Nanoscale inhomogeneities in Ce1-xGdxO2-x/2 probed by PDF analysis and anomalous scattering

Ce1-xMxO2-x/2 (M = Gd, Y, Sm) have been intensively studied in the last years as catalysts, structural and electronic promoters for heterogeneous catalytic reactions and oxide ion conducting electrolytes for electrochemical cells. As solid electrolytes, they display an ion conductivity higher than conventional Yttria-Stabilized-Zirconia-based ones and would operate at lower temperatures. In functional materials competing internal forces produce complex structures. If two or more forces are competing, then a small external force can sometimes destroy the balance causing the system to respond with a very large effect. The electronic properties of these materials are sensitive to the nanoscale rather than to the average structure.