Study on synthesis of Pr1−xCaxCrO3 and their electrical properties

Pr1−xCaxCrO3 (x=0.0–0.5) samples were prepared by the sol–gel method. The sintering temperature of the samples can decrease to 1573 K. The crystal structures of Pr1−xCaxCrO3 at room temperature all are of the othorhombic perovskite GdFeO3-type. Compared to the commonly used Lanthanum chromite interconnect material, Pr0.6Ca0.4CrO3 is better in the properties of conductivity. XPS analysis indicates that the chromium ions are in a mixed valence state. The introduction of Ca2+ into the lattice is compensated by the oxidation of Cr3+ to Cr6+. With increasing X, the amount of Cr6+ increases. The presence of Cr6+ is one of the key factors that affect the electrical conductivity of Pr1−xCaxCrO3.