Solid state ionics: electrochemistry meets materials science

摘要

Most chemists and physicists, when hearing the term "electrochemistry", think of aqueous electrolytes and reactions such as oxidative dissolution of Zn or electrolysis of water. Modern electrochemistry, however, has a much broader view, and many electrochemical systems employ non-aqueous electrolytes, including solid electrolytes such as ceramics and polymers. For example, all technologically important types of fuel cells, many modern batteries, gas sensors, permeation reactors, and other electrochemical devices are based on non-aqueous ion conductors. Of particular importance are ion-conducting solids since they can offer substantial advantages compared to liquid systems, such as improved mechanical, thermal, or chemical stability. Accordingly, the number of research groups dealing with ion conducting solids has strongly increased recently (and still is increasing). The corresponding solid state electrochemical activities represent a substantial part of the research field generally known as 'Solid State Ionics'.