The electrochemical measurement of oxygen activity using ion-conducting solid electrolytes (k-sensors) has become widely known, at least since the application of three-way catalysts in the postcombustion of exhaust gases from spark-ignition engines. However, the use of solid ion conductors is not limited to control devices. There are various other potential applications and numerous problems which can be studied: the formation of oxides in the course of catalytic reactions on metal surfaces, the improvement of selectivity and yield of catalytic reactions, such as the epoxidation of ethylene on silver catalysts and, finally, the cogeneration of electrical energy during oxidation reactions, such as the partial oxidation of methanol to formaldehyde.
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