Effects of La Doping on Structural and Electrical Properties of ZnO Ceramics

Pham Cao Huyen Trang, Doan Quoc Vien, Phan Thi Thuy Trang, Nguyen Hoang Nhi, Le Vo Yen Nhi, Tran Bao Trung, Tran Cao Vinh, Phan Bach Thang, Pham Thanh Tuan Anh

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Published Aug 10, 2026
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1140/vnunst.5930

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TRANG, Pham Cao Huyen et al. Effects of La Doping on Structural and Electrical Properties of ZnO Ceramics. VNU Journal of Science: Natural Sciences and Technology, [S.l.], aug. 2026. ISSN 2588-1140. Available at: <https://js.vnu.edu.vn/NST/article/view/5930>. Date accessed: 19 oct. 2026. doi: https://doi.org/10.25073/2588-1140/vnunst.5930.
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Abstract

ZnO materials have attracted significant attention due to their diverse functionalities and tunable properties via doping and microstructural engineering. However, the relationship between crystallographic texture and electrical transport in La-doped ZnO has not been clearly clarified. This study investigates the effect of La incorporation on the carrier concentration and mobility of La-doped ZnO (LZO) polycrystals. The results reveal that the improvement in electrical conductivity, characterized by reduced carrier concentration and enhanced mobility, is predominantly governed by crystallographic texture rather than doping-induced carrier generation alone. Specifically, an increase in the texture coefficient for the (002) plane [TC(002)] and a corresponding decrease in the texture coefficient for the (101) plane [TC(101)] indicate preferential grain alignment along the c-axis, which improves crystallinity and reduces defect-related scattering. This texture-driven microstructural refinement plays a key role in facilitating efficient carrier transport. As a result, the highest electrical conductivity of 544.6 Scm-1 was achieved in the LZO sample with a La doping ratio of 0.1 at%.

Keywords: Lanthanum doping, ZnO ceramics, electrical conductivity, texture coefficient.

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