Lithium iridate
chemical compound
Lithium iridate, Li2IrO3, is a chemical compound of lithium, iridium and oxygen. It forms black crystals with three slightly different layered atomic structures, α, β, and sometimes γ. Lithium iridate exhibits metal-like, temperature-independent electrical conductivity, and changes its magnetic ordering from paramagnetic to antiferromagnetic upon cooling to 15 K.
Properties
Lithium iridate is black in color and has a relatively high, temperature-independent electrical conductivity characteristic of metals. Its both α and β phases exhibit the Kitaev exchange coupling between magnetic spins originating from Ir4+ ions. These spins form an antiferromagnetic lattice at temperatures below 15 K (Néel temperature, TN), while the material is paramagnetic above TN.
Structure
Li2IrO3 typically crystallizes in the α or β phase, and a rare γ phase has been reported. The crystal structure of α-Li2IrO3 consists of an alternate stacking of hexagonal Li layers and honeycombs of edge-sharing IrO6 octahedra with Li in the center. The offset in adjacent layers results in a relatively low (monoclinic) crystal symmetry. Li2IrO3 crystals have abundant twinning defects where the ab crystal planes are rotated by 120° around the c axis.
Synthesis
Li2IrO3 crystals can be grown by direct sintering of Ir and Li metals, which both oxidize during heating in ambient atmosphere. The α phase is formed at 750–1050 °C, while heating to higher temperatures results in the β phase.
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