Synthesis of BaBi0.2Co0.35Fe0.45O3−δ by a novel aqueous soft chemical method and its characterizations

BaBi0.2Co0.35Fe0.45O3−δ (BBCF) single phase perovskite has been successfully synthesized by a novel alanine assisted soft chemical combustion method. Thermal behavior of metal alanine complexes during combustion to form BBCF perovskite structure has been studied in detail. X-ray diffraction patterns reveal that the formation of single phase BBCF perovskite proceeds by formation of several intermediate phases. A single phase BBCF powder is obtained at a temperature of 950 °C. Homogeneous distribution of multiple dopants in BBCF matrix is confirmed by elemental mapping using FESEM. The electrical conductivity reveals that with the increase in sintering temperature, conductivity of BBCF increases, reaches to a maximum value of 10.38 S cm−1 at 800 °C when measured in air for samples sintered at 950 °C and upon further increase in sintering temperature, the conductivity decreases gradually. Up to 800 °C, BBCF shows a semiconducting behavior and subsequently follows metallic conduction above 800 °C while performing electrical conductivity measurement in air.