Structural phase transition in [(C2H5)4N][(CH3)4N]ZnCl4

The hybrid crystal [(C2H5)4N][(CH3)4N]ZnCl4 was studied using several experimental methods. DSC studies revealed the first order phase transition to the high temperature phase at about 496 K. This phase transition was confirmed in dielectric studies. Optical observation revealed the domain structure appearance characteristic for that of the phase transition between tetragonal and orthorhombic phases. This phase transition shows a lowering of symmetry as in the case of bromide analogs. Additionally, the optical studies showed the appearance of a number of cracks in the sample and in some cases, the samples became milky after cooling from the high temperature to the room temperature phase.