The conductivity mechanism of AgSbO3 with defect pyrochlore structure
was examined using complex impedance spectroscopy. The stoichiometric
compound is a channel-type Ag- -ion conductor, while thermal treatment
of the samples leads to the formation of metallic silver islands by a
utoreduction transferring the polycrystalline material into a predomin
antly electronic conductor. Electron transport originates from electro
nic hopping supported by the metallic islands in the grain boundary ph
ase.