Preparation and characterization of the perovskites BaCe1 − xBixO3

The solid solution BaCe{sub 1{minus}x}Bi{sub x}O{sub 3} has been prepared and characterized by X-ray diffraction. This series of compounds has a cubic perovskite-related structure. The bismuth-rich phase (x {ge} 0.80) is isostructural to the monoclinic parent compound BaBiO{sub 3}, which has an ordered arrangement of Bi{sup 3+} and Bi{sup 5+} ions. The region of 0 {le} x < 0.8 has orthorhombic symmetry with a random distribution of Bi atoms. Although this structural feature is quite similar to that of the superconducting BaPb{sub 1{minus}x}Bi{sub x}O{sub 3} system, all samples of BaCe{sub 1{minus}x}Bi{sub x}O{sub 3} show an increase in electrical resistivity upon the Ce doping. These results are explained in terms of the completion between the bandwidth and the charge disproportionation.