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In situ characterization of the formation of a mixed conducting phase on the surface of yttria-stabilized zirconia near Pt electrodes

Journal Article · · Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics
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  1. Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States). Materials Physics Dept.

The electrochemical reactions of solid oxide fuel cells occur in the region where gas-phase species, electrode, and electrolyte coincide. When the electrode is an ionic insulator and the electrolyte is an electronic insulator, this triple phase boundary is assumed to have atomic dimensions. For this study, we use photoemission electron microscopy to show that the reduced surface of the electrolyte yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) has a sharp electronic metal-insulator boundary near Pt negative electrodes. The electronic conductivity of the reduced YSZ allows for oxygen reduction, allowing the reduced YSZ to behave as an extended triple phase boundary. This extended triple phase boundary can be many microns in size, depending on oxygen pressure, temperature, applied voltage, and time.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-CA), Livermore, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Office of Science (SC), Basic Energy Sciences (BES) (SC-22). Materials Sciences & Engineering Division
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
1426893
Report Number(s):
SAND2014--17609J; 537445
Journal Information:
Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics, Journal Name: Physical Review. B, Condensed Matter and Materials Physics Journal Issue: 12 Vol. 92; ISSN 1098-0121; ISSN PRBMDO
Publisher:
American Physical Society (APS)
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

References (27)

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