Defect structure and ionic conductivity of as-grown R{sub 1–y}Sr{sub y}F{sub 3–y} (R = Ce, Pr, or Nd) crystals with high SrF{sub 2} content
The structure of defect nonstoichiometric phases of Ce{sub 0.88}Sr{sub 0.12}F{sub 2.88}, Pr{sub 0.85}Sr{sub 0.15}F{sub 2.85}, and Nd0.85Sr0.15F2.85 single crystals has been investigated by X-ray diffraction at room temperature. Crystals R{sub 1–y}Sr{sub y}F{sub 3–y} (R = Ce, Pr, or Nd) belong to the tysonite structural type (LaF{sub 3}), which has two forms (α and β). The morphotropic transition from the trigonal β form of the crystals to the hexagonal α form is confirmed, which was previously found for the first time when analyzing the nonstoichiometric phase of La{sub 1–y}Sr{sub y}F{sub 3–y} with a SrF2 content above 10 mol % (y ≥ 0.1). Temperature dependences of fluorine-ion conductivity are obtained. It is established that the conductivity of the α form of Ce{sub 0.88}Sr{sub 0.12}F{sub 2.88} and R{sub 0.85}Sr{sub 0.15}F{sub 2.85} crystals (R = Pr or Nd) is lower than that for the β form of R{sub 0.95}Sr{sub 0.05}F{sub 2.95} (R = La–Nd) by 1–2 orders of magnitude. The sublattice of fluorine atoms in the α-form crystals is characterized by an elevated (in comparison with the β form) content of vacancies and more uniform structural and dynamic properties, which leads to a decrease in the mean diffusion mobility of fluorine ions and an increase in the ion-transport activation enthalpy.