
Metal oxides such as CrO2, TiO, and ReO3 exhibit electrical conductivity akin to metals. In contrast, oxides like SO2, MgO, and SO2, which are associated with metals, semimetals, and non-metals, do not demonstrate similar electrical characteristics. This distinction in electrical behaviour between different oxides underscores the unique properties exhibited by various substances when exposed to electrical currents or fields. Understanding these electrical properties is essential in fields such as materials science, electronics, and chemistry, where the behaviour of substances in response to electrical stimuli plays a pivotal role in research, applications, and technological advancements.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oxides that show electrical properties like metals | CrO2, TiO and ReO3 |
| Oxides of metal, semimetal and non-metal that do not show electrical properties | SO2, MgO and SO2 |
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What You'll Learn

CrO₂ is electrically conductive like metal
Oxides are generally poor electrical conductors, but there is an exception to this rule: CrO₂. This oxide of chromium (IV) is a highly interesting compound as it displays electrical conductivity akin to metals. In fact, its electrical conductivity is quite high for an oxide, even rivalling some metal conductors such as Mn and Gd at room temperature.
The electrical behaviour of CrO₂ is not its only intriguing property. It is also ferromagnetic at room temperature, with a Curie temperature of 118°C. This means that the material can be easily demagnetized with minimal energy input.
The unique properties of CrO₂ make it an attractive compound for materials investigation, particularly in the field of solid-state and materials sciences. Researchers are keen to understand the chemical and physical properties of this oxide, including how it interacts with other metal oxides and the modifications that occur with metal-ion substitutions.
The preparation of CrO₂ is a precise process, and its electrical conductivity places it in a unique category of metal-like oxides. While the electrical properties of CrO₂ are well-documented, it is important to note that other oxides do not typically exhibit similar electrical behaviour.
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TiO is electrically conductive like metal
Titanium oxide (TiO) is a highly conductive material that exhibits electrical properties similar to metals. It is a non-stoichiometric compound with a composition that deviates from the typical TiO2 formula, resulting in unique characteristics.
TiO has a defect NaCl structure, meaning a fraction of its lattice points are vacant. This structural peculiarity allows for a more contracted lattice and improved overlap between the 3d orbitals of neighbouring titanium atoms. The enhanced orbital overlap facilitates electron mobility, contributing to the material's high electrical conductivity.
The conductivity of TiO films can be further enhanced through heat treatment. When annealed in an argon atmosphere at approximately 450°C, the electrical conductivity of TiO films increases significantly, approaching metal-like conductivity. This enhancement is attributed to the formation of nanocrystalline grains of metallic Ti within the amorphous matrix, resulting from an internal solid-state disproportionation reaction.
Additionally, the TiO system is known for its complexity and versatility, exhibiting a wide range of stoichiometries beyond the typical O/Ti = 2 ratio. This includes the crystalline Magnéli phases TinO2n−1 (4 ≤ n ≤ 10), which are derived from the rutile structure by removing oxygen atoms. The existence of these various stoichiometric phases further contributes to the unique electrical properties of titanium oxide.
In summary, titanium oxide (TiO) demonstrates electrically conductive behaviour akin to metals due to its unique defect structure, enhanced orbital overlap, and the ability to form metallic nanocrystals through heat treatment. The complexity of the TiO system, with its various stoichiometric phases, adds to its remarkable electrical characteristics, making it a fascinating material for study and application in fields such as electronics and electrochemistry.
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ReO3 is electrically conductive like metal
Rhenium trioxide (ReO3) is a transition-metal oxide with unusually high electrical conductivity. It is a "covalent metal" with electrical conductivity comparable to that of pure metals. ReO3 behaves like a simple metal with one free electron per unit cell.
The dc resistivity and low-field Hall effect of ReO3 have been measured as a function of temperature. Samples of ReO3 showed metallic conductivity with a resistance ratio ρ(300)/ρ(4.2) between 50 and 70. At 300°K, resistivity is (8.95 ± 0.03) × 10-6 Ω cm, and the Hall coefficient at 300°K is (-3.28 ± 0.10) × 10-4 cm3 C-1. The dielectric constant is characteristic of free-electron behaviour and confirms the metallic nature of the lustrous red oxide.
The high electrical conductivity of ReO3 has promising catalytic properties. However, producing pure ReO3 thin films is challenging due to the difficulty of stabilizing rhenium in a 6+ oxidation state. Researchers have presented a novel approach for the deposition of ReOx thin films using reactive high power impulse magnetron sputtering (r-HiPIMS) from a metallic rhenium target in a mixed Ar/O2 atmosphere.
The structural evolution of ReO3 electrodes with alkali ion insertion has been studied using in situ and ex situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD). During Na and K insertion, there is a combination of intercalation into ReO3 and a two-phase reaction. In the case of Li insertion, a more complex evolution is noted, suggesting a conversion reaction occurs at deep discharge. The thermal evolution of the AxReO3 phases, where A=Li, Na, or K, is significantly modified from the parent ReO3 thermal evolution, demonstrating the impact of alkali-ion insertion on the thermal properties of ReO3.
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SO₂ is a metal oxide that isn't electrically conductive
Oxides are chemical compounds in which oxygen is bonded with another element. Metal oxides are ionic compounds that contain the O2- anion. Metals with high oxidation states form oxides with covalent bonds. These metal oxides can react with water to form hydroxides and basic solutions.
Some examples of metal oxides include magnesium oxide (MgO) and calcium oxide (CaO). MgO is a good thermal conductor and electrical insulator. CaO, also known as quicklime or lime, is used in the steel industry and water purification.
SO₂ is a metal oxide, but it does not exhibit electrical conductivity like some other metal oxides. This is because SO₂ is a covalent compound, and its bonding nature differs from that of typical ionic metal oxides.
The electrical properties of a substance are influenced by its ability to conduct electricity, which is determined by the presence and movement of charged particles or ions. In the case of SO₂, it does not facilitate the flow of electric charge and, therefore, lacks the characteristic electrical conductivity associated with certain metal oxides.
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MgO is a metal oxide that isn't electrically conductive
MgO, or magnesium oxide, is a white hygroscopic solid mineral that occurs naturally as periclase. It is a source of magnesium and has an empirical formula of MgO. MgO is not electrically conductive and has a high resistance to electric current at room temperature. This property makes it useful as an electrical insulator in tubular construction heating elements, such as electric stove and cooktop heating elements. It is also used as an insulator in heat-resistant electrical cable.
The electrical insulation properties of MgO are due to its high thermal stability and excellent insulating properties. It has a high dielectric strength, which is the ability to withstand electric fields without breaking down, and average thermal conductivity. These characteristics make it ideal for use in electrical insulation applications.
MgO is also prized for its refractory properties, meaning it is physically and chemically stable at high temperatures. This stability, along with its intermediate hardness, makes it useful in brake linings, where it helps dissipate heat from friction surfaces, preventing overheating while minimizing wear on metal components.
In addition to its electrical insulation and refractory properties, MgO also has applications in agriculture and construction. It is a component of Portland cement in dry process plants and is the main ingredient in Sorel cement, where it is combined with MgCl2 and water. MgO is also used as a commercial plant fertilizer and animal feed.
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Frequently asked questions
CrO2, TiO and ReO3 are some typical metal oxides that show electrical conductivity similar to metals.
SO2, MgO, and SO2 are oxides of metal, semimetal, and non-metal, which do not exhibit electrical properties like metals.
Electrical conductivity is the property of a substance that offers no resistance to the flow of electricity at a particular temperature.
A superconductor is a material that offers no resistance to the flow of electric current, often occurring at very low temperatures. Most metals become superconductors within a specific temperature range.











































