Stabilization of the Polar State of KNO3 in (KNO3)1–x/(CeO2)x Composites

Abstract

We have studied the dielectric properties of (KNO₃)_1–x/(CeO₂)_x ferroelectric composites with the aim of assessing the effect of cerium oxide on the stability of the polar state of potassium nitrate. The results demonstrate that increasing the fraction of CeO₂ in the (KNO₃)_1–x/(CeO₂)_x composites to 0.25 < x < 0.35 leads to temporary stabilization of their ferroelectric state. The main mechanism of interaction between metal oxides and nitrates is the formation of an electrical double layer on interfaces between particles on account of the difference in adsorption energy between negative and positive ions.