Preparation and phase composition of Ta2O5:Zn alloys having low Zn2+ concentrations

Methods were developed for preparing Ta₂O₅:Zn alloys containing less than 3 wt % Zn²⁺ for the purpose of using them further in preparing lithium tantalate batches and growing from them single crystals having improved properties. A method where zinc is doped directly into a tantalum-containing back-extract followed by precipitation of tantalum and zinc hydroxides with ammonia is confined to a Zn²⁺ concentration of 1.7 wt % in Ta₂O₅; at higher concentrations, Zn²⁺ forms soluble ammine complexes. A method where Zn²⁺ is extracted by high-purity tantalum hydroxide is applicable within the range of Zn²⁺ concentrations studied. Optimal conditions were found for preparing Ta₂O₅:Zn²⁺ alloys of various compositions. X-ray powder diffraction and IR spectroscopy were used to study the phase composition of the alloys synthesized, and Zn²⁺ concentrations were determined at which a ZnTa₂O₆ phase was formed along with the major Ta₂O₅ phase.