Impedance spectroscopy of Ba1–xSrxSn0·15Ti0·85O3 ceramics

Abstract

Abstract The electrical properties of Ba1–xSrxSn0·15Ti0·85O3 (BSST) (x=0, 0·03, 0·06, 0·09) ceramics synthesised by the precursor solution method were investigated by impedance spectroscopy in the temperature range from room temperature to 500°C. SEM micrographs show the grain distribution. Nyquist plots reveal the presence of a bulk effect for x=0 and of bulk and grain boundary effects for x=0·03, 0·06 and 0·09. Variation in bulk ac conductivity as a function of frequency demonstrates that the compounds exhibit Arrhenius type electrical conductivity. The ac activation energy increases with increasing Sr concentration.