Mechanoelectric effect in solid electrolytes

The mechanoelectric effect in solid electrolytes of the compositions ZrO2 + 8 mol % Sc2O3 and ZrO2 + 8 mol % Y2O3 is investigated experimentally. The mechanical properties of polycrystalline specimens are studied using, four-point bending in air. It is shown that a negative charge is induced on the extended side of the bent specimen and that the magnitude of this charge depends on the external mechanical load and the temperature of measurement. The assumption is made that the observed phenomena are associated with the uphill diffusion of vacancies in response to a nonuniform field of mechanical stresses. The theoretical model is compared with the experimental results. (C) 2005 Pleiades Publishing, Inc.