Synthesis and physical properties of pyrochlore cobalt oxides Bi1.56-xCaxSb1.48Co0.96O7-δ

We report here the influence of the partial substitution of bismuth by calcium on the electric and magnetic properties of the Bi 1.56-x Ca x Sb 1.48 Co 0.96 O 7-δ solid solution. We used the ceramic method at 1000 °C in air. The difference in charge of the substitution cations causes an oxygen deficit to appear in the (Bi 1.56-x Ca x Co 0.44 )(Sb 1.48 Co 0.52 )O 7-δ pyrochlore formula. The starting compound Bi 1.56 Sb 1.48 Co 0.96 O 7 [17] has been used in photocatalysis for the degradation of rhodamine B [18]. The obtained results prompted us to synthesize this solid solution and see the influence of oxygen deficit on the degradation of rhodamine B. The photocatalysis applications are in progress and will be the subject of a future publication.