Study of Titanate Zirconate Ceramics Based on the Phases of the Murataite-Pyrochloric Series Containing Th and U by XPS

Samples of titanate zirconate ceramics based on phases of the murataite-pyrochlore series are studied by XPS. The analysis of the surface was performed and the oxidation states of the elements were determined. A comparison of XPS results and data on the total composition of the samples was carried out. On the surface, compared to the bulk, the Ti and Th content is lower, but the Fe content is higher. Despite the introduction of uranium into the blend in the form of UO2 or as uranyl nitrate, the samples contain approximately equal amounts of U(IV) and U(V). Iron is 93% Fe(III) and 7% Fe(II) forms.