Comparative study of the spectral and structural properties of EuAl3(BO3)4 single crystals with different morphologies

Abstract

Europium alumoborate EuAl₃(BO₃)₄ microcrystals have been synthesized by the flux method at a temperature of 1050°C. The obtained crystals have different morphologies: both plane-faced and skeletal microcrystals have been observed. Infrared spectroscopy, cathodeluminescence, and transmission electron microscopy investigations of individual microcrystals showed that the spectral and structural characteristics of these morphological forms coincide. The obtained crystals are characterized by the rhombohedral symmetry (sp. gr. R32) with the inclusions of C2/c monoclinic phase domains.