Structure and performance evolution of the system (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−yCey)2O7 (0 ≤ x, y ≤ 1.0)

A series of pyrochlore structure oxides (Gd1−xNdx)2(Zr1−yCey)2O7 (0 ≤ x, y ≤ 1.0) were fabricated and investigated. The end member of A-site substitution (Nd2Zr2O7) maintains the original pyrochlore phase, while the ultimate compositions of B-site and simultaneous substitution have transformed to a single defect fluorite structure from the XRD results. The Raman spectra reveal the local coordination changes resulting from exotic-atom substitutions, especially from the B-site substitution. The microtopography and element distribution of the ultimate composition Nd2Ce2O7 in the discussed system are characterized through SEM and TEM. The density and Vickers hardness of the compounds are provided for the basic mechanical performance evaluation.