Synthesis of solid solutions of DyxBi2-xO3 with x=0, 1 and 2: Structural, optical and ac impedance analysis

Dysprosium hydroxide, bismuth hydroxide and mixed dysprosium bismuth hydroxide are prepared in the form of a gel by means of chemical precipitation technique. A simple gel to crystalline conversion technique has been followed by means of refluxing process. The synthesized hydroxides are characterized by thermogravimetry and differential thermal analysis. The formed hydroxides are converted into its oxides by calcining at a temperature of 700 degrees C for 2 h and solid solutions of DyxBi2-xO3 with x=0, 1 and 2 are formed. The hydroxides and oxides of these solid solutions are investigated by means of XRD and found to be polycrystalline in nature. The Nyquist plot shows a single relaxation process. The enhanced conductivity is observed in dysprosium-based oxides and hydroxides. The optical band gap energy is in agreement with the ac conductivity values. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.