Sol-gel Synthesis of Li–ZrSiO₄

Li–ZrSiO₄ was synthesized by the sol-gel method. Reactions were performed with different Li:Zr molar ratios: 1, 3, 5, and 6. Cell parameters changed as follows: a₀ decreased and c₀ increased as the Li:Zr molar ratio increased. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis showed two kinds of oxygen atoms. The first one was attributed to ZrSiO₄ oxygens. The second one was attributed to Li–O bonds. All these results were supported by a theoretical analysis. It was concluded that lithium atoms were held in interstitial positions of the ZrSiO₄ structure.