Fast diffusion of Cu into V2O5 at 520C was studied in Cu–V2O5 diffusion couples

sintered by spark plasma sintering. The impact, on the diffusion profiles, of phase

transformations and of variations of the diffusion coefficient with Cu concentration

was discussed. From the pure Cu source, two phases were observed to spread,

leading to a “two-step-like” shape of the diffusion profiles. In the more

concentrated phase (phase ε), the diffusion coefficient D of Cu was ≈3 x 10−8m2/s.

This was a remarkably high value, of the same order of magnitude as self-diffusion

in liquid metals. In the less concentrated phase (phase β′), D was lower than in ε.

This was due to the differences in the diffusion mechanisms of Cu in these two

phases: two dimensional in ε and one dimensional in β′. In β′, D strongly depends

on Cu concentration. This was in good agreement with computer simulations

reported in the literature.

Diffusion and Phase Transformations in Spark Plasma Synthesized and Sintered

Cu–V2O5 Couples. J.P.Monchoux, J.Galy: Journal of Solid State Chemistry, 2008,

181[4], 693-9