Modelling and quantification of intergrowth in γ-MnO₂ by laboratory pair distribution function analysis

γ-MnO₂ is a material formed by random intergrowth of two phases, β-MnO₂ and R-MnO₂. It is demonstrated here on seven γ-MnO₂ samples that pair distribution function analysis using a conventional X-ray diffraction setup (Bragg–Brentano geometry with a molybdenum anode) allows the quantification of this intergrowth simply via a simulation of the actual material by a mixture of β-MnO₂ and R-MnO₂ phases. Although this method does not take into account specifically the relaxed distances in the vicinity of the intergrowth zone, it is found to be very robust, accurate and in full agreement with the widely used quantification based on the empirical approach of Chabre & Pannetier [Prog. Solid State Chem. (1995), 23, 1–130].