Preparation and high temperature-XRD studies on a pyrochlore series with the general composition Gd2−xNdxZr2O7

A series of compositions with the general formula Gd2−xNdxZr2O7 (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0) was prepared by a standard solid state route and characterized by powder XRD. Nd3+ has been used as surrogate material for Am3+, which is a minor actinide found in spent nuclear fuel. Both the end members, i.e., Nd2Zr2O7 and Gd2Zr2O7 were found to be pyrochlores and they form solid solutions in the entire homogeneity range. An increase in lattice parameter was observed as a function of x in the series Gd2−xNdxZr2O7. The observation of pyrochlore lattice throughout the range could be attributed to a favorable rA/rB ratio. Each composition was also investigated by high temperature XRD to investigate the lattice thermal expansion behavior, and to rule out the order–disorder phase transition in this series.