Studies on the Solid Solution of Mn in BaTiO₃

Abstract

BaTi 1- x Mn x O 3 solid solutions with 0≤ x ≤0.04 were synthesized in reducing atmosphere ( P O2 <10 -9 Pa) and in air at 1350°C for 2 h. The effect of Mn ions with different valences on the crystal structure of BaTiO 3 was studied by the room-temperature Raman scattering, electron spin resonance (ESR) and X-ray powder diffraction analyses. The crystal structure of the solid solution was analyzed to determine the change of its lattice parameters. It was found that in a reducing atmosphere, Mn 2+ ions promoted the tetragonal-to-cubic transformation, as both a contraction of c -axis and an extension of a -axis were observed with an increase in Mn content. In contrast, Mn ions in the air-synthesized samples promoted the tetragonal-to-hexagonal transformation. The formation of the hexagonal phase was accompanied by a strong extension of the c -axis of the tetragonal phase from 4.032 Å to 4.042 Å. This was attributed to Jahn-Teller distortions caused by Mn 3+ ions.