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By combining the results of both x-ray diffraction and neutron total-scattering experiments, we show that Ni͑CN͒ 2 exhibits long-range structural order only in two dimensions, with no true periodicity perpendicular to its gridlike layers. Reverse Monte Carlo analysis gives an experimental distinction between M-C and M-N bond lengths in a homometallic cyanide framework and identifies the vibrational modes responsible for anomalous positive and negative thermal expansion in the title compound.

Use of lithium ion batteries is currently the method of choice when it comes to local stationary storage of electrical energy. In the search for an alternative system, fluoride ion batteries (FIBs) emerge as a candidate due to their high theoretical capacity, and no lithium is needed for its operation. To improve the cycling performance and lower the working temperature of a solid-state battery, one of the critical components is the electrolyte, which needs advanced performance. This paper aims at developing an electrolyte with enhanced ionic conductivity for fluoride ions, to be used in a FIB. Tysonite LaBaF (0 ≤ x ≤ 0.15) solid solutions were synthesized by a facile wet chemical method, and its ionic conductivity was analyzed using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. A composition study shows that the conductivity reaches a maximum of 1.26 × 10 S·cm at 60 °C for the LaBaF pellet sintered at 800 °C for 20 h, which is 1 order of magnitude higher than that for the as-prepared pellet and 2 times higher than the conductivity of sintered ball-milled batches. The reason for this dramatic increment is the more efficient decrement of grain boundary resistance upon sintering. Morphological, chemical, and structural characterizations of solid electrolytes were studied by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy , energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, physisorption by the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller method, and transmission electron microscopy. Electrochemical testing was carried out for the FIB cell using LaBaF as electrolyte due to its highest conductivity among the compositions, Ce as anode, and BiF as a cathode. The cycling performance was found to be considerably improved when compared to our earlier work, which used the ball-milled electrolyte.