Application of neutron scattering methods for the study of superprotonic conductors

The location of protons in crystals and their dynamics are successfully stu died by the methods of neutron scattering. In contrast to X-rays, the cross -section of the neutron-nucleus interaction does not have regular dependenc e on the atomic weight. Light atoms, like hydrogen, can scatter neutrons mo re effectively than heavy ones and therefore are more easily located in the structure with the help of neutron diffraction. The absence of selection r ules in inelastic neutron scattering allows to observe all vibrational mode s of the crystal. The anomalously large incoherent neutron scattering cross section of hydrogen in comparison to other elements considerably simplifie s the interpretation of inelastic and quasielastic scattering results. In t he present review examples of the complex use of different neutron scatteri ng methods for the study of structure and dynamics of some superprotonic (w ith proton conductivity higher than 10(-4) Ohm(-1) cm(-1)) conductors with hydrogen bonds is given. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved .