Ionic Conductivity

Ionic Conductivity

Ionic conduction (denoted by λ-lambda) is the movement of an ion from one site to another through defects in the crystal lattice of a solid.

Ionic conduction is one aspect of current. In solids, ions typically occupy fixed positions in the crystal lattice and do not move. However, ionic conduction can occur, especially as the temperature increases.

Ionic conduction is one of the mechanisms by which microwave ovens are believed to work. Microwaves cause ions dissolved in the microwaved sample to oscillate, colliding with neighboring molecules or atoms. These collisions cause agitation or motion, or heat. This mechanism is "important when considering the heating behavior of ionic liquids" within a microwave.

Ionic conduction in solids has been a subject of interest since the beginning of the 19th century. Michael Faraday established in 1839 that the laws of electrolysis are also obeyed in ionic solids like lead(II) fluoride (PbF₂) and silver sulfide (Ag₂S).