Sol–Gel Synthesis and Distinctive Structural Features of CexZr1–xO2 Solid Solutions

Abstract

We have synthesized Ce_xZr_1–xO₂ solid solutions via the thermal decomposition of xerogels of different compositions prepared by drying appropriate hydrosols. The synthesized materials have been characterized by thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The results demonstrate that the solid solutions are formed at relatively low temperatures (450–600°C). The Ce_xZr_1–xO₂ samples with x = 0.5–0.9 consist of a cubic solid solution. At a lower CeO₂ content (x = 0.2), the material consists of a mixture of cubic and tetragonal phases.