Structural Properties and State of a Zirconium Dioxide Surface Layer Modified with Mе3+ Cations

Abstract

The effect Ме³⁺ (Al, Y, Sc, Fe, and Mn) cations on the structural properties and state of a zirconium dioxide surface layer is investigated. The thermal stability of the Ме³⁺ solid solutions based on a metastable zirconium dioxide modification is established via X-ray diffraction analysis. It is shown using X‑ray photoelectron spectroscopy that the distribution of surface–volume cationic modifier is determined by the type of cation. In Al-, Fe-, and Mn-ZrO₂ systems, modifiers are mainly distributed over a surface; in Y and Sc-ZrО₂, modifiers are distributed uniformly. The nature of the cation distribution affects the thermal stability of the solid solutions formed.