ionengeleidende

Ionengeleidende refers to materials and substances that conduct ions rather than electrons. These ionic conductors are central to devices where charge transport occurs through ions, such as batteries, fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and separation membranes. Ionengeleidende materials can be solid, liquid, or gel-like, and they may function as electrolytes or ion-conducting components within a device.

In solids, ion transport occurs through diffusion within a crystal lattice or amorphous network. Ions migrate via vacancies, interstitial sites, or open diffusion pathways in frameworks such as oxides, sulfides, or garnets. In polymers, conduction arises from the motion of ions facilitated by the segmental motion of polymer chains. In liquids or molten salts, ions move freely as charge carriers. Proton conductors may use mechanisms like the Grotthuss mechanism, while other cations often rely on a vehicle or vacancy-based diffusion.

Classes and examples include solid electrolytes (ceramic oxides such as yttria-stabilized zirconia and garnet-type lithium lanthanum zirconate; sulfide-based electrolytes like LGPS), polymer electrolytes (polyethylene oxide–based systems with salt), and ionic liquids or molten salts as liquid electrolytes. Composite electrolytes combine inorganic and organic components to balance properties.

Applications are dominated by energy storage and conversion technologies, notably rechargeable batteries (including solid-state and lithium- or sodium-based systems), fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and selective ion separation. Challenges include interfacial resistance with electrodes, mechanical brittleness, chemical stability, and dendrite formation in metal-electrolyte systems. Ongoing research aims to achieve high ionic conductivity at room temperature, stable interfaces, and scalable manufacturing through material design and advanced processing.