Single crystals of KGaTeO5 x H2O and K3GaTe2O8(OH)2 x H2O have been synthesized by supercritical hydrothermal techniques using Te(OH)6, Ga2O3 and KOH as reagents, and characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction, thermal analysis, IR and Raman spectroscopy. Ion-exchange studies revealed KGaTeO5 x H2O, with its open-framework structure, is capable of exchanging both smaller (Na+) and larger (Rb+) ions. In addition, higher thermal stability and reversible hydration properties were observed for KGaTeO5 x H2O.
Copyright 2004 The Royal Society of Chemistry