Fergusonite-type CeNbO4+δ: Single crystal growth, symmetry revision and conductivity

Large fergusonite-type CeNbO4 crystals were prepared for the first time in a floating zone mirror furnace. Crystal growth in an argon atmosphere yielded a single phase monoclinic CeNbO4, as confirmed by selected area electron diffraction, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The structure was determined in the standard space group setting C12/c1 (No. 15), rather than the commonly adopted I12/a1. AC impedance spectroscopy found CeNbO4 single crystals showed lower conductivity compared to CeNbO4+δ confirming interstitial oxygen can penetrate through fergusonite and is responsible for the higher conductivity associated with these oxides.