We propose to use neutron scattering to examine the complex structures of some new mixed oxide materials that have applications in catalysis and for their magnetic properties. The materials all have a common crystal structure, the spinel structure, but they contain various levels of structural disorder and are formed as nanocrystalline powders. This means that total scattering experiments are needed to provide data to build models that include short-range disorder and long range crystal order. Neutron scattering is required since the large extent of data will provide high-resolution data for modelling and also allow mixtures of metals to be distinguished and modelled properly. By building models for the the structures of the materials we aim to understanding their properties, being measured in parallel work.