Britannica AI Icon

interstitial solid solution

chemistry

Quick Summary

An interstitial solid solution occurs when atoms, ions, or molecules occupy the spaces, or interstices, between atoms, ions, or ionic groups within a crystal structure. This is one of three types of solid solutions, alongside substitutional and omission. Interstitial solid solutions are less common than substitutional ones. Examples include gases like helium found in the voids of beryl crystals. The properties of solid solutions can be tailored by adjusting the proportions of the constituent materials, making them valuable in applications such as semiconductors for electronic and optical devices.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.