A preliminary investigation of the molten salt mediated synthesis of Gd2TiO5 ‘stuffed’ pyrochlore

Abstract Refractory ‘stuffed’ pyrochlores such as Gd 2 TiO 5 are of interest for nuclear applications, including matrices actinide disposition and neutron absorbers in control rods. Here, we report the results a preliminary comparative investigation synthesis by molten salt conventional solid-state synthesis. We show that proceeds from pyrochlore phase Ti O 7 which is first formed kinetic product. Molten afforded single at 1300 °C h, via template growth mechanism, effective these refractory materials. This work demonstrates mediated time. Graphic abstract