Silver delafossite oxides.

A single-step, low-temperature (<210 degrees C) and -pressure (<20 atm) hydrothermal method has been developed to synthesize a series of silver delafossites, AgBO2 (B = Al, Ga, Sc, and In). Experimental and computational studies were performed to understand the optical and electric properties of these silver delafossites, including the first in-depth study of AgAlO2 and AgScO2. Their properties were examined as a function of the trivalent cation radius and compared to those of copper delafossites to elucidate the role of both the A- and B-site cations. While optical band gaps for silver delafossites were larger and visible light absorption was lower than values previously reported for polycrystalline powder samples of copper delafossites, the conductivities of silver delafossites are similar or lower. Electronic structure calculations indicate that these properties are due to the scarcity of silver 4d states just below the valence band maximum.