Fast-ionic-conductor behavior of driven lattice-gas models

Abstract

We discuss driven diffusive lattice-gas systems as a model for fast ionic conductors, derive associated hydrodynamic equations and expressions for transport coefficients, and compare mean-field theory, Monte Carlo results and experimental observations. The comparison between model and real behaviours helps to understand some properties of those materials which seem to be characterized by the occurrence of nonequilibrium steady states and phase transitions. In particular, our study suggests the existence in Nature of a novel (nonequilibrium) universality class.

Key Words:

• Superionic conductors
• nonequilibrium phase transitions
• driven diffusive systems
• nonequilibrium steady states
• hydrodynamic equations
• nonequilibrium lattice models
• statistical mechanics