In situ off-axis electron holography of metal-oxide hetero-interfaces in oxygen atmosphere.

Off-axis electron holography has been extended to in situ observations in gas atmospheres. The Yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ)-Pt hetero-interface was characterized by electron holography at high temperature in a vacuum and in an oxygen atmosphere. Analysis of the phase shift profiles revealed high mobility of anions in the oxide in the vicinity of the interface in the oxygen atmosphere. This would compensate for any increase in the number of oxygen vacancies in YSZ through the metal interface.