3. Conduction in an electrolyte: microscopic approach

To be able to discuss the conduction mechanisms at play at microscopic level in an electrolyte, a large amount of experimental data is required. Not only must we be sure of our precise knowledge of the nature and concentration of charge carriers (which is not always easy, cf. § 2), but information on the mechanisms is not to be found in an isolated measurement of conductivity or transport number (cf. § 4). It is necessary to study the influence of at least one other parameter, such as temperature or oxygen pressure for a solid oxide. Such comprehensive data are not always available, so any discussion of conduction mechanisms should be treated with caution.