The synthesis of the rare earth A2Zr2O7 single crystals by simplified laser-heated floating hot zone and pedestal methods

Abstract

The condensed matter community is in constant search for efficient and feasible methods for the synthesis of diverse compounds, especially in the single-crystalline form. We present a recipe for the simplified synthesis of high-quality single crystals of rare-earth zirconates A2Zr2O7, important from both the fundamental and technical application viewpoints,. The developed preparation route allows to effectively, repeatedly, and reliably synthesise the high-quality precursors and single crystals of desired compositions, avoiding contamination and difficulties connected with standard polycrystalline-precursor preparation. Simultaneously, the method is straightforward, saving time, energy, and personnel. In addition to previously reported single crystals, several new single crystals from the A2Zr2O7 series were prepared, including the previously unreported compound Tm2Zr2O7. The high quality of the synthesised samples was proven employing electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, laboratory and synchrotron radiation diffraction, and neutron powder and Laue diffraction techniques. The crystal structures and structural parameters of the individual compounds were determined and discussed in view of previous reports on A2Zr2O7 and other A2B2O7 series (B stands for d- or p-elements). The introduced synthesis route is proposed to serve well not only for several other A2B2O7 series, but also for a variety of unrelated compounds.