In situ X-ray diffraction studies of electroceramics

In-situ high temperature powder X-ray diffraction is in the midst of a renaissance enabled by new X-ray optics, detectors, computational methods, and furnace designs. In-situ diffraction, under controlled temperature, atmosphere, pressure, electric and magnetic field, etc. has enabled many studies of materials systems that are not easily studied using the more traditional quenching methods. A brief overview of the current capabilities of high temperature diffraction in the laboratory is presented. Examples center on ionic and electronic conductors and capabilities for controlling temperature and oxygen partial pressure that are so often critical in the study of electroceramics.