The Electrical Properties of Oxides Under Conditions of Oxidation, Reduction and Catalysis

Many oxides show interesting electrical and chemical properties which are being explored in technological applications. Some examples are: their use as field dependent conductors (varistors), as gas sensors (humidity, oxygen, gases), and as catalysts. In our lecture we will analyze some problems connected with the basic mechanisms of such devices. We will include new concepts to elucidate the role of chemisorbed oxygen in the gas sensing mechanism.