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Chemistry · Glossary

What is Ionic conductors?

Also known as: ionic conductor · solid electrolyte

Definition 22.22 University Chemistry — Year 3 · Chapter 22 — Solid-State Chemistry: Bands, Defects and Semiconductors

An ionic conductor is a solid in which the current is carried by ions moving through the lattice. A solid electrolyte is an ionic conductor whose electronic conductivity is negligible, so that it can separate the two electrodes of an electrochemical cell.

The zirconia oxygen sensor in cross-section: porous platinum electrodes on the two faces of the solid electrolyte, one in the exhaust and one in air. Oxide ions carry the current through the electrolyte; the voltage measures the ratio of the two oxygen pressures.
The zirconia oxygen sensor in cross-section: porous platinum electrodes on the two faces of the solid electrolyte, one in the exhaust and one in air. Oxide ions carry the current through the electrolyte; the voltage measures the ratio of the two oxygen pressures.
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