Effect of explicit cationic size and valence constraints on the phase stability of 1:2 B-site-ordered perovskite ruthenates.

The related parameters of cation size and valence that control the crystallization of Sr(3)CaRu(2)O(9) into a 1:2 B-site-ordered perovskite structure were explored by cationic substitution at the strontium and calcium sites and by the application of high pressure. At ambient pressures, Sr(3)MRu(2)O(9) stoichiometries yield multiphasic mixtures for M = Ni(2+), Mg(2+), and Y(3+), whereas pseudocubic perovskites result for M = Cu(2+) and Zn(2+). For A-site substitutions, an ordered perovskite structure results for Sr(3-x)Ca(x)CaRu(2)O(9), with 0 </= x </= 1.5. In contrast, Ba(2+) substitution for Sr(2+) is accompanied by a phase change to a hexagonal BaTiO(3) structure type. At high pressures and temperatures, a 1:2 B-site-ordered perovskite structure is stabilized for Sr(3-x)Ba(x)CaRu(2)O(9), with 0 </= x </= 3. The scarcity of B-site-ordered perovskite ruthenates at ambient pressure and the metastable nature of the high-pressure phases underscore the strict size and valence requirements that must be met by the constituent cations to achieve these uncommon ordered structures.