Question

Example: If cupric oxide (Cuo) is exposed to reducing atmospheres at elevated temperatures, some of the Cu2+ ions will become Cu+. a)Under these conditions, name one crystalline defect that you would expect to form in order to maintain charge neutrality b) How many Cu+ions are required for the creation of each defect?

Answer 1

a) Crystalline defect can be expected to form in order to maintain the neutral charge

A small portion of Cu²⁺ ions stay as Cu⁺, in the Cu²⁺O^2- . In the obtained Cu⁺ , one more negative charge of one less positive charge is imported. For the sustainability of the neutral charge, there should be an addition of positive charge or an elimination of a negative charge. By generating Cu²⁺ slits or otherwise O^2- gaps, it can be attained.

b) Number of Cu+ ions required for the creation of each defect

Each defect are in need of two Cu⁺ ions for its creation.