Aurivillius phases are a form of perovskite represented by the general formulae is (Bi2O2)(An−1BnO3n+1) (where A is a large 12 co-ordinate cation, and B is a small 6 co-ordinate cation).[1]
Basically, their structure is built by alternating layers of [Bi2O2]2+ and pseudo-perovskite blocks, with perovskite layers that are n octahedral layers in thickness.[2][3] This crystal structure was first described in 1949 by Swedish chemist Bengt Aurivillius.[4] The first interest in Aurivillius phases arose from the observation of ferroelectricity even for the simplest member, Bi2WO6 (n=1) of this crystallographic family.[5] The Mo-homologous Aurivillius phase Bi2MoO6 was recently investigated as a potential LTCC material.
Their oxide ion-conducting properties of Aurivillius phases were first discovered in the 1970s by Takahashi et al., and they have been used too for this purpose ever since.[6]
Aurivillius phase oxide materials are a class of lead-free ceramics.[7][8]
^Kendall, K. R.; Navas, C.; Thomas, J. K.; Zur Loye, H. C. (1996). "Recent Developments in Oxide Ion Conductors: Aurivillius Phases". Chemistry of Materials. 8 (3): 642. doi:10.1021/cm9503083.