Valence and localization of praseodymium in Pr-doped zircon

摘要

The valence and localization of the praseodymium species in the zircon matrix of Pr-doped zircon powders obtained by calcination of the metal oxides in the presence of fluxes are analyzed through the use of X-ray diffraction and XAS (XANES and EXAFS) spectroscopy. It is concluded that the Pr cations present a tetravalent state and form a solid solution with the zircon lattice, in which they occupy the triangular dodecahedral positions of Zr, An enrichment of Pr(IV) ions in the outer layers of the pigment particles was also observed by XPS, indicating that they are heterogeneously distributed inside the zircon grains. [References: 18]