Diffusion mechanisms differ in ceramics due to multiple species with varying charges that must balance, often limiting diffusion to the slowest moving species like vacancies. Diffusion is crucial in ceramics for tailoring mechanical properties and enabling ion transport in batteries and fuel cells. Phase diagrams show equilibrium phases and compositions at given temperatures. They are used to understand diffusion effects and interpret final material structures by identifying compounds, solid solutions, and lever rule calculations for multiphase regions.