Question

What is Schottky defect in a solid?

What is Schottky defect?

Answer 1

This defect arises when some of the lattice points in a crystal are unoccupied. The unoccupied lattice points are called lattice vacancies or holes. The Schottky defect is common in ionic crystals. The vacancy at a cation site in ionic solids is always followed by a vacancy at a nearby anion site. Consequently, a Schottky defect is always characterised by the absence of an equal number of cations and anions (Schottky pairs) in an ionic solid. This ensures that the crystal remains electrically neutral, despite the absence of ions. Figure illustrates the Schottky defect.