Abstract
We analyzed the local structures of NaNbO3 and AgNbO3 by combining the X-ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) and atomic pair-distribution function (PDF) techniques. NaNbO3 is known to be an antiferroelectric material at room temperature. It also undergoes a diffuse phase transition, in which orthorhombic and rhombohedral phases coexist over a wide temperature range. We found a disordered feature in the nearest-neighbor bond distance corresponding to the Nb–O bonds. The disordered bond distribution disappeared when Li was substituted for Na. A similar disorder feature was found in AgNbO3. The disordered site can be specified by combining XAFS and PDF techniques. The sequences of disordered and complex phase transitions are attributable to the competition between the tolerance of the AO12 cage and the tilt of NbO6 octahedra.
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