| Several non-classical methods of synthesis were used for the preparation of transition metal molybdates and sodium zirconium silicophosphates. In addition to synthesizing new compounds in each group, the results were used to better explain the formation, stoichiometry, and structure of these materials.;The silicophosphates that were studied belonged to the NASICON (Na Super Ionic Conductor) system with the general formula Na(,1+x)Zr(,2)Si(,x)P(,3-x)O(,12). Stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric compositions in this series were prepared by the sol-gel technique. Attempts to prepare Na(,3)Zr(,2)Si(,2)PO(,12) resulted in the formation of a single phase. However, heating the product above 1100(DEGREES)C produced some ZrO(,2) as a second phase. Neutron time flight studies on the sample heated to 1080(DEGREES)C showed a slight deficiency of ZrO(,2). In addition, a segregation was observed between the Si and P atoms in the two possible crystallographic positions. Synthesis of Na(,3.3)Zr(,1.65)Si(,1.9)P(,1.1)O(,11.5) led to a single phase. Structural studies ruled out the placement of any Na('+) ions in the Zr('4+) sites as had been observed for the product of hydrothermal reactions. These structural differences between the sol-gel products and those of other techniques may be explained in terms of different phase transformations which occur during the heat treatment.;A series of amorphous gels were used in hydrothermal reactions. Such treatment of NASICON-type gels in different aqueous solutions led to the formation of substituted forms of NASICON.;A series of hydrated manganese molybdates formed by reacting aqueous solutions of manganese sulfate and sodium molybdate followed by refluxing. Three of these products were determined to be MnMoO(,4)(.)H(,2)O with different structural characteristics. Hydrothermal treatment of these solutions led to NaMn(,2)(OH)(H(,2)O)(MoO(,4))(,2) or the high pressure form of MnMoO(,4) depending on reaction time. Reactions involving Ni produced the isomorphous form of the sodium manganese molybdate phase. Similar reactions involving Cu led to the formation of Cu(,3)(MoO(,4))(,2)(OH)(,2) and NaCu(OH)MoO(,4). A different approach to hydrothermal synthesis involved the reaction of CuO and MoO(,3) in H(,2)O which formed Cu(,4)Mo(,6)O(,20). |
