Synthesis and Evolution of the Crystalline Phases in Ca1-xSrxAl2O4

The preparation and structural properties of the series of oxides Ca1-xSrxAlO4 are described. Using a combination of synchrotron and neutron powder diffraction methods, it is found that the single-phase solid solutions exist only over a very limited range, x<0.35 and x>0.85. Reitveld refinement analysis demonstrated that at intermediate doping levels a complex series of phases are present. The solubility limit of Sr in CaAl2O4 is rationalized in light of the structural studies.