Effects of Sn substitution on structural and electrical properties of BaSn0.75M0.25O3−δ (M = Sc, In, Y, Gd, Nd…)

In this study, the synthesis, structural and electrical properties of BaSn0.75M0.25O3−δ (M = Fe, Sc, In, Y, Gd, Sm, Nd and La) compounds have been investigated. Single phase powders of these materials were successfully synthesized by a gel polymerization route and sintered to obtain dense pellets. X-ray diffraction reveals that all compounds crystallise in a cubic perovskite like-structure (space group: Pm3¯m) at room temperature. However, cell parameters of the substituted compounds do not evolve in accordance with the substituent radius, i.e. an abnormal drop was observed for elements with a large radius, i.e. Sm, Nd and La. A possible interpretation could be the partial incorporation of substituents into the Ba-site. The site incorporation selectivity of substituents into the Ba- and Sn-sites was investigated based on the study of lattice parameters and empirical defect models. Experiments show that the thermal expansion coefficients and electrical properties have no specific correlation with the nature of the substituent.

► BaSn0.75M0.25O3−δ powders were synthesized by a gel polymerization route.
► Cell parameters of materials do not evolve in accordance with the substituent radius.
► An abnormal drop of cell parameters was observed for elements with a large radius.
► The site incorporation selectivity of M into the Ba- and Sn- sites was investigated.
► The thermal expansion coefficients and electrical properties are independent of M.