The crystal structure of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O revisited: the evidence of superstructure

TL;DR

This study revisits the crystal structure of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O, revealing it as a superstructure with ordering of oxygen atoms, which has implications for understanding its relation to potential superconducting phases.

Contribution

The paper provides a detailed reinvestigation of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O's structure, identifying it as a superstructure with oxygen ordering, differing from previous reports and clarifying its relation to other polymorphs.

Findings

Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O is a superstructure with doubled c parameter.

Oxygen atoms order within structure channels, splitting Pb1 sites.

Previous structure data may correspond to different polymorphs or compositions.

Abstract

The crystal structure of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O, the proposed matrix for the potential room-temperature superconductor LK-99, Pb$_{10-x}$Cu$_x$(PO$_4$)$_6$O ($x = 0.9-1.0$), has been reinvestigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction using crystals prepared by Merker and Wondratschek (Z. Anorg. Allg. Chem. 1960, 306, 25-29). The crystal structure is trigonal, P-3, a = 9.8109(6), c = 14.8403(12) A, V = 1237.06(15) A3, R1 = 0.0413 using 3456 unique observed reflections. The crystal structure of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O is a superstructure with regard to the standard P63/m apatite structure type. The doubling of the c parameter is induced by the ordering of additional O atoms within the structure channels running parallel to the c axis and centered at (00z). The O atoms form short bonds to the Pb1 atoms, resulting in splitting the Pb1 site into two, Pb1A and Pb1B. The structural distortions are further transmitted to the Pb phosphate framework formed by four Pb2 sites and PO$_4$ groups. The structure data previously reported by Krivovichev and Burns (Z. Kristallogr. 2003, 218, 357-365) may either correspond to the Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O$_x$(OH)$_{2-x}$ ($x = 0.4$) member of the Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O-Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$(OH)$_2$ solid solution series, or to the high-temperature polymorph of Pb$_{10}$(PO$_4$)$_6$O (with the phase with doubled c parameter being the low-temperature polymorph).