The state-of-the-art in realization of the method of distribution of relaxation times (DRT) as applied to the analysis of data of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is briefly surveyed. The theoretical fundamentals of the DRT method are described, the methods of solving the Fredholm equation of the 1st order with respect to the unknown DRT function are considered as an ill-defined problem. The Tikhonov regularization method presently considered as the most suitable for solving this equation is discussed. For several numerical experiments, the high resolution of the DRT method and its stability with respect to noise in impedance spectra are demonstrated. Among the problems and limitations of the DRT methods, the choice of the optimal regularization coefficient is considered as the most significant. Particularly, it is shown that in those cases where several relaxation processes with the constant phase angle appear in the response of objects under study to ac disturbances, different regularization coefficients should be selected for each of these elements in order to obtain adequate results.

This review focuses on recent advances in the study of segregation processes, namely modeling, segregation on single and polycrystalline samples, effects of polarization, interdiffusion, different atmospheres and exsolution of nanoparticles.

The current work focuses on the investigation of the structural and electrical properties of La2NiO4±δ, La1.7Sr0.3NiO4±δ and La1.7Ca0.3NiO4±δ layered perovskites and electrochemical performance of the cathodes on their base in contact with the Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 electrolyte with special attention given to the influence of the introduction of the sintering additives (CuO, Bi0.75Y0.25O1.5) into cathode layers on their in-plane and polarization resistances. Studies by the dc four-probe technique and impedance spectroscopy were performed on the samples with/without the collector layer on a base of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 with different sintering temperatures of the electrode layers