title: Sequential evolution of different phases in metastable Gd(2-x)Ce(x)Zr(2-x)Al(x)O7 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) system: crucial role of reaction conditions.
abstract: The Gd(2-x)Ce(x)Zr(2-x)Al(x)O7 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) series was synthesized by the gel combustion method. This system exhibited the presence of a fluorite-type phase, along with a narrow biphasic region, depending upon the Ce/Gd content in the sample. Thermal stability of these new compounds under oxidizing and reducing conditions has been investigated. The products obtained on decomposition of Gd(2-x)Ce(x)Zr(2-x)Al(x)O7 in oxidizing and reducing conditions were found to be entirely different. It was observed that in air the fluorite-type solid solutions of Gd(2-x)Ce(x)Zr(2-x)Al(x)O7 composition undergo phase separation into perovskite GdAlO3 and fluorite-type solid solutions of Gd-Ce-Zr-O or Ce-Zr-Al-O depending upon the extent of Ce and Al substitution. On the other hand, Gd(2-x)Ce(x)Zr(2-x)Al(x)O7 samples on heating under reducing conditions show a phase separation to CeAlO3 perovskite and a defect-fluorite of Gd2Zr2O7. The extent of metastability for a typical composition of Gd(1.2)Ce(0.8)Zr(1.2)Al(0.8)O7 (nano), Gd(1.2)Ce(0.8)Zr(1.2)Al(0.8)O(6.6) (heated under reduced conditions), Gd(1.2)Ce(0.8)Zr(1.2)Al(0.8)O7 (heated in air at 1200 °C) has been experimentally determined employing a high temperature Calvet calorimeter. On the basis of thermodynamic stability data, it could be inferred that the formation of a more stable compound in the presence of two competing cations (i.e., Gd(3+) and Ce(3+)) is guided by the crystallographic stability.
authors.affiliation: Chemistry Division, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400085, India.
authors.forename: Rakesh
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Shukla
authors.forename: Farheen N
authors.initials: FN
authors.lastname: Sayed
authors.forename: Suhas
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Phapale
authors.forename: Ratikant
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.forename: Avesh K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Tyagi