Teilprojekt 2
TP2
Ion Transport and Point Defects in LiNb1-xTaxO3 Solid Solutions
The focus of this sub-project lies on the experimental characterization and basic understanding of the ion transport of the species Li, Nb/Ta, O and H as a function of temperature, oxygen partial pressure and Nb/Ta content in lithium niobate - lithium tantalate single crystals with and without ferroelectric domains. The underlying point defects, defect equilibria and transport mechanisms will be clarified. Defects and transport, as well as their interplay, have fundamental influence on the macroscopic material properties, such as electrical conductivity, electromechanical properties, optical properties etc. and their knowledge will allow a specific tailoring of properties.
With regard to the overall goals of the research group, the results of this sub-project are of particular importance for an understanding of partial ionic conductivities and their contribution to total conductivity, for the identification of the temperature-dependent majority point defects and defect clusters as well as for the high temperature stability and stoichiometric modifications. Of particular interest is the hitherto unexplored influence of domain walls and the associated defects/charges on ion transport. The work also forms the base for an understanding of polaron dynamics in atomic structures.
In order to determine the tracer diffusivities, stable tracer isotopes are used, which are either introduced from the gas phase (2H2O, 18O2) or by means of sputter deposition (6Li, 180Ta). Isotope-selective depth profile analysis will be carried out with secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and for selected systems with neutron reflectometry (NR) using a novel analytical approach. The necessary conductivities will be determined by impedance spectroscopy in sub-project 7. The results should contribute to a defect model that explains the ionic and electronic transport processes and that forms the basis for a tailoring of materials properties.
