Microwave solid synthesis and electrical properties of Aurivillius-type oxide-ion conductor

A new oxide-ion conductor of Aurivillius-type structure, namely BISRVOX (Bi2SrxV1−xO5.5–(3x/2)–δ, 0≤x≤0.20), was successively synthesized by the microwave-assisted solid state reaction. 25 min of microwave irradiation was found to be quite sufficient to ensure the completion of reaction. Powder X-ray diffraction and differential thermal analysis showed better structural properties for the microwave-prepared samples compared to those obtained from the conventional solid synthesis route. Interestingly, the highly conducting γ-phase was effectively stabilized for x≥0.10. AC impedance spectroscopy evidenced the superiority of the microwave heating over conventional solid synthesis routes in exhibiting high oxide-ion performance.