Ionic conduction and water diffusion in Li. beta. -alumina

Conference · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1984

OSTI ID:6060535

Wang, J C; Bates, J B; Dudney, N J

Lithium ..beta..-alumina is one of a family of compounds that have exceptionally high ionic conductivities. Partly as a consequence of the small size of the Li/sup +/ ion, the properties of Li ..beta..-alumina such as structure and conductivity are exceptions to the trends set by other alkali-metal ..beta..-aluminas. Both Li and Na ..beta..-alumina absorb water molecules into their conduction layers, but the hydration rate of Li ..beta..-alumina is much higher. In this paper we review and analyze these properties of Li ..beta..-alumina. Some of the analysis is based on the results of potential energy calculations. In particular, the interstitialcy conduction mechanism responsible for the high ionic conductivity in Na ..beta..-alumina is found to be applicable in Li ..beta..-alumina, but the conduction path is modified. The rapid diffusion of H/sub 2/O in Li ..beta..-alumina is attributed to the tendency of water molecules to dissociate in the material. 12 figures.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: AC05-84OR21400
• OSTI ID: 6060535
• Report Number(s): CONF-8311198-2-Draft; ON: DE85007548
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
400400* -- Electrochemistry
ALKALI METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINATES
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
BETA-W LATTICES
CRYSTAL LATTICES
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE
DIFFUSION
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROLYTES
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
IONIC CONDUCTIVITY
LITHIUM COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERMEABILITY
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
SOLID ELECTROLYTES
WATER