Microstructure and defect gradients in DC and AC flash sintered ZnO

In this study, the microstructure and defect characteristics of flash sintering under direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) were investigated and compared for the ZnO system. DC flash sintering resulted in grain size and porosity gradients within the sample, whereas AC flash sintering produced a sample with homogeneous and fine grain size. Raman spectroscopy revealed asymmetric peaks correlated to the lattice disorder. Using the Breit-Wigner-Fano model, the asymmetric peak fitting revealed redistribution of defects within the DC flash sintered ZnO, while the AC flash sintered ZnO had a comparable defect concentration to conventionally sintered ZnO.

Automated summary

The microstructure and defect characteristics of flash sintering under direct current and alternating current were investigated for the ZnO system. Differences were observed in grain size and defect distribution between DC and AC flash sintered ZnO samples. Raman spectroscopy revealed asymmetric peaks correlated to lattice disorder in the flash sintered ZnO samples.