Distribution of Various Dopants Cations (Li+, Al3+, Ga3+, and In3+) in Cobalt Spinelt

Abstract

The distribution of the various doped cations (Li⁺, Al³⁺, Ga³⁺, and In³⁺) in the Co³o⁴ spinel was studied by the quantitative X-ray analysis and the electrical conductivity measurement. Li⁺ and Ga³⁺ ions exclusively occupied the A sites in the doped spinel, about 80 atom% of Al³⁺ ion the B sites, and Ins+ ions were distributed over both A and B sites. The solubility of In³⁺ and Li⁺ ions in the spinel was about 5 atom% respectively. The electrical conductivity measurement revealed that Li⁺ ions markedly increased the conductivity, and Ins+ and Ga³⁺ ions significantly and Al³⁺ ions slightly reduced the conductivity. These results support Wagner's model on the mechanism of the electrical conduction in the spinel.