TEM studies on La2−2xCa1+2xMn2O7 (x=0.5 and 0.25)

The nominal compositions and structures of the compounds La2-2xCa1+2xMn2O7 (x=0.5 and 0.25) prepared by solid-state reaction have been studied by transmission electron microscopy and high-resolution electron microscopy. Besides the observation of the major phase of a two-layer structure in the nominal composition La1.0Ca2.0Mn2O7, the embedded n = 3, n = 4 Ruddlesden-Popper phases and La rich phase in the two-layer structure were observed as defects. No layered structure was observed in the nominal composition La1.5Ca1.5Mn2O7. Instead, a major phase of orthorhombically distorted perovskite, a minor phase of an ideal cubic perovskite, and a small fraction of calcium-oxide were observed in the…