Study on phase evolution of GdAl(1-x)Ga(x)O(3) system

Abstract

In the present investigation, phase evolution of GdAl(1-x)Ga(x)O(3) system was investigated by preparing a series of powders through citrate gel route. The powders were calcined at 1000 degrees C for 2 h and characterized for phase purity using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Sintering of a few selected compositions was carried out at 1550 degrees C for 4 h. The microstructural analysis of the sintered specimens was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDS). It was observed that the preparation of GdGaO(3) through citrate gel route resulted in the formation of two-phase mixture of Gd(3)Ga(5)O(12) and Gd(2)O(3). In GdAl(1-x)Ga(x)O(3) system, gallium could be dissolved in GdAlO(3) lattice up to a doping level of 4 mol%. At higher doping level, the un-dissolved gallium precipitated in the form of Gd(3)Al(4)GaO(12). (C) 2009