Symmetry of LaAlO3 nanocrystals as a function of crystallite size

Properties of LaAlO₃ nanocrystallites obtained by the precipitation method, doped with praseodymium and chromium ions were examined by spectroscopic means. Raman spectroscopy, high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electronic spectroscopy proved that symmetry of LaAlO₃ crystallites depends on their size. At room temperature the smallest obtained crystals (average size ∼5 nm) have cubic symmetry, while the largest ones (average size over 110 nm) exhibit rhombohedral symmetry. Possible explanations for this phenomenon are discussed.