The First Structure of a Cerium(IV) Phosphate: Ab Initio Rietveld Analysis of CeIV(PO4)(HPO4)0.5(H2O)0.5

Layer apparent: Crystalline cerium(IV) phosphates have been studied for a long time as ion exchangers, but their structures have remained unknown. The structure of a cerium(IV) phosphate has been determined (see picture: tetrahedra PO4, yellow Ce, blue O (water)) and clearly explains a notable feature of this compound, its inability to intercalate amines. The X-ray study is supported by solid-state NMR spectroscopy investigations.