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, i
s 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 tile? effect of the surface layer on the transfer of charge and ma
tter at tile oxygen/zirconia interface. Impact of surface processing of zir
conia, involving incorporation of aliovalent ions into the surface layer, o
n the formation of the bi-functional zirconia is discussed. Application of
the bi-functional zirconia for construction of a new generation of electrod
eless electrochemical devices is discussed.