In situ X-ray observation of phase transformation in Fe2O3 at high pressures and high temperatures

A laser-heated sample in a diamond anvil cell and synchrotron X-ray radiation was used to carry out structural characterization of the phase transformation of Fe2O3 at high pressures (30-96 GPa) and high temperature. The Rh2O3(II) (or orthorhombic perovskite) structure transforms to a new phase, which exhibits X-ray diffraction data that are indicative of a CaIrO3-type structure. The CaIrO3-type structure exhibited an orthorhombic symmetry (space group: Cmcm) that was stable at temperatures of 1200-2800 K and pressure of 96 GPa (the highest pressure used). Unambiguous assignment of such a structure requires experimental evidence for the presence of two Fe species. Based on the equation of state of gold, the phase boundary of the CaIrO3-type phase transformation was P (GPa)=59+0.0022×(T−1200) (K).