Single Crystal Growth and X-ray Diffraction Characterization of a Quasi-Spin Chain Compound, Li2CuO2

We report the growth of single crystals and X-ray diffraction characterization of the quasi-one-dimensional spin chain compound, Li2CuO2. The single crystals were grown using the high-temperature solution growth technique. The resulting blade-shaped crystals exhibit a shiny black color, with dimensions reaching several millimeters along the crystallographic b-axis. The as-grown crystals were characterized using powder X-ray diffraction and Laue back reflection. The I-centered orthorhombic, Immm, structure was confirmed. Crystal structure parameters were determined to be a = 3.6744 angstrom, b = 2.8600 angstrom, and c = 9.4257 A from Rietveld analysis. Our work helps to remove obstacles to the synthesis and study of a model cuprate system, Li2CuO2, facilitating the use of experimental probes that require sizable crystals.