Crystal structure and optical investigation of Pb2Na1−xLaxNb5−xFexO15 (0≤x≤1) phases

The Pb2Na1−xLaxNb5−xFexO15 (0≤x≤1) compounds with tungsten bronze structure were refined by the Rietveld method from X-Ray powder diffraction recorded at room temperature and characterized by optical spectroscopy. The results show that the structure depends on x value. For x=0.2, the cell is orthorhombic with non-centrosymmetrical space group Cm2m. The lattice parameters are a=17.6053(39) Å, b=17.8245(60) Å and c=3.8698(02) Å. For x=0.8, the lattice is tetragonal with space group P4/mbm and cell parameters are a=b=12.4911(97) Å and c=3.8932(22) Å. The luminescence properties of studied materials activated with Eu3+ have been investigated in the visible region at room and low temperatures. The result confirms that the rare earth is located at a single center in the structure. A room temperature Mössbauer study confirmed the +3 valence state of iron and its six-coordination. The site occupancies suggested by optical and Mössbauer data are in good agreement with those obtained from crystal structure refinement.

► Structures of Pb2Na1−xLaxNb5−xFexO15 (0≤x≤1) compounds have been determined.
► Luminescence properties confirm that the rare earth is located at a single center.
► Mössbauer study confirmed the +3 valence state of iron and its six-coordination.