Synthesis, Lattice Dynamics, and Mechanical Properties of a High-Pressure Scheelite Phase of RVO₄

High-pressure scheelite phases of RVO₄ (R = Y, Sm, Gd, Yb, Lu) compounds were prepared by high pressure (up to 25 GPa) from zircon RVO₄ compounds. Raman spectra of these scheelite phases of RVO₄ were determined and discussed in detail. Mechanical properties, including bulk, shear, Young’s modulus, B/G and Poisson’s ratios, of the scheelite phase of RVO₄ were measured by an ultrasonic method and compared with the results calculated by density functional theory. The calculated lattice parameters and mechanical properties are in good agreement with the experimental results. The radius and states of the 4f orbital of R show distinct effects on the mechanical properties