The synthesis of nano-nano dual phase ceramic composites

Nano-nano dual-phase composites in which both phases are present as grains with typical dimensions <100 nm are expected to exhibit physical properties, deviating from those of coarser-grained composites. If one phase is electron conducting and the other electrically isolating, special properties can be expected due to Schottky-barrier space-charge formation in the isolator phase near dual-phase boundaries. The extent of the Schottky-barrier (Debije length) can be of the same order as the total grain dimension resulting in special electrical and optical properties. These expectations are the base of this research.