A mechanism for the fast ionic transport in nanostructured oxide-ion solid electrolytes

Ionic transport in nanostructured solid electrolytes is investigated using an atomistic model that clarifies the enhanced conductivity (see figure) of these materials. It is based on the fast diffusion of free oxygen vacancies through the grain boundaries. A transition observed in the ionic conductivity of the nanoceramics as a function of temperature, caused by a change in the transport mechanism, is also explained.