Measurements of the kinetics of metal oxidation using a solid state electrochemical cell

A new experimental method has been developed for measuring the kinetics of reaction of metals with oxygen. The apparatus utilises two high temperature electrochemical cells which are controlled by an electronic circuit which maintains a constant partial pressure of oxygen and, at the same time, measures the instantaneous rate of consumption of oxygen during the metal-gas reaction. The cells incorporate a calcia-stabilised zirconia electrolyte. The method was evaluated by measuring the kinetics of reaction of iron with oxygen. The results obtained are in good agreement with previously published results, but the new method is shown to be much more sensitive to transient kinetic effects.