In situ pressure-induced solid-state amorphization in Sm2(MoO4)3, Eu2(MoO4)3 and Gd2(MoO4)3 crystals: chemical decomposition scenario Original Research Article

The effect of pressure on the phase transformations in Sm2(MoO4)3, Gd2(MoO4)3 and Eu2(MoO4)3 crystals has been studied in situ using synchrotron radiation. All three isostructural compounds undergo a structural phase transition at 2.2–2.8 GPa to a new phase, which is interpreted as a possible precursor of amorphization. Amorphization in these crystals occurs irreversibly over a wide pressure range, and its mechanism, interpreted as a chemical decomposition, is found to be weakly affected by the degree of hydrostaticity.