Structure and vibrational properties of scheelite type Cd0.25RE0.5□0.25MoO4 solid solutions where □ is the cationic vacancy and RE = Sm–Dy

Cadmium-rare earth Cd0.25RE0.5□0.25MoO4 molybdates, where RE = Pr–Dy, have been prepared and characterised by powder XRD analysis and spectroscopic studies. IR and Raman spectra at room temperature have been measured in the MIR and FIR ranges. The correlation between the lattice parameters and spectroscopic data has been discussed in terms of factor group analysis. The dependences between the RE3+ ionic radius, atomic mass and IR and Raman wavenumbers have been discussed.

► Polycrystalline Cd0.25RE0.5□0.25MoO4 solid solutions were prepared (RE = Pr–Dy).
► The cationic vacancies influence the phonon and electronic properties.
► The structural parameters depend on RE3+ atomic mass and ionic radii.
► RE3+ mass affects the strengths of phonon coupling.