Citrate gel route for synthesis of dense pyrochlores

The solid solution of pyrochlore oxides, Nd₂Zr_xTi_2−xO₇ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) was synthesized by citrate gel method and the conventional ceramic method. The results indicate that the citrate gel method gives pyrochlore phase formation at a much lower temperature and better morphology of the product oxides as compared with the ceramic method. The dc conductivity study was carried out on some samples to understand the defects, if any, in the lattice of the solid solution Nd₂Ti_xZr_2−xO₇ (x = 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1.0) on substitution of Zr by Ti. The formation of defects in the lattice on substitution of Zr by Ti, was explained on the basis of XPS studies.