Ion and mixed conducting oxides as catalysts

This paper gives a survey of the catalytic properties of solid oxides which display oxygen ion or mixed (i.e. ionic + electronic) conductivity. Particular consideration is given to the oxidation-reduction reactions of gas phase components, but attention is also devoted to oxygen exchange between gas and oxide. An attempt has been made to relate and explain the observed phenomena such as catalytic activity and selectivity in terms of the electrical conducting properties of the oxides, which depend on their crystal and defect structures. In a number of cases possible applications of these materials in (electro)catalytic reactors, sensors, fuel cells, oxygen pumps, etc. are indicated.