Search for superconductivity in analogues of La_2-xSr_xCuO₄: Sr_2-xLn_xVO₄ (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Eu)

We report the preparation, unit cell parameters, and electrical conductivity of ceramic samples of Sr2-xLnxVO4, in which there are formally (1+x) d-electrons per transition metal, in analogy with the (1+x) d-holes in the high temperature superconducting system La2-xSrxCuO4. For Ln=La, Ce, Nd and Eu, we find a wide range of solid solution for 0.4≤x≤1.. However, a complete solid solution for 0≤x≤1 is found only in the case of Pr. All compounds are found to be semiconducting below room temperature, with no evidence of superconductivity. © 1991.