Method and apparatus for separating oxygen from a gaseous mixture

A method for removing oxygen from a mixture of gases containing oxygen and inert gases, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side, said solid electrolyte comprising a ceramic oxide, a first dopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, a second dopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, wherein the ratio of the mole percentages of said first dopant to said second dopant is in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10;
• creating an electrical potential between said first side and said second side;
• and
• placing said mixture of gases in contact with said first side such that oxygen is transported through said electrolyte but said inert gases remain on said first side of said electrolyte.

A method for removing water from a mixture of gases containing water and inert gases, said method comprising the steps of:

• obtaining a solid electrolyte having a first side and a second side, said solid electrolyte comprising a ceramic oxide, a first dopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, a second dopant incorporated within said ceramic oxide, wherein the ratio of the mole percentages of said first dopant to said second dopant is in the range of from about 6.5:10 to about 9.5:10;
• creating an electrical potential between said first side and said second side;
• and
• placing said mixture of gases and water in contact with said first side such that the water is disassociated into hydrogen and oxygen, and such that the resulting oxygen is transported through said electrolyte but said inert gases and said hydrogen remain on said first side of said electrolyte.