Conductivity variations in composites of α-zirconium phosphate and fumed silica

Composite proton-conducting solid electrolytes have been formed from α-zirconium phosphate (α-Zr(HPO₄)₂·H₂O, α-ZrP) and high surface area non-porous fumed silica in varying mole ratios. Conductivity variations as a function of temperature and relative humidity have been characterised and compared to that for a similarly prepared delaminated ZrP (no silica). Conductivities increase with relative humidity and E_a decreases at high silica mole fractions. Conduction is via exposed lamellar surfaces and other microstructural imperfections in the composites.