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Abstract: A series of zirconate compounds with the general formula Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 (0⩽ x ⩽1.0) were prepared by pressureless-sintering method at 1973K for 10h in air. The relative density, structure and electrical conductivity of Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 ceramics were investigated by the Archimedes method, X-ray diffraction and impedance spectroscopy measurements. Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 (0⩽ x ⩽1.0) ceramics exhibit a pyrochlore-type structure. The measured electrical conductivity of Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 ceramics obeys the Arrhenius relation and gradually increases with increasing temperature from 673 to 1173K. Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 ceramics are oxide-ion conductors in the oxygen partial pressure range of 1.0×10−4 to 1.0atm at all test temperature levels. The electrical conductivity of Sm2– x La x Zr2O7 ceramics decreases with increasing lanthanum content at identical temperature levels. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]