The synthesis -: Structure relationship in the ZnO-Cr2O3system

In this work the development of the spinel phase in the ZnO-Cr2O3 system was discussed from the viewpoint of the synthesis-structure relationship. The nanostructure evolution in particles obtained either via solution-based (spray pyrolysis) or solid-state (mechanical activation) synthesis procedures were investigated by XRD analysis. A detailed structural analysis of the spinel phase lattice parameters, average primary crystallite sizes and microstrains were performed in accordance with a procedure based on the Koalariet-Xfit program. Due to the importance of spinel-phase cation distribution for chemical and physical properties, a study of the site occupation factors, i.e. changes in the stoichiometry, of ZnCr2O4 spinels was undertaken. The calculation based on atomistic methods for the description of both perfect and defect spinel ZnCr2O4 crystal lattices has been applied and the presence of individual structural defects was determined.