The local structure of mixed-ion perovskites

The temperature-dependent Nb K-edge absorption spectra of several mixed-ion Pb-containing perovskite compounds were analysed to determine the Nb displacement and to trace its changes through the phase transitions. Both extended x-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and the pre-edge region of the spectra were involved in the analysis. The results show that, in the compounds studied, Nb occupies an off-centre position with symmetry lower than that implied by macroscopic symmetry. The magnitude and direction of the Nb off-centre displacement do not display any noticeable temperature change and are not affected by the change in macroscopic symmetry. The Nb-O distribution and its temperature evolution do not show any distinct dependence on the degree of compositional ordering and properties of the samples.