Transitions between P21, image, and P6322 modifications of SrAl2O4 by in situ high-temperature X-ray and neutron diffraction

The results of in situ high-temperature X-ray and neutron powder diffraction experiments reconcile inconsistencies in previous reports on the symmetry of high-temperature phases of SrAl2O4. The material undergoes two reversible phase transitions image and image at ∼680 and ∼860 °C, respectively, and the latter one is experimentally observed and characterized for the first time. The higher symmetry above the image transition is gained by disordering off-center split site of oxygen atoms around trigonal axis rather than by unbending Al–O–Al angle to the ideal value 180°. The analysis of the literature suggests that it is a common feature of the P6322 phases of stuffed tridymites.