Magnetic properties of V2O3-Al2O3 solid solutions

Abstract

The magnetic susceptibilities of dilute solid solutions of V₂O₃ in corundum (α-Al₂O₃) have been measured over the temperature range 77–500°K, and at V³⁺ ion concentrations from 1 to 9 mole %. Lattice parameter and optical reflectance studies confirm the existence of a corundum phase over this concentration range. The magnetic moment of the V³⁺ ion is lower than the spin-only value and it decreases linearly with increasing concentration. The result is explained in terms of pair-wise interactions between V³⁺ ions, analogous to those in V₂O₃. The system also shows a large temperature independent paramagnetism of ca. 650 × 10^–6, which is attributed to the trigonal component of the cubic crystal field present in the corundum structure.