Structure and Physical Properties of Mg-Containing Oxymolybdates La2MoO6

Oxymolybdates La2MoO6, both pure and doped with magnesium, have been obtained by the flux crystallization method and solid-phase synthesis as single crystals and polycrystals, respectively. The compounds are described by X-ray diffraction analysis, thermogravimetry, and differential scanning calorimetry; their conducting properties have been investigated. A model of the structure of magnesium-doped La2MoO6 single crystals is proposed. Incorporation of divalent magnesium atoms into the sites of hexavalent molybdenum atoms in the La2MoO6 structure leads to the formation of oxygen vacancies and a slight increase in the conductivity of doped samples in comparison with pure crystals. The compounds under study have hygroscopic properties.