Aurivillius phases are compounds with the general formula (Am−1BmO3m+1)2− (Bi2O2)2+ that consist of (m − 1) perovskite‐like units interrupted by bismuth oxide layers. Compounds with A = {Ba2+; Sr2+}, B = {Nb5+}, and m = 2 are studied by EXAFS spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction. The lattice parameters a and c of the tetragonal phase, studied by X‐ray diffraction, increase with increasing Ba content. The short‐range order environment of Ba, Sr, and Bi ions are analyzed for several Ba:Sr ratios using EXAFS spectroscopy. It is found that the Ba and Sr ions substitute each other in a solid solution. Their different ionic radii cause a tilting and distortion of the surrounding NbO6 octahedra. The first BiO interatomic distances are not influenced by the composition. Thus, the (Bi2O2)2+ layers possess a very high stability and determine the structure of the unit cell.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.