Yb3+ doped dyphillosilicates prepared by thermally induced phase transformation of zeolites

Abstract

Yb3+-doped Ba and Sr diphyllosilicates (hexacelsians) have been synthesized using the Na form of LTA zeolite by ion-exchange procedure and thermal treatment. The crystal structures of both doped samples are refined and described in this article. The results of Rietveld refinements clearly indicate that Yb3+ ions are incorporated into the hexacelsians structure. AFM photomicrographs show round-shaped particles with the size of few microns. The magnetization measurements were done within the 2-300 K temperature range, revealing an enhancement of magnetization with temperature that is not in accordance with simple paramagnetic behavior.