H/D Isotope Effect in the Conductivity of CaZr1 – xScxO3 – α in Reducing Atmospheres

Abstract

The ionic (proton and deuteron) conductivity of the system CaZr1 – xScxO3 – α (x = 0.03–0.20) is studied experimentally in H2 + H2O + N2 and D2 + D2O + N2 reducing atmospheres at pH2O = pD2O = 3.2 kPa and in the temperature range of 600–900°C. This system exhibits a considerable H/D isotopic effect in conductivity, and its magnitude is estimated. Using theoretical elaborations, we also estimate the magnitude of the thermodynamic isotope effect in the solubility of H2O/D2O in the considered system under reducing conditions.