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• Atomic Force Microscope
• Surface Potential Imaging
• Local Redox of Solid Oxide

Local Redox of Solid Oxide

The interface between a solid oxygen ion conducting electrolyte (YSZ or GDC) and an electrode has significant impact on the performance of electrochemical devices. In this section, the local rearrangement of oxide vacancies and electrons at the interface due to an applied electric bias was observed using scanning probe microscopy (SPM).

A sequence of surface potential maps, after applying cathodic bias in air, indicates instant reduction followed by rapid oxidation of electrolyte surface. A vacuum environment was employed to ensure significant delay in the oxidation process. Anodic bias in air, however, induces local accumulation of positive charges leaving the surface potential around the biased area elevated for a long time. This implies oxide vacancy formation at the surface during the bias application.