POLARIZATION STUDIES ON SOLID ELECTROLYTE CELLS WITH A FULLY AUTOMATED GALVANOSTATIC CURRENT INTERRUPTION TECHNIQUE

A versatile technique has been described which allows for accurate separation of electrode and electrolyte polarization contributions in solid electrolyte cells. No prior model assumptions are made and polarization behaviour can be studied for currents ranging from 1 μA to 500 mA. The data acquisition and all instrument function are controlled by a microcomputer. Measurements on equivalent circuits simulating solid electrolyte cells indicate that the error in separating electrode and electrolyte polarization contribution was less than 2%. Three important aspects of current flow in zirconia-based solid electrolyte cells, studied by this technique, have been described. These are the stability of the electrode material with respect to temperature and current flow, decomposition of the electrolyte and cell heating especially during heavy current passage. © 1990.