Article contents
Ion motion and electrochemistry in nanostructures
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 18 November 2011
Abstract
Ionic motion and electrochemistry in bulk materials and at their surfaces have long been studied for their relevance in several areas of science and technology, ranging from ionic conductors to batteries to fuel cells. The ability to engineer materials at the nanometer scale, however, has made these concepts even more relevant. This is due to the large surface-to-volume ratios typical of nanostructures. This implies, for instance, that chemical reactivity and defect motion at surfaces or interfaces are enhanced or may be fundamentally different compared to their bulk counterparts. In addition, nominally modest voltages or differences in chemical potential when applied across nanoscale distances can produce large electric fields and diffusive forces. While all of this may complicate the interpretation of experimental results, it also presents us with new opportunities for materials engineering. In this article, we will briefly review the current research status of several systems where ionic motion and electrochemical effects are of particular importance. These include resistive switching systems, oxide heterostructures, ferroelectric materials, and ionic liquids. We will report on experimental results and also emphasize open questions regarding their interpretation. We will conclude by discussing future research directions in the field.
- Type
- Research Article
- Information
- MRS Bulletin , Volume 36 , Issue 11: Progress and future directions for atomic layer deposition and ALD-based chemistry , November 2011 , pp. 914 - 920
- Copyright
- Copyright © Materials Research Society 2011
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