Synthesis and Crystal Structure of LiZn13

By simultaneous deposition of zinc and lithium onto a cooled sapphire substrate, LiZn13 was obtained for the first time. It crystallizes in the NaZn13 structure type (Fm (3) over bar, a = 1234.92(6) pm, R-p = 5.4 %, R-wp = 6.9 %, structure analysis with the Rietveld-method). Single-phase LiZn13 forms from a hexagonal Li0.07Zn0.93 alloy, deposited at -196 degrees C, during heating up to room temperature. Above room temperature LiZn13 decomposes.