RM2O3

RM2O3 refers to a class of chemical compounds with the general formula R2M3O6, where R is a trivalent metal cation and M is a divalent metal cation. These compounds crystallize in the C-type rare earth oxide structure. This structure is one of the three common structural types (A, B, and C) adopted by rare earth sesquioxides. The C-type structure is the most common and is adopted by the larger rare earth sesquioxides at high temperatures.

In the context of RM2O3, R typically represents elements from the lanthanide series, such as lanthanum (La), cerium (Ce), praseodymium (Pr), neodymium (Nd), and samarium (Sm), though it can also include scandium (Sc) and yttrium (Y). M represents a divalent cation, which could be another rare earth element in its +2 oxidation state, or other divalent metals like calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), or barium (Ba). The specific chemical properties and applications of RM2O3 compounds depend on the identities of the R and M elements.

These materials have garnered interest for various applications due to their unique structural and electronic properties. They are explored for use in solid oxide fuel cells as electrolytes or electrode materials, in catalysis, as phosphors for lighting and displays, and in high-temperature structural ceramics. The stability of the C-type structure and the ability to tune properties by varying the constituent elements make RM2O3 compounds a versatile class of materials in materials science research. Further investigation into their synthesis and performance characteristics continues to drive innovation in these fields.