Understanding Oxygen Pump Function | NGK 2008 News and Image

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Oxygen pumps utilize a mechanism involving zirconia (ZrO2), which can conduct oxygen ions when a voltage is applied. The discussion clarifies that oxygen molecules do not need to pass through the platinum electrode directly; instead, the platinum serves to facilitate the conversion of oxygen molecules into oxygen ions. This ionization is essential for the pumping process. The confusion around zirconium being labeled as a "rare Earth metal" is addressed, emphasizing that while zirconium is not a rare Earth element, the terminology can be misleading. The participants seek clarity on whether oxygen molecules can be pumped directly or if ionization through platinum is a necessary step.
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lol the website says Zr is a rare Earth metal. That is such a confusing way to say Zr is rare.

I think you are confusing oxygen anion and oxygen molecules.
 
HAYAO said:
the website says Zr is a rare Earth metal. That is such a confusing way to say Zr is rare.

Nothing confusing here (and no, they don't mean it is rare).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_earth_element
 
anything about my actual question please?
 
Borek said:
Nothing confusing here (and no, they don't mean it is rare).

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rare_earth_element
My research is Rare Earths so don't worry, I know these stuff.

I meant that Zr is not rare Earth elements. However, I suspected that most likely the author of the website meant that Zr is just simply an element that is rare, which I thought would cause confusion among those who don't know much about what "Rare Earth" really means.
 
physea said:
anything about my actual question please?
HAYAO said:
I think you are confusing oxygen anion and oxygen molecules.
 

what do you mean exactly?
It is not possible to pump oxygen molecules from a gas chamber?
Or platinum is required to convert them to ions and then to pump them?
 
anyone?
 
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