Ca2Ga4Ge6 and Ca3Ga4Ge6: Synthesis, Structure, and Electronic Properties

Abstract

During the search for transition metal‐free alkyne hydrogenation catalysts, two new ternary Ca−Ga−Ge phases, Ca2Ga4Ge6 (Cmc21, a=4.1600(10) Å, b=23.283(5) Å, c=10.789(3) Å) and Ca3Ga4Ge6 (C2/m, a=24.063(2) Å, b=4.1987(4) Å, c=10.9794(9) Å, β=91.409(4)°), were discovered. These compounds are isostructural to the previously established Yb2Ga4Ge6 and Yb3Ga4Ge6 analogues, and according to Zintl‐Klemm counting rules, consist of anionic [Ga4Ge6]4− and [Ga4Ge6]6− frameworks in which every Ga and Ge atom would have a formal octet with no Ga−Ga or Ga−Ge π‐bonding. These compounds are metallic, based on temperature dependent electrical resistivity and thermopower measurements for Ca3Ga4Ge6, along with density functional theory calculations for both phases. Unlike the highly active 13‐layer trigonal CaGaGe phase, these new compounds exhibit minimal activity in the semi/full alkyne hydrogenation of phenylacetylene, which is consistent with previous observations that the lack of a formal octet for framework atoms is essential for catalysis in these Zintl‐Klemm compounds.

Document Details

Document Type
Pub Defense Publication
Publication Date
Feb 04, 2022
Source ID
10.1002/zaac.202100342

Entities

People

  • Curtis Moore
  • H. Olivia Davis
  • Joshua E Goldberger
  • Karl G. Koster
  • Kelsey L. Hodge
  • Wolfgang Windl

Organizations

  • Air Force Office of Scientific Research
  • Ohio State University
  • Ohio Supercomputer Center

Tags

Fields of Study

  • Chemistry

Readers

  • Materials Science and Engineering.
  • Polymer Science and Technology

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics
  • Microelectronics - Graphene