Abstract
We have performed a theoretical and experimental study of the structural stability of terbium phosphate at high pressures. Theoretical ab initio total-energy and lattice-dynamics calculations together with x-ray diffraction experiments have allowed us to completely characterize a phase transition at ∼9.8 GPa from the zircon to the monazite structure. Furthermore, total-energy calculations have been performed to check the relative stability of 17 candidate structures at different pressures and allow us to propose the zircon→monazite→scheelite→ SrUO4 -type sequence of stable structures with increasing pressure. In this sequence, sixfold P coordination is attained for the SrUO4 -type structure above 64 GPa. The whole sequence of transitions is discussed in association with the high-pressure structural behavior of oxides isomorphic to TbPO4.
Original language | English |
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Article number | 144126 |
Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
Volume | 81 |
Issue number | 14 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 30 Apr 2010 |
Externally published | Yes |