Influence of cerium dopant on pyrochlore structure evolution under highly reducing atmosphere

Abstract

Sm₂Ti₂O₇ and Sm₂Ti_1.8Ce_0.2O₇ samples have been synthesized using a modified Pechini method. The evolution of structure and morphology under highly reducing atmosphere was evidenced using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Ceria seems to facilitate the reduction of titania, leading to the formation of orthorombic SmTiO₃.