Synthesis and characterization of the pyrochlore Bi1.56Sb1.48−xNbxCo0.96O7 solid solution

A new pyrochlore solid solution with formula Bi1.56Sb1.48−xNbxCo0.96O7 has been synthesized using ceramic method at 1000 °C. Composition dependencies of cell parameters showed a linear increase with niobium x fraction. The IR-active bands characteristic of A and B sites of pyrochlore compound have been detected by infrared spectroscopy. The magnetic susceptibility measurements achieved between 4 and 300 K indicate a paramagnetic behavior with an oxidation state “+2” for the cobalt ion. The results of dielectric measurements show large dielectric loss due to residual electronic conductivity.