Synthesis, characterization, crystal structure and NLO properties of a new mixed crystal potassium sodium ammonium dihydrogenphosphate K0.23Na0.23(NH4)0.54H2PO4

Potassium sodium ammonium dihydrogenphosphate K0.23Na0.23(NH4)0.54H2PO4 (KSADP), a new mixed crystal has been grown in aqueous medium by the slow evaporation of equimolar mixture of ammonium dihydrogenphosphate (ADP), potassium dihydrogenphosphate (KDP) and sodium dihydrogenphosphate (SDP). Crystal composition as determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that it belongs to the tetragonal system with noncentrosymmetric space group I-42d and it is structurally similar to ADP with cell parameter values, a=7.4794(4) Å; b=7.4794(4) Å; c=7.2974(11) Å; υ=408.23(7) Å3; z=4. The presence of sodium and potassium in ADP matrix was confirmed by inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The partial cationic substitution results in defect centers influencing the physical properties. Slight shifts in vibrational patterns could be attributed to strains in the lattice. Refinement of structure by single crystal XRD analysis reveals that potassium, sodium and ammonium coexist in the mixed crystal. The surface morphology of the as-grown specimen, which is changed as a result of cationic incorporation, was studied by scanning electron microscopy. The relative second harmonic generation (SHG) efficiency measurements revealed that the mixed crystal has a superior NLO activity than ADP.

► Ammonium, sodium and potassium coexist in the mixed crystal.
► Structure is elucidated.
► SHG efficiency is greater than ADP.
► A new efficient NLO material.