Structural and Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Studies of (ZrO)$\text{}_{0.8}$(Y$\text{}_{2}$O$\text{}_{3}$)$\text{}_{0.2}$

The polycrystalline samples of copper and vanadium doped as well as undoped (ZrO)$\text{}_{0.8}$(Y$\text{}_{2}$O$\text{}_{3}$)$\text{}_{0.2}$ were synthesized and studied using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) techniques in order to investigate their structural and magnetic behaviour. The effect of exposure to lithium vapours on the host lattice of these ceramic materials is also studied using EPR technique. It has been observed from X-ray diffraction study that the samples consist of mainly two phases monoclinic and tetragonal. The monoclinic phase is in dominant proportion. Scanning electron microscope study showed that the morphology of the samples is similar to each other. EPR studies showed interesting changes on diffusion of lithium into the lattice of the host materials.