Structural Behaviour of EuCoO3 and Mixed Cobaltites-Ferrites EuCo1−xFexO3

Abstract

Crystal structure of the mixed cobaltites-ferrites EuCo1−xFexO3, obtained by solid state reaction in air at 1573 K, has been studied by means of X-ray powder diffraction technique. It was found that all samples synthesized adopt orthorhombic perovskite structure. Obtained values of structural parameters indicate formation of continuous solid solution in the EuCoO3−EuFeO3 system. Thermal behaviour of the EuCoO3 structure has been investigated in the temperature range of 298–1173 K by means of in situ high-resolution powder diffraction technique applying synchrotron radiation. Strong anomalies in the lattice expansion have been detected between 580 K and 800 K, which are evidently connected with the transitions of Co3+ ions to the higher spin states and further metal-insulator transition occurred in EuCoO3 at about 600 K.