Neutron diffraction studies of Gd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore

The structure of Gd2Zr2O7 pyrochlore over the temperature range 4–300 K has been refined from powder neutron diffraction data. The sample was enriched in 160Gd 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.

Graphical abstractGd2Zr2O7 enriched in 160Gd prepared. Neutron diffraction reveals ordering of the anions. Precise structure established.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► A sample of Gd2Zr2O7 was prepared using 160Gd. ► Precise structure established from 4 to 300 K using powder neutron diffraction. ► No evidence for disorder of the oxygen anions is found.