X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of local structure and electronic properties of NaxSi136 (0 < x < 24) clathrates
Date
2010-10
Authors
Ritchie, Andrew D.
MacDonald, Mark A.
Zhang, Peng
White, Mary Anne
Beekman, Matt
Gryko, Jan
Nolas, George S.
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Abstract
We have probed both the local structure and the electronic properties of Na-containing type II
Si clathrates by x-ray absorption spectroscopy. The near-edge region of the spectrum is particularly
sensitive to the local structure surrounding the Na atom. Through experimental investigations of a
series of eight samples with general formula NaxSi136, with x ranging from similar to 0 to 21.5, and
simulation of extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and x-ray absorption near-edge
structure spectra (XANES), we find that Na is primarily in the larger Si-28 cages at low loadings,
and loss of the Na relative to full cage occupancy occurs preferentially from the smaller Si-20
cages. Our EXAFS results also show that Na is dynamically disordered in the Si-28 cages but less
disordered at higher Na loadings. Local-orbital density of states calculations indicate that the Na
in the Si-20 cage has a charge of 0.7e(-) while Na in the Si-28 cages has a slightly higher
(loading-dependent) charge (0.72e(-) to 0.8e(-)).
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Citation
Ritchie, Andrew D., Mark A. MacDonald, Peng Zhang, Mary Anne White, et al. 2010. "X-ray absorption spectroscopy studies of local structure and electronic properties of NaxSi136
(0 < x < 24) clathrates." Physical Review B 82(15): 155207-155207. Copyright © 2010 American Physical Society.