CRYSTAL DEFECTS
A perfect crystal is one in which the particles (atoms or
ions arranged in an orderly manner. It exists only at
absolute zero temperature.
When the temperature is increased or the substance is
irradiated or contaminated with foreign substance,
imperfections called crystal defects occur
Stoichiometric defects
Stoichiometric defects are those
that do not disturb the stoichiometry
of a compound.
i) Vacancy defects
ii) Interstitial defects
iii) Frenkel defects
iv) Schottky defects
Vacancy Defects
Schottky Defect
Frenkel Defect
Nonstoichiometric defects
Defects that disturb the stoichiometry of a compound
i) Metal excess defect
Arises due to missing of an anion from the lattice site
Vacancy or hole created is occupied by an electron (formation
of F- centre)
Example: TiO
Also occurs when an extra cation occupies an interstitial space
To preserve electrical neutrality, an electron is included in a
near by interstitial site
Example: ZnO, CaO
ii) Metal deficiency defect
Arises due to missing of a cation from the lattice site
Electrical neutrality is maintained by having an adjacent
cation at a higher oxidation state
Example: FeO, FeS
Presence of an extra anion interstitial space is not
possible on account of its large size
Intrinsic defect
Arise inherently with in the crystal due to thermal agitation
or imperfection during the crystallization
Types
1. Vacancy defects – Atoms or ions missing from their
position
2. Interstitial defects – Atoms or ions occupying interstitial
position
Example: Schottky and Frenkel defects in ionic solids
Extrinsic defect
Due to the presence of foreign atoms and impurities in the
crystal
Types
1. Impurity defects – Foreign atom occupy the regular or
interstitial position
Example: Doping of Si with P or B in semiconductors
2. Substitutional defects – Foreign atom replace the host
atoms in the lattice
Example: Brass (Zn atom replace Cu atom)
3. Interstitial defects – Foreign atom occupies the interstitial
position
Example: Steel (Carbon atom in Iron lattice)
