INTERACTION OF OXIDES IN THE ZNO-ND2O3 SYSTEM

Polycrystalline samples of ZnO + x mol. % Nd2O3 (x = 0-7.73) were prep ared from the suspension of ZnO in Nd nitrate solution with following evaporation, drying and annealing at 1000 degrees C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and ESR spectra measuremen t The obtained samples have a two-phase structure with Nd2O3 covering ZnO grains The addition of Nd2O3 to ZnO results in a decrease of the u nit cell volume of ZnO, a decrease in the strength of the ESR band wit h g = 1.958 and a more pronounced asymmetry of this band. The experime ntal results are explained as due to the mutual interaction of both co mponents of the mixture leading to a decrease in nonstoichiometry of b oth ZnO and Nd2O3. It is assumed that in the crystal structures of bot h oxides concentrations of native defects, i.e. Zn interstitials and o xygen vacancies in ZnO and Nd vacancies and oxygen interstitials in Nd 2O3 are decreased.