Question

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

Answer 1

1. Schottky defect involves the missing of equal numbers of cations and anions from their normal lattice positions.
2. This condition creates vacant sites (also called lattice vacancies) in the crystal structure.
3. These vacancies allow neighboring ions to jump into the empty sites, especially under the influence of an electric field.
4. This movement of ions from one site to another contributes to ionic conductivity.
5. The more Schottky defects present, the greater the number of vacancies, leading to higher ion mobility.
6. As a result, the electrical conductivity of the crystal increases.