Structural study of alfa-Bi2O3 under pressure
  An experimental and theoretical study of the structural properties of monoclinic bismuth oxide (alfa-Bi2O3) under high pressures is here reported. Both synthetic and mineral bismite powder samples have been compressed up to 45 GPa and their equations of state have been determined with angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction measurements. Experimental results have been also compared to theoretical calculations which suggest the possibility of several phase transitions below 10 GPa. However, experiments reveal only a pressure-induced amorphisation between 15 and 25 GPa, depending on sample quality and deviatoric stresses. The amorphous phase has been followed up to 45 GPa and its nature discussed. 
A.L.J. Pereira, D. Errandonea, A. Beltr\'an, L. Gracia, O. Gomis, J.   A. Sans, B. Garcia-Domene, A. Miquel-Veyrat, F. J. Ma...
cond-mat.mtrl-sci