Complex oxide

A complex oxide is a chemical compound that contains oxygen and at least two other elements (or just one other element in at least two oxidation states).^[1] Complex oxide materials are notable for their wide range of magnetic and electronic properties, such as ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, and high-temperature superconductivity. These properties often come from their strongly correlated electrons in d or f orbitals.

Natural occurrence

Many minerals found in the ground are complex oxides. Commonly studied mineral crystal families include spinels and perovskites.

Applications

Magnets

Magnets made of the complex oxide ferrite are commonly used in transformer cores, inductors, and refrigerator magnets.^[2] Ferrites are ideal because they are magnetic, electrically insulating, and inexpensive.

Transducers and actuators

Piezoelectric transducers and actuators are often made of the complex oxide PZT (lead zirconate titanate).^[3] These transducers are used in applications such ultrasound imaging and some microphones. PZT is also sometimes used for piezo ignition in lighters and gas grills.

Capacitors

Complex oxide materials are the dominant dielectric material in ceramic capacitors.^[4] About one trillion ceramic capacitors are produced each year to be used in electronic equipment.

Fuel cells

Solid oxide fuel cells often use complex oxide materials as their electrolytes, anodes, and cathodes.^[5]

New electronic devices

As of 2015, there is research underway to commercialize complex oxides in new kinds of electronic devices, such as ReRAM, FeRAM, memristors. Complex oxide materials are also being researched for their use in spintronics.

Commonly studied complex oxides

References

^ Ishihara, Tatsumi (2009). Perovskite Oxide for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (1 ed.). Springer US. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-387-77708-5.
^ Goldman, Alex (2006). Modern Ferrite Technology (2nd Edition ed.). Springer US. pp. 217–226. ISBN 978-0-387-28151-3. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)
^ "What is "PZT"?". American Piezo. APC International, Ltd. Retrieved 19 June 2015.
^ Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1109/MEI.2010.5383924, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1109/MEI.2010.5383924 instead.[1]
^ "Lanthanum strontium cobalt oxide cathode powder". Fuel Cell Materials. Retrieved 19 June 2015.

External links

[1] Ishihara, Tatsumi (2009). Perovskite Oxide for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (1 ed.). Springer US. p. 1. ISBN 978-0-387-77708-5.

[2] Goldman, Alex (2006). Modern Ferrite Technology (2nd Edition ed.). Springer US. pp. 217–226. ISBN 978-0-387-28151-3. {{cite book}}: |edition= has extra text (help)

[3] "What is "PZT"?". American Piezo. APC International, Ltd. Retrieved 19 June 2015.

[capacitor-4] Attention: This template ({{cite doi}}) is deprecated. To cite the publication identified by doi:10.1109/MEI.2010.5383924, please use {{cite journal}} (if it was published in a bona fide academic journal, otherwise {{cite report}} with |doi=10.1109/MEI.2010.5383924 instead.[1]

[5] "Lanthanum strontium cobalt oxide cathode powder". Fuel Cell Materials. Retrieved 19 June 2015.

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