A mathematical model of the impedance response of porous air electrodes in alkaline solutions, based on flooded agglomerate theory, was developed. The model results provides insight into characteristic features of the impedance spectra according to the relative rate of the various reactions and mass transfer processes occurring. The modelled spectra where dissolution, transport and reaction of oxygen dominates the impedance are close to ideal semicircles. With increasing contribution from ionic transport in the Solution inside the pores, two distinct features occur, namely the appearance of a 45, branch at high frequencies, and an inductive loop at low frequenices. Examples from the literature where inductive loops Occurs are given. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.