The Mean Inner Potential of Hematite α-Fe2O3 Across the Morin Transition

We measure the mean inner potential (MIP) of hematite, alpha-Fe2O3, using electron holography and transmission electron microscopy. Since the MIP is sensitive to valence electrons, we propose its use as a chemical bonding parameter for solids. Hematite can test the sensitivity of the MIP as a bonding parameter because of the Morin magnetic phase transition. Across this transition temperature, no change in the corundum crystal structure can be distinguished, while a change in hybridized Fe-3d and O-2p states was reported, affecting ionic bonding. For a given crystallographic phase, the change in the MIP with temperature is expected to be minor due to thermal expansion. Indeed, we measure the temperature dependence in corundum alpha-Al2O3(11 (2) over bar0) between 95 and 295 K showing a constant MIP value of similar to 16.8 V within the measurement accuracy of 0.45 V. Thus, our objectives are as follows: measure the MIP of hematite as a function of temperature and examine the sensitivity of the MIP as a bonding parameter for crystals. Measured MIPs of alpha-Fe2O3(11 (2) over bar0) above the Morin transition are equal, 17.85 +/- 0.50 V, 17.93 +/- 0.50 V, at 295 K, 230 K, respectively. Below the Morin transition, at 95 K, a significant reduction of similar to 1.3 V is measured to 16.56 +/- 0.46 V. We show that this reduction follows charge redistribution resulting in increased ionic bonding. [GRAPHICS] .

Automated summary

The mean inner potential (MIP) of hematite, alpha-Fe2O3, was measured using electron holography and transmission electron microscopy. The MIP was found to be sensitive to valence electrons and can be used as a chemical bonding parameter for solids. The study showed that the MIP changes across the Morin magnetic phase transition, indicating a change in ionic bonding due to charge redistribution.