An Investigation of the Hebb-Wagner’s d-c Polarization Technique I. Steady-state Chemical Potential Profiles in Solid Electrolytes

Using an electrochemical cell, Ag/AgX (X=Br or I)/C, the steady-state chemical potential profiles of silver in AgX were determined under d-c polarization conditions. Several Pt probes were attached to the AgX specimens, and the potential differences between the Ag electrode and the Pt probes were measured. It was found that, in order to obtain the correct chemical potential profiles, the Pt probes must be embedded in the specimen to avoid influences of the degradation of AgX at the surface of the specimen. The results obtained by the cell with carefully assembled probes revealed that Wagner’s theory holds for AgX.