Synthesis, characterization and electrical conductivity of BaTh1-xYbxO3-x/2

Pristine as well as ytterbium substituted barium thorates, BaTh1-xYbxO3-δ (x = 0-0.2) were synthesized using a modified solid state method. Electrical conductivity behavior of the sintered specimens in various atmospheres in temperature range from 300 to 600 °C was explained. Substitution of ytterbium into barium thorate was found to enhance its conductivity in oxygen ambience. The same was found to be enhanced further when the ambience was changed to hydrogen for the composition up to x = 0.1 but, marginally decreased from thereon for the composition with x = 0.15. Retention of hydrogen in thorate matrix was elucidated.