Question

Employing CFSE concept, explain whether MnCo2O4 is crystallized in a normal spinel or inverse spinel structure

Answer 1

Spinel structure of oxides have the general formula, AB₂X₄

where, 'A' is divalent ion, 'B' is trivalent ion.

A and B are transition metals,

'A' must have d⁰ or d⁵ or d¹⁰ configuration

and

'B' must have d¹ or d² or d³ or d⁴ or d⁶ or d⁷ or d⁸ or d⁹ configuration .

In the given example,

Mn has +2 oxidation state, and its configuration is (z=25) 3d⁵ 4s⁰

Co has +3 oxidation state and its configuration is (Z=27) 3d⁶ 4s⁰

So, the given oxide is suits for the characteristic of spinel structure.

So, MnCoO4 has spinel structure.