Ionconductive

Ionconductive is a term used to describe materials or devices that enable the transport of ions, as opposed to electrons, through a medium. In such materials, ionic conduction is the dominant transport mechanism, allowing charged species to move under an electric field or concentration gradient, while electronic conductivity is minimized.

Ionic conduction occurs in liquids and solids. In liquids, ions move freely; in solids, ions migrate via defects, vacancies, or interstitial sites, often described by hopping mechanisms. Ionconductive materials are designed to maximize ionic mobility while suppressing electron transfer.

Common ionconductive materials include liquid electrolytes (aqueous and organic electrolytes and ionic liquids); solid polymer electrolytes based on polyethylene oxide; and ceramic solid electrolytes such as NASICON-type ceramics (LATP, LAGP), beta-alumina, and lithium lanthanum zirconate (LLZO). These materials cover a range of physical states and structures, from molten or solvated systems to rigid crystalline lattices, each with distinct conductivity and stability profiles.

These materials are central to energy technologies and sensors. They enable ion transport in batteries and fuel cells, particularly in solid-state batteries and electrolyte gels, and are used in electrochromic devices and various electrochemical sensors. The performance of devices relying on ionic conduction depends on achieving high ionic conductivity while maintaining chemical and electrochemical stability at interfaces.

Key development goals include achieving high ionic conductivity at room temperature, chemical and electrochemical stability with electrodes, and mechanical compatibility for device assembly. Ongoing research explores new compositions, defect chemistry, and processing methods to reduce interfacial resistance and improve durability.