiZn13 was obtained for the first time. It crystallizes in the NaZn13 structure type (Fm3 c, a = 1234.92(6) pm, Rp = 5.4 %, Rwp = 6.9 %, structure analysis with the Rietveld-method). Single-phase LiZn13 forms from a hexagonal Li0.07Zn 0.93 alloy, deposited at -196 °C, during heating up to room temperature. Above room temperature LiZn13 decomposes. © 2010 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.