NASICON-related Na3.4Mn0.4Fe1.6(PO4)3

The solid solution, sodium [iron(III)/manganese(II)] tris(orthophosphate), Na3.4Mn0.4Fe1.6(PO4)3, was obtained using a flux method. Its crystal structure is related to that of NASICON-type compounds. The [(Mn/Fe)2(PO4)3] framework is built up from an (Mn/Fe)O6 octahedron (site symmetry 3.), with a mixed Mn/Fe occupancy, and a PO4 tetrahedron (site symmetry .2). The Na+ cations are distributed over two partially occupied sites in the cavities of the framework. One Na+ cation (site symmetry -3.) is surrounded by six O atoms, whereas the other Na+ cation (site symmetry .2) is surrounded by eight O atoms.