The Effect of Alumina on the Electrical Conductivity of Silicate Perovskite

Abstract

Measurements of the electrical conductivity of silicate perovskite at 25 gigapascals and 1400 degrees to 1600 degreesC show that the conductivity of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 perovskite containing 2.89 weight percent Al2O3 is about 3.5 times greater than that of aluminum-free (Mg0.915Fe0.085)SiO3 perovskite. The conduction mechanism in perovskite between 1400 degrees and 1600 degreesC is most likely by polarons, because Mossbauer studies show that the aluminum-bearing perovskite has about 3.5 times the amount of Fe3+ as the aluminum-free sample. A conductivity-depth profile from 660 to 2900 kilometers based on aluminum-bearing perovskite is consistent with geophysical models.