Some Problems in the Use of Solid-state Galvanic Cells at Low Temperatures : the Determination of the Eutectoid Temperature of the Iron–Oxygen System

Abstract

THE use of solid-state galvanic cells to obtain thermodynamic information is now well established, and the present work was carried out to obtain experience in the use of zirconia doped with lime, as solid electrolyte for oxygen ions only, at low temperatures. Previous experience with this electrolyte has been above 700° C, below which the resistance of the electrolyte rapidly increases and it becomes correspondingly more difficult to obtain information with useful accuracy. The major cause of inaccuracy at low temperatures is non-attainment of equilibrium in the electrodes. This can be severe where alloys are involved and may limit the lowest temperature at which reliable equilibrated results can be obtained.