Electrical phenomena in barium titanate ceramics

We have studied the current voltage curves of BaTiO₃ ceramics, with fired silver electrodes, between 110–400°C. We have observed a current controlled negative resistance between low conductivity and high conductivity states. The passage from the low to the high conductivity state is accompanied by a brown coloration starting from the anode. Once the high conductivity state is reached it is impossible to return to the low conductivity state unless one anneals the sample for several hours at 400°C. We have measured the voltage distribution along the sample and the short circuited currents after applying a voltage. We interpret our results, assuming carriers injection, by means of the Rose and Lampert models of injection. In the low conductivity state the conduction is ohmic or due to electron injection, and in the high conductivity state there is a double injection regime. However the agreement of the results with the theoretical prediction is good only qualitatively. We think that a more elaborate model is necessary.