Crystal structure of the Li+ ion-conducting phases, Li0.5 – 3x Re0.5 +x TiO3: RE = Pr, Nd; x≈ 0.05
Abstract
The crystal structure of the C polymorph of the solid solutions, Li0.5 – 3x RE0.5 +x TiO3(RE = Pr, Nd) determined from powder neutron diffraction using Rietveld refinement, is an ordered perovskite of the GdFeO3 type. The structures of both phases are similar: the A sites contain (0.5 +x) RE cations and (0.5 – 3x) off-centre lithium ions, with 2x sites vacant. Orthorhombic unit cell, RE = Nd: a= 5.43661(7)Å, b= 7.6647(1)Å, c= 5.39752(7)Å; RE = Pr: a= 5.43793(5)Å, b= 7.66828(8)Å, c= 5.40769(5)Å; space group Pnma(no. 62). Conduction occurs by a Li+ vacancy mechanism through interconnecting A sites, avoiding those sites that are occupied by the RE cations.