Cationic oxidation states, scheelite

One characteristic of the scheelite structure-type Is the number and extent of cationic oxidation states and defect (catlonr-deflclent) structures that have been found. The single guide to the formation of scheellte-type structure seems to be the ability of A cations to be eight-coordinated (I.e., rather large) agd B lons to attain tetrahedral coordination (note, however, that PO or SIO, containing scheelltes are unknown). 

Point defects in the form of cation vacancies () were introduced by Aykan et al. (93-95) into molybdates, tungstates, and vanadates with scheelite-type crystal structures. The authors studied the catalytic properties of more than 30 scheelite-structure phases represented by the formula A1 x< xM04 (M = molybdenum, tungsten, and/or vanadium and A may include Li, Na, K, Ag, Ca, Sr, Ba, Cd, Pb, Bi, and/or arare earth element in quantities appropriate to achieve charge balance for the normal oxidation states). It was found that the defects can be introduced... 

A variety of related structures can be identified with 6,8, and 12-fold coordination of the A cation and four or sixfold coordination of the anion. In fact, the chemistry of ABO4 temarys is extremely complicated with solid solutions and phase transitions being common. Lattice defects may be introduced easily by appropriate dopings. Scheelites and its relatives have been studied intensively for their properties as heterogeneous catalysts, as host materials for impurity activated luminescent materials, and for specialized optical uses see Oxide Catalysts in Solid-state Chemistry and Section 4.4). 

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