Influence of cerium dopant on pyrochlore structure evolution under highly reducing atmosphere

Sm
₂
Ti
₂
O
₇
and Sm
₂
Ti
_1.8
Ce
_0.2
O
₇
samples have been synthesized using a modified Pechini method. The evolution of structure and morphology under highly reducing atmosphere was evidenced using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Ceria seems to facilitate the reduction of titania, leading to the formation of orthorombic SmTiO
₃
.