Research and Development of Zincoborates: Crystal Growth, Structural Chemistry and Physicochemical Properties

Abstract

Borates have been regarded as a rich source of functional materials due to their diverse structures and wide applications. Therein, zincobrates have aroused intensive interest owing to the effective structural and functional regulation effects of the strong-bonded zinc cations. In recent decades, numerous zincoborates with special crystal structures were obtained, such as Cs3Zn6B9O21 and AZn2BO3X2 (A = Na, K, Rb, NH4; X = Cl, Br) series with KBe2BO3F2-type layered structures were designed via substituting Be with Zn atoms, providing a feasible strategy to design promising non-linear optical materials; KZnB3O6 and Ba4Na2Zn4(B3O6)2(B12O24) with novel edge-sharing [BO4]5− tetrahedra were obtained under atmospheric pressure conditions, indicating that extreme conditions such as high pressure are not essential to obtain edge-sharing [BO4]5−-containing borates; Ba4K2Zn5(B3O6)3(B9O19) and Ba2KZn3(B3O6)(B6O13) comprise two kinds of isolated polyborate anionic groups in one borate structure, which is rarely found in borates. Besides, many zincoborates emerged with particular physicochemical properties; for instance, Bi2ZnOB2O6 and BaZnBO3F are promising non-linear optical (NLO) materials; Zn4B6O13 and KZnB3O6 possess anomalous thermal expansion properties, etc. In this review, the synthesis, crystal structure features and properties of representative zincoborates are summarized, which could provide significant guidance for the exploration and design of new zincoborates with special structures and excellent performance.

Modified KBBF-like Material for Energy Storage Applications: ZnNiBO3(OH) with Enhanced Cycle Life

“…The B atom could be coordinated with three or four O atoms to form triangular BO 3 or tetragonal BO 4 which could be capable of further linking through edge-or corner-sharing to form different types of building blocks. 37 38 The four oxygen atoms in MO 4 are arranged in an irregular tetrahedron, and the MO 4 and BO 3 groups are linked through a mutual O vertex as shown in the inset of Figure 1c. Due to the larger size of [MO 3 (OH)] 5− compared to [BeO 3 F] 5− , the as-formed [MO 3 (OH)] 5− groups adjusted to form tilted and interleaved layers while preserving the same chiral framework (Figure 1c).…”

Structural evolution of transition metal orthoborates (Zn3B2O6−Co3B2O6) with the Kotoite mineral structure: Synthesis, structure and properties

“…It is becoming apparent that there are a number of mineral structures that have not been explored in detail [3,4] . Many mineral structures can accommodate ions of various sizes and coordination preferences [5–10] . We have been exploring mineral structures over the years with a specific goal to achieve new colored inorganic compounds.…”

“…[3,4] Many mineral structures can accommodate ions of various sizes and coordination preferences. [5][6][7][8][9][10] We have been exploring mineral structures over the years with a specific goal to achieve new colored inorganic compounds. Thus, spiroffite, [11] lyonsite, [12] garnet, [13] corundum, [14] dugganite, [15] paganoite, [16] tridymite [17] and langasite [18] mineral structures were explored.…”

Two New Ferroborates with Three‐Dimensional Framework and Wide Transmittance Window

“…[15][16][17][18][19] Meanwhile, when some metal atoms (such as Zn, Al, Fe) exist, the [BO] units can further covalently connect with them to create more complex structures as well as more novel properties. [20][21][22][23][24][25][26] Ferroborates are an important branch of borates, which are not sufficiently explored. In ferroborates, the Fe atoms usually connect with O atoms forming four-coordinated [FeO 4 ] tetrahedra, five-coordinated [FeO 5 ] pyramids, and six-coordinated [FeO 6 ] octahedra.…”

“…Besides, [BO 4 ] tetrahedra can also connect with each other by sharing edge O atoms . Meanwhile, when some metal atoms (such as Zn, Al, Fe) exist, the [BO] units can further covalently connect with them to create more complex structures as well as more novel properties …”