Conductivity of β″ and ion rich β alumina.I.H.+(H2O)n compounds

The conductivity and thermal stability of H⁺(H₂O)_n β″ and ion rich β alumina single crystals have been measured by the complex impedance method in the 25–700°C temperature range. Two mechanisms of conductivity were assumed: proton transfer at lower temperatures and H₃O⁺ diffusion in the high-temperature range. Both structures have similar properties, but ion rich β alumina possesses the best stability and the lowest activation energy (β: 0.15 eV, β″: 0.20 eV below 400 and 300°C respectively). The room-temperature conductivity is ≈5×10^?6 Ω^?1 cm^?1. The conducting properties and mechanisms are discussed and compared to other protonic or ionic conductors.