Isotropic zero thermal expansion and local vibrational dynamics in (SC,FE)F-3

Abstract

Scandium fluoride (ScF3) exhibits a pronounced negative thermal expansion (NTE), which can be suppressed and ultimately transformed into an isotropic zero thermal expansion (ZTE) by partially substituting Sc with Fe in (Sc0.8Fe0.2)F-3 (Fe20). The latter displays a rather small coefficient of thermal expansion of -0.17 X 10(-6)/K from 300 to 700 K. Synchrotron X-ray and neutron pair distribution functions confirm that the Sc/ Fe-F bond has positive thermal expansion (PTE). Local vibrational dynamics based on extended X-ray absorption fine structure indicates a decreased anisotropy of relative vibration in the Sc/Fe-F bond. Combined analysis proposes a delicate balance between the counteracting effects of the chemical bond PTE and NTE from transverse vibration. The present study extends the scope of isotropic ZTE compounds and, more significantly, provides a complete local vibrational dynamics to shed light on the ZTE mechanism in chemically tailored NTE compounds.