Microwave dielectric properties of (Li_0.5Ln_0.5)MoO₄ (Ln = Nd, Er, Gd, Y, Yb, Sm, and Ce) ceramics

In the present work, a series of scheelite-related (Li_0.5Ln_0.5)MoO₄ (Ln = Nd, Er, Gd, Y, Yb, Sm, and Ce) ceramics were prepared by using the solid-state reaction method. Except for the (Li_0.5Yb_0.5)MoO₄, the other compositions were found to have a scheelite structure. Among all the compositions, the (Li_0.5Sm_0.5)MoO₄, (Li_0.5Nd_0.5)MoO₄, and (Li_0.5Ce_0.5)MoO₄ ceramics were found to possess low sintering temperatures below melting point of aluminum (660°C) and be chemically compatible with Al. The relation between microwave dielectric properties and structure was analyzed by using the Shannon additive rule and bond-valence theory. This series of microwave dielectric ceramics might be candidate for low temperature co-fired ceramics technology.