Lithiation-Induced Zinc Clustering of Zn₃, Zn₁₂, and Zn₁₈ Units in Zintl-Like Ca_∼30Li_3+xZn_60–x (x = 0.44–1.38)

Zinc clusters are not common for binary intermetallics with relatively low zinc content, but this work shows that zinc clustering can be triggered by lithiation, as exemplified by Ca_∼30Li_3+xZn_60–x, P6/mmm, Z = 1, which can be directly converted from CaZn₂. Two end members of the solid solution (x = 0.44 and 1.38) were established and structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses: Ca₃₀Li_3.44(6)Zn_59.56(6), a = 15.4651(9) Å, c = 9.3898(3) Å; Ca_30.45(2)Li_4.38(6)Zn_58.62(6), a = 15.524(3) Å, c = 9.413(2) Å. The structures of Ca_∼30Li_3+xZn_60–x feature a condensed anionic network of Zn₃ triangles, lithium-centered Zn₁₂ icosahedra, and arachno-(Zn,Li)₁₈ tubular clusters that are surrounded respectively by Ca₁₄, Ca₂₀, and Ca₃₀ polyhedra. These polyhedra share faces and form a clathrate-like cationic framework. The specific occupation of lithium in the structure is consistent with theoretical “coloring” analyses. Analysis by the linear muffin-tin orbital (LMTO) method within the atomic sphere approximation reveals that Ca_∼30Li_3+xZn_60–x is a metallic, Zintl-like phase with an open-shell electronic structure. The contribution of Ca–Zn polar covalent interactions is about 41%.