Work function in studying mechanism and kinetics of heterogeneous reactions in the system : oxygen-nonstoichiometric oxides

Mechanics and kinetics of oxygen chemisorption and its incorporation into the lattice of nonstoichiometric oxides have been discussed. Divergencies in structural properties between the bulk and the surface layer of the oxide lattice have been considered. The electronic properties of nonstoichiometric oxides have been described in terms of energetic model of semiconductor surface and the work function has been defined as the parameter characterizing the surface properties.The method of the work function measurements for studying polycrystalline oxides has been described. The experimental data have been given to illustrate the application of the work function measurements for kinetic investigations of chemisorption and ionic transport processes in the surface layer of nonstoichiometric oxides. Application of high temperature measurements of the work function for studying phase equilibria in metal oxides has been discussed.