Investigation of a new willemite-type compound, (Li, Na, H)0.16Zn1.92SiO4

A new willemite-type compound, [(Li, Na, H)0.16Zn1.92SiO4)] was synthesized from both solid-state reactions and molten NaCl. X-ray single crystal and neutron powder diffraction studies indicate the presence of Li+, Na+, and H+ in four and six membered-ring channels of alternately arranged ZnO4 and SiO4. The presence of channel cations is new to among numerous willemite-variants reported so far. This new configuration is attributed to defects at the Zn-sites. The new willemite-type material can be regarded as a prototype for combined cationic conductors.