Surface potential of yttria-stabilised zirconia at elevated temperatures

Surface electrical potential of yttria-doped zirconia (10 mol %) was monitored using work function measurements in contact with gas phase of controlled oxygen partial pressure during heating and cooling at different rates in the temperature range 298-1173 K. The WF vs. temperature characteristics indicate that the oxygen/zirconia system assumes equilibrium above 1000 K. The effect of temperature on WF data is considered in terms of both oxygen chemisorption on zirconia and electronic structure of zirconia.