In situ X-ray observation of phase transformation in Fe2O3 at high pressures and high temperatures Original Research Article

A laser-heated sample in a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron X-ray radiation was used to carry out structural characterization of the phase transformation of Fe2O3 at high pressures (30–96 GPa) and high temperature. The Rh2O3(II) (or orthorhombic perovskite) structure transforms to a new phase, which exhibits X-ray diffraction data that are indicative of a CaIrO3-type structure. The CaIrO3-type structure exhibited an orthorhombic symmetry (space group: Cmcm) that was stable at temperatures of 1200–2800 K and pressure of 96 GPa (the highest pressure used). Unambiguous assignment of such a structure requires experimental evidence for the presence of two Fe species. Based on the equation of state of gold, the phase boundary of the CaIrO3-type phase transformation was P (GPa)=59+0.0022×(T−1200) (K).