Na-ion dynamics in Quasi-1D compound NaV2O4

TL;DR

This study investigates high-temperature sodium-ion movement in the quasi-one-dimensional NaV2O4 compound using muon spectroscopy, revealing ion mobility onset above 250 K and potential for magnetic tuning and energy applications.

Contribution

It provides the first detailed analysis of Na-ion dynamics in NaV2O4, demonstrating temperature-dependent ion mobility and its implications for magnetic and energy-related functionalities.

Findings

Na-ion hopping rate increases exponentially above 250 K

Ion mobility fits Arrhenius diffusion model

Potential for tuning magnetism and energy applications

Abstract

We have used the pulsed muon source at ISIS to study high-temperature Na-ion dynamics in the quasi-one-dimensional (Q1D) metallic antiferromagnet NaV2O4. By performing systematic zero-field and longitudinal-field measurements as a function of temperature we clearly distinguish that the hopping rate increases exponentially above Tdiff=250 K. The data is well fitted to an Arrhenius type equation typical for a diffusion process, showing that the Na-ions starts to be mobile above Tdiff . Such results makes this compound very interesting for the tuning of Q1D magnetism using atomic-scale ion-texturing through the periodic potential from ordered Na-vacancies. Further, it also opens the door to possible use of NaV2O4 and related compounds in energy related applications.