A model of Bi-functional zirconia

The paper considers an effect of the gas/solid interface on performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC's). Specifically, application of bi-functional zirconia, involving the functions of a solid electrolyte and electrodes, is outlined. A model, describing the effect of segregation on the formation of a bi-dimensional surface layer, is proposed. The model is considered in terms of the effect of the surface layer on the transfer of charge and matter at the oxygen/zirconia interface. Impact of surface processing of zirconia, involving incorporation of aliovalent ions into the surface layer, on the formation of the bi-functional zirconia is discussed. Application of the bi-functional zirconia for construction of a new generation of electrodeless electrochemical devices is discussed.