Synthesis, structures and properties of transition metal doped SrIrO3

Abstract

The synthesis of some transition metal SrIr1-xMxO3 type oxides is described. These have an orthorhombic perovskite type-structure and are only found when the formal oxidation state of the Ir is approximately equal to +4.5 and for M = Fe, Co, Ni and Zn. Occupancy of the TM eg type orbitals appears to contribute to the break-down of the dimeric motif seen in the 6H-SrIrO3 structure. Variable temperature resistivity measurements show that SrIr0.8Zn0.2O3 is a metal; SrIr0.8Ni0.2O3 an non-metal and SrIr0.8Co0.2O3 undergoes a temperature dependent metal-insulator transition. © 2013, Royal Society of Chemistry