Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 10, 2025

In Situ Neutron Powder Diffraction Using Custom-made Lithium-ion Batteries
Published on: November 10, 2014
Transient Charging of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conductors by Anomalous Diffusion
Heyi Zhang1,2, Gonzalo Rivera-Sierra1, Shirin Siahjani-Gultekin1,3
1Instituto de Tecnología Química (ITQ), Universitat Politècnica de València- Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (UPV-CSIC), València, 46022, Spain.
This study reveals how anomalous diffusion impacts charge transport in mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs). Understanding this phenomenon is key for optimizing energy storage and bioelectronic devices.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Solid-State Physics
Background:
- Mixed ionic-electronic conductors (MIECs) are vital for energy storage, bioelectronics, and neuromorphic computing.
- Optimizing device performance hinges on understanding charge transport dynamics in MIECs.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate transient charging behavior in representative MIEC systems.
- Focus on the role of anomalous diffusion in charge transport.
- Correlate electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transient current measurements.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and transient current measurements.
- Applied the transmission line model for analysis.
- Employed fractional exponent fitting to characterize diffusion.
Main Results:
- Established a strong correlation between impedance response and transient current dynamics.
- Demonstrated the significant role of anomalous diffusion in MIEC charge transport.
- Characterized three MIEC systems: PEDOT:PSS, WO3, and n-doped PBDF.
Conclusions:
- Fractional diffusion is a key factor in MIEC charge transport.
- Findings inform the design of advanced electrochemical devices.
- Provides fundamental insights into charge carrier behavior in MIECs.
Related Concept Videos
Carrier Transport
Drift Current:
The drift of charge carriers is started by an external electric field (E). Charged particles, such as electrons and holes, experience an acceleration between collisions with lattice atoms. For electrons, this results in a drift velocity (vd) given by:
Charging Conductors By Induction
Generally, conductors like metals do not allow any excess charge to be present on them. Any excess charge added to metals easily flows away, for example, when a metal is placed on the Earth. This process is called earthing.
However, conductors can be charged by a process called induction. For example, consider charging a...
Theory of Metallic Conduction
In this theory, Newton's second law of motion is used to determine the acceleration of an electron in the presence of an applied electric field. Then, its velocity is expressed via this acceleration.
An electron moves through the crystal, containing positive ions,...
Drift Velocity
Ion Exchange
Charge on a Conductor

