Determination of the maximum Ca content in La2−xCaxZr2O7±δ by XRD intensity ratio

Complex oxides La2−xCaxZr2O7±δ(x=0.06–0.10) were prepared by a modified Pechini method and a novel strategy based on the X-ray diffraction intensity ratio was developed to determine the maximum Ca content in La2−xCaxZr2O7±δ. Computer simulation predicted that the intensity ratio of (662) and (331) reflections for La2−xCaxZr2O7±δ increased with the increasing Ca content x. XRD analysis showed that with increasing x until 0.08, the ratio increased as predicted, then leveled off with further increase of x. An abrupt change in electrical conductivity was also observed at x of 0.08. It was concluded that the maximum Ca content lay in 0.08 for La2−xCaxZr2O7±δ.