Characteristics of Oxygen Reduction on Nanocrystalline YSZ

Abstract

In this paper we present a series of experimental results indicating improved oxygen reduction characteristics on nanocrystalline YSZ surfaces. We compare 1) cathodic interface impedances on nanocrystalline and microcrystalline YSZ; 2) oxygen exchange rate on and bulk diffusivity in nano-YSZ and single crystal YSZ; and 3) bulk and surface conductivities of nano-YSZ. The results collectively indicate that oxygen reduction/exchange rate is faster on nanocrystalline YSZ than on micro- and single crystal YSZ, which likely is related to fast oxygen transport on the surface.