Electrical Properties of Superionic Conductors

Superionic conductors are solids in which one species of ion achieves mobilities comparable to those in liquid electrolytes, resulting in exceptionally high ionic conductivity while maintaining a rigid host lattice. Such materials combine the mechanical stability of ceramics with ion‐transport rates approaching or exceeding 10⁻³ S cm⁻¹ at ambient temperature. The rapid migration of mobile ions is governed by a network of interstitial sites, vacancies or channel networks within frameworks such as argyrodites, NASICONs (sodium super ionic conductors), perovskites and glass ceramics. Ionic transport is strongly influenced by lattice polarisation, vibrational modes and point‐defect chemistry, which in turn depend on composition, temperature and microstructure. Electrical properties of superionic conductors span DC ionic conductivity, dielectric permittivity and frequency‐dependent responses, which are probed by impedance spectroscopy, broadband dielectric measurements and nuclear magnetic resonance. These materials are central to solid‐state batteries, electrochemical sensors, fuel cells and memory devices, offering safety and energy‐density advantages over liquid electrolytes. Recent advances in tuning structural disorder, controlling grain boundaries and engineering interfaces have further enhanced conductivity and cyclability, paving the way towards scalable, high‐performance energy technologies with reduced reliance on conventional liquid electrolytes.

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Electrical Properties of Superionic Conductors publication trend

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Technical terms

Superionic conductor: Solid material in which one ionic species exhibits liquid‐like mobility, resulting in high ionic conductivity while the host lattice remains intact.

Ionic conductivity: Measure of a material’s ability to conduct charged ions under an electric field, typically in siemens per centimetre (S cm⁻¹).

Argyrodite: Family of crystalline compounds characterised by a tetrahedral anion framework and high mobile‐ion disorder, often used as solid electrolytes.

Phonon: Quantum of lattice vibration that can couple to ionic motion, influencing transport and thermal properties.

Solid electrolyte: Non‐liquid ionic conductor used in electrochemical devices to replace conventional liquid electrolytes, enhancing safety and stability.

References

1. Fundamentals of Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries: Challenges and Perspectives. Frontiers in Materials (2020).
2. Twinning, Superstructure and Chemical Ordering in Spryite, Ag8(As3+0.50As5+0.50)S6, at Ultra-Low Temperature: An X-Ray Single-Crystal Study. Minerals (2021).
3. Peculiarities of crystal structure and mechanism of ionic conductivity of solid solutions in system Cu6PS5I-Cu6AsS5I. Scientific Herald of Uzhhorod University Series Physics (2018).