High temperature structural studies of SrRhO 3

Abstract

High resolution X-ray powder diffraction studies have shown SrRhO 3 to transform from an orthorhombic Pnma structure at room temperature through an intermediate Imma phase to a tetragonal I4/ mcm structure near 800 °C. The orthorhombic Imma phase exists over a very limited temperature range, of less than 20°. The diffraction data suggests the Pnma to Imma transition is continuous and demonstrates that the Imma– I4/ mcm transition is first order.