Electrolytic Conduction in Calcium-Doped Solid Cerium Oxide

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Abstract
At 460°C the passage of direct current through ceramic pellets of cerium dioxide containing one weight percent calcium oxide caused distinct volume discolorations to appear. The current at constant applied bias increased gradually from its initial value during the formation of the discolored regions, finally reaching a new, stable, higher level if sufficient time elapsed. In the latter case, both anode and cathode surfaces were discolored and the discoloration extended completely through the body of a pellet. When insufficient time was allowed for the current to reach a new, stable level, only the cathode surface was discolored and the discoloration extended only part way through the material. The discolorations could always be removed by heating the pellets for one hour in air at 600°C and the entire process could be repeated many times. These effects are interpreted to indicate that a significant fraction of the current in this material at this temperature is carried by oxygen ions which move to the anode where they are ``plated-out'' leaving reduced, discolored material.

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