Neutron diffraction studies of Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) pyrochlore

Abstract

The structure of Gd(2)Zr(2)O(7) pyrochlore over the temperature range 4-300 K has been refined from powder neutron diffraction data. The sample was enriched in (160)Gd to avoid the high neutron absorption of naturally occurring Gd. The diffraction pattern showed well resolved superlattice reflections indicative of the pyrochlore structure and no evidence is found for anion-disorder from the structural refinements. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc.