Structural aspects of conduction were analyzed in terms of a model that was based upon a search for common features in the X-ray diffraction patterns of phases of this oxide. Within the framework of this model, which permitted the recognition of similarities in the metal sub-lattice distributions, static disorder effects were introduced. It was shown that, as in the case of ZrO2, disorder in the high-temperature phase of the present oxide could be structurally derived from the corresponding low-temperature phases. In both compounds, the coordination in the room-temperature phase had low symmetry and, due to disorder, the O sub-lattice exhibited a liquid-like behavior. It was therefore suggested that a low symmetry and low coordination number, as in the room-temperature phases of the above oxides, might be necessary conditions for the creation of high-temperature O-ion conductors. It was noted that a smaller number of O ions was present between the cation layers in Bi2O3, than in the case of ZrO2, and this was expected to promote higher ion diffusion in the former oxide.

L.E.Depero, L.Sangaletti: Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 1996, 122[2], 439-43