Abstract
A new approach is proposed to determine unambiguously the location of four cations within the crystal structure of a naturalAB2O6columbite-type compound and derivatives, when submitted to order–disorder transitions caused by heat treatments. This method is based on the successive use of electron microprobe analysis to determine the cation concentration, Mössbauer spectroscopy to identify the Fe occupation, and a crystal structure determination of the samples combining Rietveld refinements of both neutron and X-ray diffraction. This approach is tested successfully to investigate (Fe, Mn, Nb, Ta) natural minerals as well as oxides obtained by heat treatment of the initialAB2O6columbite-type compound.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
