DYNAMICS OF THE YSZ-PT INTERFACE

Yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-Pt point electrodes were examined by linear potential sweep, potential step and impedance measurements at 1 000 degrees C in air. Inductive loops and hysteresis phenomena with lo ng relaxation times were found. Atomic force microscopy showed changes of the interface between Pt and YSZ induced by the current passage. T hese changes involve transport of solid and are slow enough to explain the large time constants. The low frequency capacitance and inductive loop forming an entire circle indicate the presence of gas reservoirs at the YSZ-Pt interface.