Effect of magnesium addition on the structural, microstructural and electrical properties of YVO4

The synthesis of Y1-x/2MgxV1-x/2O4-δ (MgxYV) (x = 0.0-0.5) by solid state reaction technique is reported. This preparation method is compared with chemical synthesis method such as nitrate-citrate auto-combustion route. The crystal structure and the surface morphology of the samples were determined by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques, respectively. Substantial decrease in phase formation temperature was observed for combustion method. The solubility limit of Mg in YVO4 lattice was found to be low i.e., x ≤ 0.1. The temperature dependence of conductivity of MgxYV samples indicated an increase in ionic conductivity values compared to the parent YVO4 due the formation of oxygen ion vacancies produced by the incorporation of acceptor Mg cations. Combustion-synthesized MgxYV samples showed higher conductivity compared to the samples prepared by conventional solid state reaction.