Flux growth utilizing the reaction between flux and crucible

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

11 Scopus citations

Abstract

Flux growth involves dissolving the components of the target compound in an appropriate flux at high temperatures and then crystallizing under supersaturation controlled by cooling or evaporating the flux. A refractory crucible is generally used to contain the high temperature melt. The reaction between the melt and crucible materials can modify the composition of the melt, which typically results in growth failure, or contaminates the crystals. Thus one principle in designing a flux growth is to select suitable flux and crucible materials thus to avoid any reaction between them. In this paper, we review two cases of flux growth in which the reaction between flux and Al2O3 crucible tunes the oxygen content in the melt and helps the crystallization of desired compositions. For the case of La5Pb3O, the Al2O3 crucible oxidizes La to form a passivating La2O3 layer which not only prevents further oxidization of La in the melt but also provides [O] to the melt. For the case of La0.4Na0.6Fe2As2, it is believed that the Al2O3 crucible reacts with NaAsO2 and the reaction consumes oxygen in the melt thus maintaining an oxygen-free environment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)62-65
Number of pages4
JournalJournal of Crystal Growth
Volume416
DOIs
StatePublished - Apr 15 2015

Keywords

  • A1. Diffusion
  • A1. Solubility
  • A2. Growth from high temperature solutions
  • B1. Arsenates
  • B2. Superconducting materials

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Flux growth utilizing the reaction between flux and crucible'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this