Effects of crystallization and microstructure on the dc electrical conductivity in the system xCuO–(70 − x) MnO–30SiO2

•Crednerite (CuMnO2) glass–ceramic material was prepared.•Morphology depends on the CuO in the composition.•The prepared samples act as semiconductor materials.

Glass–ceramics of the systems xCuO–(70 − x) MnO–30SiO2 (mol%) (x = 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35) were successfully prepared. XRD analysis revealed the crystallization of monoclinic crednerite CuMnO2 as major phase. The crystallization of crednerite phase enhanced with incremental x value. Scanning electron microscope showed columnar particles of crednerite when x ⩽ 20 while layered shapes appeared when x = 25. Needles and rod shape appeared when x = 35. The variations in dc-conductivity with the reciprocal temperature were studied for the prepared glass–ceramic samples. The transport in such glass–ceramic systems was due to small polaron hopping (SPH) between Cu-ions. The samples show semiconductor behavior which is desired for many applications.