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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Unraveling the Role of Sn Segregation in the Electronic Transport of Polycrystalline Hematite: Raising the Electronic Conductivity by Lowering the Grain-Boundary Blocking Effect

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Author(s):
Soares, Mario R. S. [1] ; Costa, Carlos A. R. [2] ; Lanzoni, Evandro M. [2] ; Bettini, Jefferson [2] ; Ramirez, Carlos A. O. [2] ; Souza, Flavio L. [3] ; Longo, Elson [1] ; Leite, Edson R. [2, 1]
Total Authors: 8
Affiliation:
[1] Univ Fed Sao Carlos, Chem Dept, BR-13565905 Sao Carlos, SP - Brazil
[2] Brazilian Ctr Res Energy & Mat CNPEM, Brazilian Nanotechnol Natl Lab LNNano, BR-13083970 Campinas, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Fed ABC, Ctr Ciencias Nat & Humanas, BR-09210580 Santo Andre, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: ADVANCED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS; v. 5, n. 6 JUN 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

This paper describes the role of SnO2 in the electronic transport of polycrystalline hematite (alpha-Fe2O3). The proper sintering process allows for freezing of a state of electronic defects, in which the electrical properties of hematite are controlled by the grain boundary and Sn segregation. Impedance spectroscopy and dc conductivity measurements show that current flows through preferential pathways associated with Sn segregation that occurs at the grain boundary, leading to a decrease in grain-boundary resistance. Atomic force microscopy and electric force microscopy measurements confirm the results of the impedance analysis. The identification of preferential grain boundaries for electrical conductivity may have a direct influence on the light-induced water-splitting performance of the hematite photoanode. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 17/03135-5 - Grain boundary in electro-ceramic materials: understanding nature and its function in the hematite (Fe2O3)
Grantee:Edson Roberto Leite
Support type: Regular Research Grants
FAPESP's process: 17/02317-2 - Interfaces in materials: electronic, magnetic, structural and transport properties
Grantee:Adalberto Fazzio
Support type: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
FAPESP's process: 13/07296-2 - CDMF - Center for the Development of Functional Materials
Grantee:Elson Longo da Silva
Support type: Research Grants - Research, Innovation and Dissemination Centers - RIDC