Growth of the complex borates Y_xR_ySc_2+z(BO₃)₄ (R = Nd, Pr, x + y + z = 2) with huntite structure

Abstract

Bulk crystals of new huntite type borates were grown by TSSG method using eutectic LiBO2–LiF as a flux. Chemical composition, X‐ray diffraction, optical absorption and fluorescence spectra of the grown samples were studied.

Crystal Growth of Multifunctional Borates and Related Materials

“…The XRD analysis of the structure of micropart of the same crystal confirmed the presence of Lu atoms in the octahedral site, but with a lower content: Ce(Sc 2.910(30) Lu 0.090 )(BO 3 ) 4 (R = 5.95%). [113]. It should be noted that the unit cell parameters of samples from two parts of the crystal with almost identical compositions are significantly different, although there is a tendency for the parameters to increase with increasing Pr content (r Pr > r Y ) (Table 2).…”

Crystallochemical Design of Huntite-Family Compounds

“…A solid solution with the general composition Pr x Y y Sc z (BO 3 ) 4 grown by the TSSG method using eutectic LiBO 2 -LiF as a flux crystallizes in the space group R32, as determined by the XRD on the powder sample [113] (Table 2). According to scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX), a peripheral part of the crystal has the composition Pr 0.94 Y 0.09 Sc 2.97 (BO 3 ) 4 , while the composition of the central part of the crystal is Pr 0.93 Y 0.10 Sc 2.96 (BO 3 ) 4 [113]. It should be noted that the unit cell parameters of samples from two parts of the crystal with almost identical compositions are significantly different, although there is a tendency for the parameters to increase with increasing Pr content (r Pr > r Y ) ( Table 2).…”

“…Single-crystal solid solution with the charge composition Nd x Y y Sc z (BO 3 ) 4 was grown by the TSSG method [113]. The space group R32 was established by the powder XRD method.…”

Systematic rare Earth doping to adopt an R32 type huntite structure in NdSc3(BO3)4 crystals

“…A new LiBO 2 -LiF flux has been proposed for growing RSc 3 (BO 3 ) 4 using the TSSG (top seeded solution growth) technique at temperatures between 750 and 950 °C. [14][15][16] In this way, some compounds below a certain phase transition could be obtained. Furthermore, the flux does not incorporate any elements into the crystal structure, making it distinct from bismuth containing fluxes, commonly utilized for growing Al, Cr, and Fe borates with the huntite structure.…”