Abstract

A rapid synthetic route to ultrafine Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ powders is reported in which the compound is hydrothermally prepared at 240 °C in 3 h. It was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Raman, IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis–thermogravimetry. The influences of various hydrothermal conditions such as reaction time and temperature on the formation, morphology and grain size of products were investigated. The product has a narrow distribution of particle size with particles ca. 100 nm in diameter. The electrical conductivity of Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ was investigated from 300 to 800 °C by a complex impedance technique under different atmospheres. A mixed proton and electron conductivity was observed in a wet atmosphere. Electronic conduction originates from oxygen loss and ionization of oxygen vacancies, whereas proton conduction arises from reaction of water molecules with oxygen vacancies. The conductivity and corresponding activation energy for Ba₅Nb₄O₁₅ at 800 °C were 1.1 × 10⁻⁴ S cm⁻¹ and 0.62 eV, respectively.