ionic conduction

Ionic conduction in physics occurs when ions move through a material, creating an electrical current. This movement is typically a "hopping" motion from one site to another within a crystal lattice. While all solids can conduct electricity through ion hopping, this process usually results in a very small current compared to electron conduction.

Ionic conductivity is influenced by temperature; higher temperatures provide more thermal energy, increasing the frequency of ion hops. This type of conduction is crucial in certain technologies, such as batteries, where electrolytes are designed to conduct ions more effectively than electrons. Materials like beta-alumina are examples of crystal electrolytes that readily conduct specific ions, like silver or sodium.1