Novel defect-fluorite pyrochlore sodium niobate nanoparticles: solution-phase synthesis and radiation tolerance analysis

Materials possessing a defect-fluorite pyrochlore structure can have a range of useful properties that are sought after, which include their radiation tolerance, nuclear waste immobilization, and phase stability at elevated temperatures. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time the synthesis and a detailed analysis of defect-fluorite pyrochlore sodium niobate (NaNbO3) nanoparticles. This analysis included an investigation into their stability to elevated temperatures and neutron irradiation. A surfactant-assisted solvothermal method is used to prepare nanoparticles of NaNbO3. This solution-phase approach results in the formation of crystalline nanoparticles of a defect-fluorite pyrochlore NaNbO3 at relatively low temperatures. The products had an average diameter of ∼74 ± 11 nm. The nanoparticles adopted a defect-fluorite pyrochlore phase and matched the cubic Fm3[combining macron]m space group. This pyrochlore form of NaNbO3 was found to be stable up to 500 °C. The nanoparticles transformed into the orthorhombic and rhombohedral perovskite phases of NaNbO3 along with the introduction of a pseudo-hexagonal Nb2O5 at higher temperatures. These defect-fluorite pyrochlore nanoparticles of NaNbO3 also exhibited a resistance to radiation induced amorphization. The dimensions, phase, and crystallinity of the defect-fluorite pyrochlore nanoparticles after exposure to a flux of neutrons were comparable to those of the as-synthesized product. The thermal stability and radiation tolerance of these pyrochlore nanoparticles could be useful in the design of thermally resilient materials, high temperature catalysts, and durable materials for the handling and storage of radioactive waste.