In 1899, W. Nernst published a paper entitled "On the Electrolytic Conduction of Solid Bodies at Very High Temperatures" in Zeitschrift fuer Elektrochemie. In this paper, Nernst reported his discovery of ionic conduction in solid zirconia at high temperatures and described his experiments, observations, and conclusions on the electrical conduction of the material. Since that time, the science and technology of zirconia electrolytes has advanced significantly. Zirconia electrolytes are the fundamental building block for solid oxide fuel cells, oxygen generators, electrolysis cells, oxygen sensors, and integrated ceramic reactors. This paper is written to mark the centenary of the discovery and discusses certain aspects of several important zirconia-based electrochemical technologies.
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