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Floating zone growth of α-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ single crystals

Single crystal growth of α-Na$_x$MnO$_2$ (x = 0.90) is reported via the floating zone technique. The conditions required for stable growth and intergrowth-free crystals are described along with the results of trials under alternate growth atmospheres. Chemical and structural characterizations of the resulting α-Na$_{0.90}$MnO$_2$ crystals are performed using ICP-AES, NMR, XANES, XPS, and neutron diffraction measurements. As a layered transition metal oxide with large ionic mobility and strong correlation effects, α-Na$_x$MnO$_2$ is of interest to many communities, and the implications of large volume, high purity, single crystal growth are discussed.