CeTaO4+δ (0.06≤δ≤0.17) as an interstitial oxide ion conductor

The recent identification of interstitial oxide ion conductivity in the La2NiO4+δ type oxides has indicated a new direction in the search for new oxide ion conductors. Whilst materials containing significant levels of interstitial oxide ions are relatively uncommon, it is apparent that there are a number of materials with substantial interstitial concentrations yet to be investigated in terms of their oxide ion mobility. This work reports on an initial study of the CeTaO4+δ (0.06≤δ≤0.17) oxide in an effort to expand on the number of types of material utilised for their possible oxide ion conductivity. Materials have been produced and investigated by AC impedance spectroscopy and a significant conductivity recorded. Further work on this preliminary data will be required to determine the nature of this conductivity.