Proton Conductivity of Natural Diatomite

Abstract

ABSTRACTProton conductivity of the natural diatomite was studied by ac complex impedance technique. At room temperature, the highest proton conductivity was found to be 4.5 x 10-7 S·cm-1. By hydrating the diatomite, the proton conductivity was increased to two orders of magnitude higher. The room temperate proton conductivity of the hydrated diatomite (5.5 x 10-5 S·cm-1) was comparable to other hydrated solid proton conductors. The natural diatomite could be used as potential cost-effective proton conductor for electrochemical applications.