Work function variations and oxygen conduction in a Pt|ZrO2(Y2O3)|Pt solid electrolyte cell

The working electrode in a Pt|ZrO2(Y2O3)|Pt solid electrolyte cell has been investigated by photoelectron spectroscopy in an ultra-high-vacuum environment. Changes in the electrode work function have been correlated with the oxygen ion transport through the cell. The work function change is found to be independent of the temperature in the temperature regime in which the cell operates as an oxygen conductor. Oxygen 1s core level photoemission is indicative of the presence of negative oxygen species at the surface of the working electrode during oxygen pumping.