1D to 2DIon Diffusion Inherently Linked to Structural Transitions in
- 26 June 2013
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Physical Society (APS) in Physical Review Letters
- Vol. 110 (26), 266401
- https://doi.org/10.1103/physrevlett.110.266401
Abstract
We report the observation of a stepwise “melting” of the low-temperature Na-vacancy order in the layered transition-metal oxide . High-resolution neutron powder diffraction analysis indicates the existence of two first-order structural transitions, one at followed by a second at . Detailed analysis strongly suggests that both transitions are linked to changes in the Na mobility. Our data are consistent with a two-step disappearance of Na-vacancy order through the successive opening of first quasi-1D () and then 2D () Na diffusion paths. These results shed new light on previous, seemingly incompatible, experimental interpretations regarding the relationship between Na-vacancy order and Na dynamics in this material. They also represent an important step towards the tuning of physical properties and the design of tailored functional materials through an improved control and understanding of ionic diffusion.
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