Synthesis and crystal structure of chlorate-enclathrated in aluminogermanate sodalite Na8[AlGeO4]6(ClO3)2

Encapsulation of chlorate in sodalite with aluminogermanate host framework has been obtained by one pot hydrothermal synthesis at 393 K. The crystal structure of Na8[AlGeO4]6(ClO3)2; sodalite was refined from X-ray powder data in the space group P$\bar 4$3n: a = 9.169 Å, where Al-O-Ge angle is 137.6°. The 27Al MAS NMR study confirmed alternate Ge and Al ordering of the sodalite framework, while 23Na gave insight into the structure and dynamics of the cage fillings. Infrared spectrum confirmed the encapsulation of chlorate as well as the framework formation of aluminogermanate sodalite. SEM study showed the retention of cubical morphology of the aluminogermanate sodalite. Thermogravimetric analysis provided information on the extent of chlorate entrapment, stability within the sodalite cages and decomposition properties.