The effect of temperature on the electric conductivity property of Bi3Zn2Sb3O14 pyrochlore type phase

The electric conductivity characteristic of Bi3Zn2Sb3O14 ceramics was investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range from 5 Hz to 13 MHz. Electric measurements were performed at temperatures in the range from 25 to 700 degreesC. The phase type pyrochlore Bi3Zn2Sb3O14 was synthesized by the polimeric precursors method. Ceramic presenting a relative density of 98% of the theoretical density was prepared. The data were presented in Nyquist diagrams form, from which the electric resistivity was determined. The electric conductivity followed the Arrhenius law with an apparent activation energy of the conduction process equal to 1.37 eV. The electric conductivity at room temperature was determined by extrapolation being equal to 1.00 x 10(-20) (Omega cm)(-1). Between 400 and 700 degreesC, the conductivity values were 10(-7) (Omega cm)(-1) and 10(-4) (Omega cm)(-1), respectively. (C) 2002 Kluwer Academic Publishers.