Synthesis and crystal structure of NZP-type thorium-zirconium phosphate.

Microcrystals of Th(1/4)Zr(2)(PO(4))(3) were synthesized by thermal treatment (900 degrees C) of the material obtained using sol-gel technology (including organic complex formation and etherification). Their structure [hexagonal, P3c, a = b = 8.7311(4) A, c = 23.309(2) A] includes the three-dimensional [Zr(2)(PO(4))(3)](-) NASICON-type network and extraframework 6-fold-coordinated thorium(IV) cations.