The phosphate KCoCr(PO4)2 and iron-substituted
variants KCoCr1–x
Fe
x
(PO4)2 (x =
0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) were synthesized by a solid-state reaction route,
while a high substitution level of Fe was achieved. Their structures
were refined using powder X-ray diffraction and indexed in a monoclinic
system with a P21/n space
group. A 3D framework with six-sided tunnels parallel to the [101]
direction was formed in which the K atoms are located. Mössbauer
spectroscopy confirms the exclusive presence of octahedral paramagnetic
Fe3+ ions, with isomer shifts increasing slightly with x substitution. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy
confirmed the presence of paramagnetic Cr3+ ions. The activation
energy, determined by dielectric measurements, shows that the iron-containing
samples present higher ionic activity. Relative to the electrochemical
activity of K, these materials could be good candidates for positive
and/or negative electrode materials for energy storage applications.