What are the Effects of Schottky Defects on Nanomaterials?
Schottky defects can dramatically alter the performance of nanomaterials. For instance:
Electrical Properties: Schottky defects can affect the charge carriers within the material, thereby influencing its electrical conductivity. Thermal Properties: The presence of vacancies can also influence the thermal conductivity of the material, potentially leading to enhanced thermal management capabilities in nano-devices. Mechanical Properties: An increase in defect concentration can impact the mechanical strength and elasticity of the material, often resulting in a trade-off between ductility and hardness. Diffusion: Schottky defects provide pathways for ion diffusion, which can be beneficial in applications such as catalysis and battery technology.