Intrinsic Isotropic Near-Zero Thermal Expansion in Zn₄B₆O₁₂X (X = O, S, Se)

Abstract

Zero thermal expansion (ZTE) materials, keeping size constant as temperature varies, are valuable for resisting the deterioration of the performance from environmental temperature fluctuation, but they are rarely discovered due to the counterintuitive temperature–size effect. Herein, we demonstrate that a family of borates with sodalite cage structure, Zn4B6O12X (X = O, S, Se), exhibits intrinsic isotropic near-ZTE behaviors from 5 to 300 K. The very low thermal expansion is mainly owing to the coupling rotation of [BO4] rigid groups constrained by the bonds between Zn and cage-edged O atoms, while the central atoms in the cage have a negligible contribution. Our study has significant implications on the understanding of the ZTE mechanism and exploration of new ZTE materials.

Autonomous Self‐Healing Elastomers with Unprecedented Adhesion Force

“…High‐performance elastomers are widely used in various applications including automotive, building construction, and flexible electronics/devices. [ 1–8 ] Improving their performance and longevity will not only expand their applications but also help conserve natural resources towards sustainable future. In human skin, minor cuts can completely heal over time and the operational capability as well as sensory functionalities is typically restored even after severe injuries.…”

Anomalous Thermal Expansion in Ta2WO8 Oxide Semiconductor over a Wide Temperature Range

“…The PTE materials can meet the needs of most daily applications. However, low/zero thermal expansion is very rare but necessary in some fields that are sensitive to dimensional changes of materials, such as electronic devices, thermoelectric devices, automatic control, and aerial cameras. , Since the negative thermal expansion (NTE) mechanism of ZrW 2 O 8 has been studied, rapid progress has been made in NTE materials, covering oxides, − alloys, − nitrides, − cyanides, − and fluorides, , which opens up a way for achieving low/zero thermal expansion materials or composite materials.…”

Cation Regulation to Investigate the Chalcogenide Borate RE6Nb2MgSB8O26 (RE = La–Nd) Family

“…To date, even after continuous efforts, only a few types of chalcogenide borates have been found. Among the discovered ones, most are rare-earth chalcogenide borates, including Eu 4.5 (B 5 O 9 ) 2 SI, Eu 2 SB 5 O 9 , RE 3 S 3 BO 3 (RE = Sm and Gd), Eu 9 MgS 2 B 20 O 41 , YSeBO 2 , and RE 6 Ta 2 MgQB 8 O 26 (RE = Sm, Eu, and Gd; Q = S and Se). − In addition, three kinds of d 10 transition metal chalcogenide borates, Zn 4 B 6 O 12 Q (Q = S and Se) and Cd 3 B 7 O 13 S 2 , as well as one of alkali metal Na 3 B 5 O 8 S have been studied. − These crystal materials show diverse physical properties. Most rare-earth chalcogenide borates exhibit magnetic performances, and some can produce a NLO response.…”

“…Interestingly, Eu 9 MgS 2 B 20 O 41 shows quantum spin liquid (QSL) behaviors due to the intervalence charge transfer between the Eu 2+ and Eu 3+ Kagomé layers. Eu 4.5 (B 5 O 9 ) 2 SI, YSeBO 2 , and Zn 4 B 6 O 12 Q (Q = S and Se) display NLO signals. The near-zero thermal expansion of Zn 4 B 6 O 12 Q (Q = S and Se) was also investigated.…”

“…Eu 4.5 (B 5 O 9 ) 2 SI, YSeBO 2 , and Zn 4 B 6 O 12 Q (Q = S and Se) display NLO signals. The near-zero thermal expansion of Zn 4 B 6 O 12 Q (Q = S and Se) was also investigated. Regarding the B–O groups, B 5 O 9 3– , BO 3 3– , B 4 O 8 4– , B 6 O 12 6– , and B 7 O 13 5– groups in chalcogenide borates were present in the reported borates .…”