Published online by Cambridge University Press: 28 February 2011
The results of audio frequency complex impedance studies for vanadyl phosphate and its hydrates (VOPO4*nH2O;n=0,1,2) are reported. Measurements were made at seventeen frequencies between 10 and 105 Hz over the temperature range 5.5-380K. Two lowtemperature features were observed and are correlated with particular water species between the VOPO4 layers. In light of chemical evidence and compleximpedance measurements on related compounds, it is speculated that VOPCO4*nH2O (Pc = P, As) can be thought of as a mixed nonstoichiometric compound [VO(HPcO4)]x[VOPcO4O4]1-x*nH2O and the solid Brϕnsted acid nature of the compound is related to proton movement between layer pnictates and intralayer waters.