Floating zone growth of {\alpha}-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ single crystals

TL;DR

This paper reports the successful growth of high-purity {eta}-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ single crystals using the floating zone method, with detailed conditions and characterizations, advancing materials for energy storage and correlated electron studies.

Contribution

It demonstrates a reliable floating zone growth process for high-quality {eta}-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ single crystals and provides comprehensive structural and chemical characterization.

Findings

Stable growth conditions identified for {eta}-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$

Crystals are free of intergrowths and impurities

Structural analysis confirms phase purity

Abstract

Single crystal growth of {\alpha}-Na$_x$MnO$_2$ (x = 0.90) is reported via the floating zone technique. The conditions required for stable growth and intergrowth-free crystals are described along with the results of trials under alternate growth atmospheres. Chemical and structural characterizations of the resulting {\alpha}-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ crystals are performed using ICP-AES, NMR, XANES, XPS, and neutron diffraction measurements. As a layered transition metal oxide with large ionic mobility and strong correlation effects, {\alpha}-Na$_x$MnO$_2$ is of interest to many communities, and the implications of large volume, high purity, single crystal growth are discussed.