X-ray diffraction study of oxygen deficient Y2Ti2O7? pyrochlore powders synthesized by high-energy ball milling (HEBM)

Y2Ti2O7 pyrochlore are widely used for various applications, from oxygen transport to materials strengthening. Ultra-pure deficient Y2Ti2O7?? powders synthesized by high-energy ball milling (HEBM) studied X-ray diffraction (XRD). Rietveld analysis of patterns reveals that a large sub-stoichiometry can be accommodated in this material with only minor structural changes. This accommodation results the ability Ti ions change their valence state, which is confirmed complementary EELS analysis. It may also explain why both radiation and mechanical resistant. work highlights fact selection cations allows rigid ionic structures like accommodate amount point defects.