Synthesis, characterization of Ba1−xEuxF2+x (0.00≤x≤1.00) and Rietveld refinement of some representative compositions in this system

In this manuscript we report the preparation and X-ray characterization of a series of mixed fluorides with the general compositions Ba1−xEuxF2+x (0.00≤x≤1.00). The stoichiometric compositions were prepared by heating the component fluorides at an elevated temperature under static vacuum. The XRD analysis of the products established a low temperature phase equilibria in BaF2–EuF3 system. The initial compositions towards BaF2 end, in this series, exist as cubic fluorite-type solid solutions. A rhombohedral ordering is observed between 42 and 47 mol% of EuF3 in BaF2. In EuF3-rich region, a hexagonal (tysonite-type) phase exists. In contrasts to our earlier reports on SrF2–YF3 or CaF2–YF3 systems, in the present system the tysonite-type phase exists over a range of compositions. The details of the XRD analyses, including Rietveld refinement of certain phases, will be discussed.