Non-linear I-V characteristics of doped Sn1-xTixO2 (0.0 < x < 0.25) system

The solid solutions of Sn1-xTixO2 (0.0 < x < 0.25) were prepared by the usual high temperature ceramic processing techniques with small amounts of dopants such as Nb, Co, Al. The electrical measurements (log I-log V) on the ohmically metal electroded sintered pellets showed the non-linear behaviour. The nonlinear coefficient was found to decrease from 12 to 3 with increase in x. On the other hand, the breakdown voltage (E-b) showed the increase with the increase in x. This complex electrical behaviour is explained on the effects of the three dopants (as varistor former, performance enhancer and highlighter) on the microstructural features of the dense pellet.