The evolution of solid state ionics from 19th century physics to green energy
In short: Researchers tracing the history of Solid State Ionics found that the field grew from fundamental 19th-century physics into a cornerstone of modern green technology. They identified key milestones, such as Walther Nernst's work on ionic conduction and the later discovery of silver iodide properties, which paved the way for today's solid-state batteries and fuel cells.
The study maps how early concepts like transport laws, entropy, and point-defect thermodynamics provided the theoretical framework for understanding how ions move through solids. This progression moved from visualizing disorder in crystals to developing advanced electrolytes for environmental preservation.
This historical overview is based on a review of literature regarding European developments in materials science. A limitation of this approach is that it focuses primarily on the chronological evolution of theory and discovery rather than specific industrial production metrics.
Why it matters: Understanding the history of materials science helps explain how 19th-century physics enables today's transition to green energy.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Research: Funke (2013). Solid State Ionics: from Michael Faraday to green energy—the European dimension. Science and Technology of Advanced Materials.
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