Thermodynamics and Transport Properties of the CeBr3 - MBr Binary Systems

Abstract

Detailed investigations of phase equilibrium in the CeBr3-MBr (M=Li, Na, K, Rb) systems was conducted by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). CeBr3-LiBr and CeBr3-NaBr are simple eutectic systems. CeBr3-KBr is characterized by two congruently melting compounds, namely K3CeBr6 and K2CeBr5, and three eutectics. K3CeBr6 forms at 775 K and melts congruently at 879 K. K2CeBr5 melts congruently at 874 K. CeBr3-RbBr exhibits two eutectics, one congruently melting Rb3CeBr6 compound (formation at 614 K, solid-solid phase transition at 695 K and melting at 966 K) and two compounds that decomposes peritectically at 830 K and 811 K (Rb2CeBr5 and RbCe2Br7, respectively). The electrical conductivity of all liquid CeBr3- MBr mixtures and pure components was measured over an extended range including temperatures below solidification. The obtained results are discussed in the term of possible complex formation