X-ray diffraction studies and phase transformations of CeNbO4+δ using in situ techniques

Investigation of CeNbO_4±δ has revealed that the previously determined phase transformations should be revised. Whereas previous studies have indicated that a reduced tetragonal modification of CeNbO₄ is produced on heating in vacuum the present study shows no evidence for this phase transformation. In contrast, a monoclinic–tetragonal phase transformation on heating in air was observed, indicating that the high temperature phase (800 °C) was a stable, oxygen excess tetragonal phase with a similar structure to the Scheelite mineral, CaWO₄. Lattice parameters for this phase were calculated to be a=5.3839(1) Å and c=11.6168(3) Å.