Question

How does the Frenkel defect increase the conductivity of a crystal?

Answer 1

1. Interstitial Ions: In this defect, a smaller cation moves from its regular lattice site to an interstitial site, creating a vacant site.
2. Enhanced Mobility: This allows ions to move more freely within the lattice, increasing conductivity.
3. Example: AgCl, ZnS, and AgBr show this defect, where the small Ag⁺ ion often moves to interstitial positions.