Influence of Bi2O3 on microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO-SnO2 ceramics

The effects of small amounts (0.5; 1.0 and 1.5 mol. %) of bismuth oxide on the microstructure and electrical properties of ZnO-SnO2 ceramics have been studied. Starting powders of ZnO and SnO2 were mixed in the molar ratio 2:1. After adding Bi2O3 this mixture was mechanically activated for 10 minutes in a planetary ball mill, uniaxially pressed and sintered at 1300?C for 2h. The phase composition of the sintered samples was analyzed by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and by Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS). Morphologies were examined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). An Impedance/Gain Phase Analyzer (HP 4194A) was used to measure the impedance spectra (100Hz - 10MHz) at different temperatures. The electrical DC resistivity/conductivity at different temperatures was measured using a High Resistance Meter (HP 4329A).