High pressure Raman spectroscopy of spinel-type ferrite ZnFe2O4 Original Research Article

An in-situ Raman spectroscopic study was conducted to explore the pressure induced phase transformation of spinel-type ferrite ZnFe2O4. Results indicate that ferrite ZnFe2O4 initially transforms to an orthorhombic structure phase (CaFe2O4-polymorph) at a pressure of 24.6 GPa. Such a phase transformation is complete at 34.2 GPa, and continuously remains stable to the peak pressure of 61.9 GPa. The coexistence of the two phases over a wide range of pressure implies a sluggish mechanism upon the spinel-to-orthorhombic phase transition. Upon release of pressure, the high pressure ZnFe2O4 polymorph is quenchable at ambient conditions.