Na3GaF6 – A crystal chemical and solid state NMR spectroscopic study

Abstract

Abstract Na3GaF6 and Na3GaF6:Mn4+ samples were obtained from NaNO3 and Ga(NO3)3·9H2O in hydrofluoric acid using K2MnF6 or NaMnO4 as manganese sources. The structure of Na3GaF6 was studied by single crystal X-ray diffraction at 90, 293, 440 and 500 K, confirming the monoclinic cryolite type structure, space group P21/c. The gallium atoms show slightly distorted octahedral coordination by fluorine atoms, similar to the Na1 atoms. Coordination number 8 is observed for Na2. Both sodium sites are clearly distinguished by 23Na MAS-NMR spectroscopy. Above 400 K the spectra reveal distinct chemical exchange effects, signifying sodium ion hopping between these two sites. At the same time static 19F NMR spectra indicate pronounced motional narrowing effects in this temperature region. The nearly invariant 69Ga MAS-NMR spectra suggest that any reorientational motion involving the GaF6 3− ions (if present) occurs with preservation of the center of mass of these octahedra.