What is the Role of Grain Boundaries in Electrical Properties?
Grain boundaries can also impact the electrical conductivity of nanomaterials. They often act as scattering centers for electrons, which may reduce the overall conductivity. However, in some cases, the boundaries can be engineered to create specific pathways for electron transport, leading to enhanced conductivity. A well-known application is in semiconductors, where controlled grain boundary engineering is crucial for optimizing performance.