Structure and catalytic activity of iron oxide and magnesium oxide solid solutions. Part 1.—Structural and magnetic investigations
Abstract
Magnesium oxide containing up to 8 atom % iron oxide, with and without lithium oxide, prepared at 1273 K in reducing (CO + CO2) and oxidizing (air) atmospheres, has been investigated by means of lattice parameter measurements, chemical analyses and magnetic susceptibility measurements (98–293 K).
Iron oxide and magnesium oxide form MgFe2O4 in air. Addition of lithium enables iron ions to enter into solid solution as Fe3+. In a reducing atmosphere (oxygen partial pressure = 1.013 × 10–7 N m–2= 10–12 atm) the iron is incorporated in MgO as Fe2+. The MgO lattice stabilizes the 2+ oxidation state of iron in solid solution. The effect of the combined action of outgassing and N2O decomposition is discussed.