Fast Ionic Transport in Solids

• Published in: Science (American Association for the Advancement of Science) Vol. 204; no. 4400; pp. 1371 - 1379
• Main Authors: Farrington, Gregory C., Briant, Jacqueline L.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Association for the Advancement of Science 29-06-1979
• Subjects: Activation energy; Chemical composition; Conductivity; electrochemistry; Electrolytes; Ion currents; Ionic mobility; Ions; Lithium; Oxygen; Protons; Sodium
• ISSN: 0036-8075; 1095-9203
• DOI: 10.1126/science.204.4400.1371

The discovery of inorganic solids with ionic conductivities comparable to those of aqueous electrolytes has revolutionized solid-state electrochemistry. Sodium beta alumina, a Na$^{+}$ conductor, and Li$_{\times}$ TiS$_{2}$, an intercalation compound with simultaneous Li$^{+}$ and electronic conductivity, are two of the best and most versatile fast ionic conductors. A wide variety of cations can replace Na$^{+}$ in beta alumina and Li$^{+}$ in Li$_{\times}$ TiS$_{2}$ and change the properties of the materials. Sodium beta alumina and Li$_{\times}$ TiS$_{2}$ are currently used in the development of high-energy density batteries for electric vehicles and electrical utility load leveling. Current research in solid ionic conductors is exploring new intercalation compounds, solid polymer electrolytes, and alkali ion and proton transport in crystalline solids.