Tuning Frustrated Pyrochlores

Structural studies have been conducted on a series of β-pyrochlore materials using primarily X-ray and powder neutron diffraction techniques. Mössbauer Spectroscopy and

SQUID (Superconducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometer measurements

have also been performed to determine the oxidation states of Fe and the magnetic

behaviour of materials, respectively. Particular attention has been paid to the fluoride

family exhibiting a general formula of AM2F6 which exhibit both charge order and disorder on the transition metal crystallographic site. A newly developed soft chemistry

synthetic route for producing a novel cubic pyrochlore, FeF3, with true porosity is reported which could play an instrumental role in designing a new family of β-pyrochlore

materials. Finally, this work reports a possible charge ordered AM2F6 material exhibiting conventional spin-glass like magnetic behaviour similar to reported materials.