Short communication: "Effect of Nb on the electrical resistivity of ZrO2 layer formed on Zr alloys"

Abstract

Although Nb-containing Zr alloys are widely used as the fuel cladding materials in nuclear power plants, the effect of Nb on charge transport in oxide layer is not clear. In this study, it was found that the electrical resistivity of ZrO2 layer formed on Nb-containing Zr alloy (Nb–ZrO2 layer) was approximately 2–3 times higher than that of ZrO2 layer formed on Sn-containing Zr alloy (Sn–ZrO2 layer) between 400 and 600 °C. Mott-Schottky analysis showed lower oxygen vacancy concentration in the Nb–ZrO2 layer compared to Sn–ZrO2 layer.