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Title: Solid ionic: these unusual materials applications in high-energy-density

Journal Article · · Chem. Eng. News; (United States)

The idea that ions can diffuse as rapidly in a solid as in an aqueous salt solution may seem strange to many chemists. But a variety of solids with high ionic conductivities are known. Compounds have been discovered that conduct anions (including F/sup -/ and O/sup 2 -/) and cations (including monovalent, divalent, and trivalent cations). These substances range from hard, refractory materials, such as sodium ..beta..-alumina, through softer compounds, such as silver iodide (AgI) to the very soft polymer electrolytes. They include compounds that are stoichiometric (AgI), nonstoichiometric (sodium ..beta..-alumina), or doped (calcia-stabilized zirconia). A variety of names have been applied to these materials: among them, solid electrolytes, superionic conductors, and fast-ion conductors. Fast-ion transport in solids is a lively area of study in solid-state chemistry and physics. High-conductivity solid electrolytes have revolutionized conventional concepts of ionic compounds, and their potential uses range from high-energy-density battery and fuel-cell electrolytes to chemical sensors and from lasers to phosphors. Devices using solid electrolytes are already available commercially-oxygen detectors for automotive pollution-control systems employ solid O/sup 2 -/ electrolytes, and solid-state batteries using solid electrolytes are employed in heart pacemakers.

Research Organization:
Northwestern Univ., Evanston, IL
OSTI ID:
7044901
Journal Information:
Chem. Eng. News; (United States), Journal Name: Chem. Eng. News; (United States)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English