Densification and electrical conductivity of fast fired manganese-doped ceria ceramics

Reactive pure and manganese-doped (5% and 10 at.%) ceria nanosized powders were prepared by the polymeric precursor technique. Physical properties of powder materials were studied by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. Characterization of powder compacts after fast firing at 1200 degrees C for 5 min was carried out by scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy measurements. The bulk apparent density of sintered pellets was determined for pellets of different compositions sintered at 1200 degrees C. A gradual decrease of the particle size occurs with increasing doping content. Relatively high values of apparent density were obtained after fast firing doped specimens at 1200 degrees C. DRIFT spectra evidence that a fraction of Mn ions was segregated onto particles surface. The electrical resistivity of sintered pellets reveals different mechanisms of conduction depending on the Mn content. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V All rights reserved.

Effect of salt nature on structure and ionic conductivity of sodium-doped siloxane-PPO ormolytes

Siloxane-polyoxypropylene (PPO) hybrids obtained by the sol-gel process and containing short polymer chain have been doped with different sodium salts NaX (X = ClO4, BF4 or I). The effect of the counter-ion (X) on the chemical environment of the sodium ions and on the ionic conductivity of these hybrids was investigated by Na-23 NMR, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), complex impedance, Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Results reveal that the different sodium salts have essentially the same effect on the nanoscopic structure of the hybrids. The formation of immobile Na+ cations involved in NaCl-like species could be minimized by using a low amount of HCl as hydrolytic catalyst. The differences in the ionic conductivity of hybrids doped with different sodium salts were correlated with the proportion of Na ions solvated by ether-type oxygen of the polymeric chains and by the carboxyl oxygen located in the urea groups of the PPO chain extremities. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Conductivity and F-19 NMR in PbGeO3-PbF2-CdF2 glasses and glass-ceramics

The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity and the F-19 nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) of PbGeO3-PbF2CdF, glasses and glass ceramics are investigated. The measured conductivity values of the glasses are above 10(-5) Skin at 500 K, and increase with increasing lead fluoride content. Activation energies extracted from the conductivity data are in the range 0.59-0.73 eV. Results are consistent with the hypothesis that in these oxyfluoride glasses lead fluoride rich clusters are dispersed in a metagermanate based matrix providing increasing mobility pathways for conducting ions. The conductivity of a sample of the glass ceramic of composition (mol%) 60PbGeO(3-)20PbF(2)-20CdF(2) was found to be smaller than that in the corresponding glass, suggesting that there are poor ionic conducting regions in the interface between the nanometer sized crystals. The temperature dependence of the F-19 relaxation times, measured in the range 100-800 K, exhibit the qualitative features associated with high fluorine mobility in both, glass and glass ceramics materials. We suggest that de-convolution of the spin-lattice relaxation rates observed in the glass ceramics shows that the observed high temperature rate maximum is associated with the diffusional motions of the fluorine ions in beta-PbF2 crystals. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of thermal conductivity in ZnO- and SnO2-based varistor systems

We performed a comparative study of electrical and thermal properties of ZnO- and SnO2-based varistor. The electrical properties of commercial ZnO-based varistor are equivalent to that found in SnO2-based varistor system. In spite of this, the SnO2 showed a thermal conductivity higher than commercial samples of ZnO-based varistor, which allied with its simpler microstructure and lower dopant concentration is a remarkable result that point out to the use of this system to compete commercially with ZnO-based varistor devices.

Electrical conductivity of soybean seed and correlation with seed coat lignin content

The effects of soybean genotype and seed coat lignin content on bulk electrical conductivity were investigated. Seeds of nine soybean cultivars were hand harvested at R8 maturation stage in Londrina, PR., Brazil in 1995/96. Seeds were electrical conductivity tested using four replicates of 50 seeds per cultivar soaked in 75 mi of deionized water at 25 degrees C for 24 hours. Seed coat lignin content was determined using the potassium permanganate method. There was a significant relationship (R-2 = 0.84**) between electrical conductivity and seed coat lignin content, the latter being a characteristic that varies among soybean genotypes; the higher the amount of lignin in the seed coat, the lower the levels of seed exudates to the soaking solution and consequently the lower the electrical conductivity. It was concluded that seed soaking electrical conductivity is influenced by the seed coat lignin content, which is a characteristic that varies among soybean genotypes. Additionally, the EC test can be used as a valuable tool in the screening process for this characteristic, which is desirable for genetically improving soybean seed quality.

Rietveld refinement, microstructure, conductivity and impedance properties of Ba[Zr0.25Ti0.75]O-3 ceramic

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Dielectric relaxation and dc conductivity on the PVOH-CF(3)COONH(4) polymer system

In the present paper, the ionic conductivity and the dielectric relaxation properties on the poly(vinyl alcohol)-CF(3)COONH(4) polymer system have been investigated by means of impedance spectroscopy measurements over wide ranges of frequencies and temperatures. The electrolyte samples were prepared by solution casting technique. The temperature dependence of the sample's conductivity was modeled by Arrhenius and Vogel-Tammann-Fulcher (VTF) equations. The highest conductivity of the electrolyte of 3.41x10 (-aEuro parts per thousand 3) (Omega cm) (-aEuro parts per thousand 1) was obtained at 423 K. For these polymer system two relaxation processes are revealed in the frequency range and temperature interval of the measurements. One is the glass transition relaxation (alpha-relaxation) of the amorphous region at about 353 K and the other is the relaxation associated with the crystalline region at about 423 K. Dielectric relaxation has been studied using the complex electric modulus formalism. It has been observed that the conductivity relaxation in this polymer system is highly non-exponential. From the electric modulus formalism, it is concluded that the electrical relaxation mechanism is independent of temperature for the two relaxation processes, but is dependent on composition.

Electrical conductivity of soybean soaked seeds. I. Effect of genotype

During the period from October/92 to September/94 experiments were carried out at the Seed Laboratory, FCAV/UNESP, Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil, using soybean seeds of different genotypes in order to evaluate the effect of genotype on the electrical conductivity (bulk conductivity) of soaked seeds. Seed moisture content (105 ± 3°C, 24 h), standard germination (four 50-seed samples, paper towel, 30°C), and vigor-accelerated aging (42°C, 48 h) were first determined. Undamaged soybean seeds were soaked in deionized water (four 50-seed samples, 75 ml, 25°C, 24 h) and electrical conductivity (μmhos.cm+1.g+1) was measured. Significant differences in conductivity were observed among genotypes having the same pattern of germination and vigor. The results have showed that electrical conductivity can be significantly influenced by genotype.

Calcium hydroxide root canal sealers: Evaluation of pH, calcium ion concentration and conductivity

The calcium hydroxide ionization of four root canal sealers (Sealapex, CRCS, Sealer 26, and Apexit) was studied by measuring conductivity and pH and by conducting atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Samples 6 mm in diameter and 15 mm long were prepared from these sealers. After setting and 48 h storage in a desiccator, five samples of each material were placed in 50 mL distilled water and analysed after 0,1,2,4, 6 and 24 h and 5, 15 and 30 days. The results showed that Sealapex was the root canal sealer showing the highest pH, ionic calcium and total calcium values (P<0.05) throughout the experimental period, followed by CRCS, Apexit and Sealer 26.

Investigation of temperature influence on photo-induced conductivity in n-type AlxGa1-xAs

We present conductance as function of temperature (G×T) under influence of monochromatic light in the range 0.5-1.5 μm for direct as well as indirect bandgap n-type AlxGa1-xAs. Results obtained below 60 K in indirect bandgap sample show the presence of another level of trapping, besides the DX centre, probably a X-valley effective mass state. In direct bandgap samples, these G×T curves show that above bandgap light increases conductivity to higher values than at room temperature and below bandgap light is not enough to avoid trapping. Photoconductivity spectra in indirect bandgap AlxGa1-xAs show that above ≅120 K, the absence of persistent photoconductivity contributes for a very clean spectrum. The mobility of AlxGa1-xAs is modelled considering dipole scattering. Data of transient decay of persistent photoconductivity is simulated using this approach.

Correlation of electrical conductivity and other vigor tests with field emergence of soybean seedlings

Seeds from six soybean cultivars (Cristalina, IAC 31-Foscarin, IAC-15, UFV-10, IAC-14 and IAS-5) and from five soybean cultivars (IAC 31-Foscarin, IAC-15, IAC-14, IAS-5 and Iguacu) were evaluated in 1993 and 1994, respectively, in terms of physiological seed quality by the mechanical damage (MD), standard germination (SG), accelerated aging (AA), electrical conductivity (EC), and seedling field emergence (FE) tests. Significant correlations were detected between SG, AA and EC and FE. However, in terms of the cultivar or the year, the degree of association among these parameters can change based on the environmental conditions of each year.

Improved Conductivity Induced by Photodesorption in SnO2 Thin Films Grown by a Sol-Gel Dip Coating Technique

Thin films of undoped and Sb-doped SnO2 have been prepared by a sol-gel dip-coating technique. For the high doping level (2-3 mol% Sb) n-type degenerate conduction is expected, however, measurements of resistance as a function of temperature show that doped samples exhibit strong electron trapping, with capture levels at 39 and 81 meV. Heating in a vacuum and irradiation with UV monochromatic light (305 nm) improve the electrical characteristics, decreasing the carrier capture at low temperature. This suggests an oxygen related level, which can be eliminated by a photodesorption process. Absorption spectral dependence indicates an indirect bandgap transition with Eg ≅ 3.5 eV. Current-voltage characteristics indicate a thermionic emission mechanism through interfacial states.

Solid-state NMR, ionic conductivity, and thermal studies of lithium-doped siloxane-poly(propylene glycol) organic-inorganic nanocomposites

Hybrid organic-inorganic ionic conductors, also called ormolytes (organically modified electrolytes), were obtained by dissolution of LiClO 4 in siloxane-poly(propylene glycol) matrixes. The dynamic features of these nanocomposites were studied and correlated to their electrical properties. Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to probe the effects of the temperature and nanocomposite composition on the dynamic behaviors of both the ionic species ( 7Li) and the polymer chains ( 13C). NMR, dc ionic conductivity, and DSC results demonstrate that the Li + mobility is strongly assisted by the segmental motion of the polymer chain above its glass transition temperature. The ac ionic conductivity in such composites is explained by use of the random free energy barrier (RFEB) model, which is agreement with their disordered and heterogenous structures. These solid ormolytes are transparent and flexible, and they exhibit good ionic conductivity at room temperature (up to 10 -4 S/cm). Consequently, they are very promising candidates for use in several applications such as batteries, sensors, and electrochromic and photoelectro-chemical devices.

Short-chain di-ureasil ormolytes doped with potassium triflate: Phase diagram and conductivity behavior

Di-urea cross-linked poly(oxyethylene)/siloxane hybrids, synthesized by the sol-gel process and containing a wide concentration range of potassium triflate, KCF3SO3, have been analyzed by x-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry. The pseudo-phase diagram proposed has been taken into account in the interpretation of the complex impedance measurements. The xerogels prepared are obtained as transparent, thin monoliths. At room temperature the highest conductivity found was 2 × 10-6 Ω-1 cm-1.

X-ray-induced conductivity in iron-doped lithium niobate crystals

Illumination of photorefractive, iron-doped lithium niobate crystals (LiNbO 3:Fe) with x-rays generates a conductivity that we determine from the speed of hologram erasure. The doping levels of the crystals and the acceleration voltage of our x-ray tube are varied. A theoretical model is presented, which describes the obtained results. A decrease of the conductivity with increasing Fe 2+ concentration can be explained by assuming that holes are the dominant charge carriers for this short-wavelength illumination.