Ceramics-Silikáty 41, (1) 1 - 6 (1997)

Polycrystalline samples of ZnO + x mol.% Nd₂O₃ (x = 0 - 7.73) were prepared from the suspension of ZnO in Nd nitrate solution with following evaporation, drying and annealing at 1000°C. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis and ESR spectra measurement. The obtained samples have a two-phase structure with Nd₂O₃ covering ZnO grains. The addition of Nd₂O₃ to ZnO results in a decrease of the unit cell volume of ZnO, a decrease in the strength of the ESR band with g = 1.958 and a more pronounced asymmetry of this band. The experimental results are explained as due to the mutual interaction of both components of the mixture leading to a decrease in nonstoichiometry of both ZnO and Nd₂O₃. It is assumed that in the crystal structures of both oxides concentrations of native defects, i.e. Zn interstitials and oxygen vacancies in ZnO and Nd vacancies and oxygen interstitials in Nd₂O₃ are decreased.