Metallic Conductivity in the Nanoporous Silicon Layers on the PZT-Ceramics Surface.

Nanoporous silicon and ceramics based on lead zirconate titanate (PZT-ceramics) have unique properties. It is shown that their mechanochemical interaction makes it possible to create compositions with a metallic type of conductivity. The formation of conductive paths occurs when silicon particles are wedged into microcracks creating unique highly sensitive layers of piezoceramic compounds including intercalates. The embedded silicon atoms deform the elementary cells of crystals and redistribute charges in them. The connection with the lattice is formed due to the transition of electrons to the boundary layers or the space between them. In the transition layers at T < 260 K, chains with electrical conductivity of the metallic type, shunting the piezodielectric, appear. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]