Enhanced ionic conductivity in composite electrolytes
Abstract Formation of a space-charge layer around the alumina particles cannot account for the large enhanced ionic conductivity reported for several composite materials. Conductivity studies of AgCl-alumina fiber composites demonstrate that the enhanced conductivity path is not confined to a layer along the alumina interface. The enhanced conduction is correlated with the presence of grain boundaries or dislocations formed by plastic deformation and primary recrystallization of the AgCl. The most important role of the alumina fibers or particles is to limit the grain size of the AgCl and stabilize the more highly conductive polycrystalline microstructure.