The series LnSrVO4: synthesis, crystal structure, crystal chemistry and magnetic susceptibilities

The synthesis of several members of the series LnSrVO4 can be achieved by hydrogen reduction of mixtures of Ln2O3, SrCO3 and V2O5 or SrCO3 and LnVO4 at 1200 °C for 24 h. The series exists from lanthanum to terbium inclusive. The range of existence is discussed in terms of the ratio of radii of the structure fields and the large cation size mismatch ratios. Crystal structures were refined from powder neutron diffraction data for Ln  La, Ce Pr and Nd. Cell constants are reported for all members from X-ray Guinier data. All compounds are isostructural with K2NiF4, I4/mmm. Magnetic susceptibility data from 4.2 K to 300 K are described. It is possible that a local moment of about 2.6 β per V3+ exists for Ln  Ce, Pr and Nd but Ln  La represents a different case.