Comparison of the electrical properties of the new conductor Pr0.5Bi0.05Li0.35TiO3 prepared by sol-gel and ceramic methods

Lithium ion conducting perovskite, Pr0.5Bi0.05Li0.35TiO3, has been synthesized by ceramic and sol-gel methods. The influence of the synthesis method on the crystal structure, morphology and ionic conductivity has been studied. Crystal structure of the material prepared by the sol-gel method is identical to that of the material prepared by the solid state reaction, although the synthesis temperature in the former case is lower. AC impedance measurements show two contributions to the ionic conductivity, which can be ascribed to grain and grain boundary effects. The bulk conductivity is similar for samples obtained by each methods. The grain boundary conductivity, and therefore the total conductivity, is higher for samples prepared by the sol-gel method. (c) 2005 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KG&A, Weinheim.