Understanding Fast-Ion Conduction in Solid Electrolytes

The ability of some solid materials to exhibit exceptionally high ionic conductivities has been known since the observations of Michael Faraday in the 19th century [1], yet a detailed understanding of the atomic scale physics that gives rise to this behaviour remains an open scientific question. This theme issue collects articles from researchers working on the question of understanding fast-ion conduction in solid electrolytes.

The issue opens with two perspectives, both of which discuss particular concepts that have been proposed over time as schema for understanding fast-ion conduction in solid electrolytes. The first perspective presents an overview of a series of experimental NMR studies, and uses this to frame discussion of the role in fast-ion conduction of mobileion–ion interactions, crystallographic disorder, lowdimensionality of crystal structures, and fast interfacial diffusion in nanocomposite materials. The second perspective reviews computational studies of halides, oxides, sulfides, and hydroborates, focussing on the concept of frustration and how this can manifest in different forms in various fast-ion conductors.

The issue also includes five primary research articles, each of which presents a detailed analysis of the factors affecting the microscopic ion-diffusion in one specific fast-ion conducting solid electrolyte, including oxide-ion conductors; Gd₂Zr₂O₇ and Bi₄V₂O₁₁; lithium-ion conductors; Li₆PS₅Br and Li₃OCl; and the prototypical fluoride-ion conductor β-PbF .

This article is part of the theme issue “Understanding Fast-Ion Conduction in Solid Electrolytes”.