Abstract:
Transition metal oxides construct one of the most interesting classes of inorganic solid
materials via manifestation of wide range of structures, properties and their interesting
applications. The intriguing properties that stay at the heart of this class of materials are
basically the result of altercation of outer d electrons resulting in different type of bond
formation. The lanthanides on the other hand are characterized by gradual filling of 4f
subshell. The combination of these two classes has produced lots of tertiary and quaternary
compounds which are very much fascinating in terM.S. of crystal structure, band structure,
different physical and chemical properties etc. As a result, in terM.S. of applicability, these
materials have found place at the different industries in the form of catalysts converting
harmful chemicals to natural precursors or generating energy from regular common materials,
at electrical industries in form of conducting or dielectric materials, as electrode materials of
many day to day electrochemical devices. The structural aspect of these oxides is very much
diverse. Crystals with complicated structure like well celebrated perovskites, hexagonal
ferrites, pyrochlores, spinels, lamellar etc. have been seen. In terM.S. of electrical properties,
on one hand numerous electrically insulating oxides can be found and on the other hand
metallic oxides have established their concrete place.
