title: X-ray and neutron diffraction studies on "Li4.4Sn".
abstract: A chemical analysis and detailed structural characterization, using X-ray single crystal and neutron powder diffraction, of the binary lithium-tin compound "Li(4.4)Sn" is presented. Phase analyses and subsequent structural refinements result in the reformulation of "Li(4.4)Sn" as Li(17)Sn(4). The lithium-rich binary phase crystallizes with a complex cubic structure in the space group Ffourmacr;3m, with a = 19.6907(11) A, Z = 20. The improved crystal structure determination indicates well-defined lithium atom positions, some of which differ from those previously reported. The nearly Zintl phase Li(17)Sn(4) exhibits poor metallic behavior similar to that of heavily doped semiconductors. Comparisons of the refined crystal structure with previously reported X-ray crystal structures associated with "Li(4.4)Sn" are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, Houston, Texas 77204, USA.
authors.forename: Corina
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lupu
authors.forename: Jiang-Gao
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Mao
authors.forename: J Wayne
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Rabalais
authors.forename: Arnold M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Guloy
authors.forename: James W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Richardson