Synthesis, Optical, Dielectric, SHG, Magnetic and Visible Light Driven Catalytic Studies on Compounds Belonging to the Swedenborgite Structure.

A new compound, InBaZnGaO, with swedenborgite structure along with transition metal (TM) substituted variants have also been prepared. The structure contains layers of tetrahedral ions (Zn/Ga) connected by octahedrally coordinated In ion forming the three-dimensional structure with voids where the Ba ions occupy. The TM substituted compounds form with new colors. The origin of the color was understood based on the ligand-field transitions. The near IR reflectivity studies indicate that the Ni - substituted compounds exhibit good near - IR reflectivity behavior, making them possible candidates for 'cool pigments'. The temperature dependent dielectric studies indicate that the InBaZnGaO compound undergoes a phase transition at ~360 °C. The compounds are active towards second harmonic generation (SHG). Magnetic studies show the compounds, InBaZnCoFeO and InBaZnCuFeO to be anti-ferromagnetic in nature. The copper containing compounds were found to be good catalysts, under visible light, for the oxidation of aromatic alkenes. The many properties observed in the swedenborgite structure-based compounds suggests that the mineral structure offers a fertile ground to investigate newer compounds and properties.