XAFS study of europium chloride at high temperatures

Local structural changes in europium dichloride around europium ion at high temperature are evaluated by using X-ray absorption fine structure technique. A distinct phase shift in EXAFS oscillation observed between 700 and 950K arises from Eu2+ to Eu3+ oxidation. Referring to the difference in EXAFS oscillation between oxide and oxychloride of lanthanum, the chemical state of europium on oxidation is identified mainly as Eu2O3.