| abstract |
A composite oxygen ion transport element (1) that has a layered structure formed by a dense layer (10) to transport oxygen ions and electrons and a porous support layer (12) to provide mechanical support. The dense layer (10) can be formed of a mixture of a mixed conductor, an ionic conductor, and a metal. The porous support layer (12) can be fabricated from an oxide dispersion strengthened metal, a metal-reinforced intermetallic alloy, a boron-doped M05Si3-based intermetallic alloy or combinations thereof. The support layer (12) can be provided with a network of non-interconnected pores (14) and each of said pores (14) communicates between opposite surfaces of said support layer (12). Such a support layer (12) can be advantageously employed to reduce diffusion resistance in any type of element, including those using a different material makeup than that outlined above. |