Industrial Research scientists have already secured a US patent for one of their ceramic superconductors. In addition to the ongoing search for substances which will superconduct at higher temperatures and higher electrical currents, Industrial Research scientists have a range of projects aimed at understanding the basic physics of the materials. They are also working on developing superconductors with enhanced properties such as wires which will carry high electrical currents in the presence of large magnetic fields. Most of the new superconductors lose their current-carrying capacity when exposed to a moderate magnetic field but electric motors, and many other applications, require a combination of large currents and large magnetic fields. It looks at conductors which operate at high temperatures by the process of diffusion of ions.
Ions are atoms or molecules which carry a positive or negative charge.
In the case of oxygen ion conductors, the negatively charged oxygen ions diffuse from an area of high concentration towards an area of low concentration and the transported charge provides the mechanism which conducts electrical energy. By providing an oxygen supply on one side of an oxygen ion conductor and removing oxygen on the other side by combustion with a fuel such as hydrogen or methane, an electric current is generated. This type of battery is called a fuel cell. It can also be used in reverse to pump oxygen by applying a voltage over the cell. Oxygen ion conductors are made of ceramic oxides.