Synthesis, characterization and electrical properties of Pb(₈₋x)Na₂Ndx(VO₄)₆O(x/₂) solid solutions

Abstract

Substitution of neodymium for lead in the apatite structure in accordance to scheme 2Pb²⁺ +□ o→ 2Nd³⁺ + O²⁻ has been investigated by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, IR spectroscopy and the measurement of electrical conductivity. It was established that single phase solid solutions Pb(₈₋x)Na₂Ndx(VO₄)₆O(x/₂) are formed in the range of x = 0-0.25. The crystal structure features of some samples have been refined by the Rietveld method. It was shown that ions Nd³⁺ preferably occupy M(1) site. Influence of the composition x on the electrical conductivity and activation energy has been investigated.