Electroconductivity, nature of conduction, thermodynamic stability of the BaPr1-xYxO3-α ceramics

The electroconductivity and the nature of conduction of vacuum-dense ceramics BaPr1 -xYxO3-alpha (x = 0.05-0.15) is studied at temperatures of 373 to 985 degreesC, P-O2 of 2.1 x 10(4) to 10(-11) Pa, and P-H2O of 40 to 2400 Pa. The coefficient of linear thermal expansion is measured. The ceramics have a perovskite structure and are practically p-type semiconductors with a maximum conductivity of 0.26 S cm(-1) at x = 0.10 and 800 degreesC, in air. The share of ionic (proton) conductivity of the ceramics does not exceed 0.2-0.4%. The conductivity is weakly dependent on the air humidity. In a hydrogen-containing atmosphere, the ceramics undergoes reduction with destruction. Boundaries of thermodynamic stability of BaPr0.9Y0.1O3-alpha at 500-900 degreesC are determined.