We synthesized monodisperse nanospheres of an intermetallic FeSn(5) phase via a nanocrystal-conversion protocol using preformed Sn nanospheres as templates. This tetragonal phase in P4/mcc space group, along with the defect structure Fe(0.74)Sn(5) of our nanospheres, has been resolved by synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Rietveld refinement. Importantly, FeSn(5), which is not yet established in the Fe-Sn phase diagram, exhibits a quasi-one dimensional crystal structure along the c-axis, thus leading to interesting anisotropic thermal expansion and magnetic properties. Magnetization measurements indicate that nanospheres are superparamagnetic above the blocking temperature T(B) = 300 K, which is associated with the higher magnetocrystalline anisotropy constant K = 3.33 kJ m(-3). The combination of the magnetization measurements and first-principles density functional theory calculations reveals the canted antiferromagnetic nature with significant spin fluctuation in lattice a-b plane. The low Fe concentration also leads Fe(0.74)Sn(5) to enhanced capacity as an anode in Li ion batteries.

A new uranium(V) silicate, K3(U3O6)(Si2O7), and the germanate analogue, Rb3(U3O6)(Ge2O7), have been synthesized under high-temperature, high-pressure hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Their structures contain uranate columns formed of triple octahedral chains of the alpha-UF5 type linked by disilicate (or digermanate) units to form a 3-D framework structure. The valence state of uranium is confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and magnetic susceptibility.

The first organically templated gallium oxalatophosphonate has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The structure consists of GaO(6) octahedra and GaO(4) tetrahedra connected by methylphosphonate and bis-bidentate oxalate anions to form anionic sheets in the ab plane with the charge-compensating propylenediammonium cations and water molecules between the sheets. The methyl groups of the phosphonate ligands extend from both sides of the layers into the interlamellar region. Crystal data: monoclinic, space group P2(1)/n (No. 14), a = 8.8514(4) A, b = 16.3030(7) A, c = 15.0816(7) A, beta = 97.539(1) degrees, and Z = 4.