Thermodynamic Quantities and Defect Structure of La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ(y=0–0.6) from High-Temperature Coulometric Titration Experiments

The partial energies and entropies of O₂in perovskite-type oxides La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1−yFe_yO_3−δ(y=0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, 0.6) were determined as a function of nonstoichiometryδby coulometric titration of oxygen in the temperature range 650–950°C. An absolute reference value ofδwas obtained by thermogravimetry in air. The nonstoichiometry at a given oxygen pressure and temperature decreases with iron contenty. At low nonstoichiometries the oxygen chemical potential decreases withδ. The observed behavior can be interpreted by assuming random distribution of oxygen vacancies, an electronic structure with both localized donor states on Fe, and a partially filled itinerant electron band, of which the density of states at the Fermi level scales with the Co content. The energy of the Fe states is close to the energy at the Fermi level in the conduction band. The observed trends of the thermodynamic quantities can be interpreted in terms of the itinerant electron model only when the iron content is small. At high values ofδthe chemical potential of O₂becomes constant, indicating partial decomposition of the perovskite phase. The maximum value ofδat which the compositions are single-phase increases with temperature.     

Oxygen production using La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−α (LSCF) perovskite hollow fibre membrane modules

A phase-inversion/sintering technique has been employed in the production of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3−α (LSCF) hollow fibre membranes, a bundle of which has then been placed in a high-temperature furnace for production of high purity oxygen from air at temperatures between 980 °C and 1060 °C. By applying a vacuum in the hollow fibre lumens, a product stream containing oxygen purity of 97.15% has been obtained. The downstream vacuum degree higher than 99 kPa shows negligible effect on the oxygen production rate. Studies on long-term operation suggest that the LSCF hollow fibre membranes are less stable for the oxygen production due to the segregation of the constituent membrane elements and the formation of new phases on the outer membrane surfaces. The effect of the operating cycle on the retrogression of membrane performance is much larger than that of duration used in a single cycle.     

Thermodynamic Quantities and Defect Structure of La0.6Sr0.4Co1−yFeyO3−δ(y=0–0.6) from High-Temperature Coulometric Titration Experiments

The partial energies and entropies of O₂in perovskite-type oxides La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_1−yFe_yO_3−δ(y=0, 0.1, 0.25, 0.4, 0.6) were determined as a function of nonstoichiometryδby coulometric titration of oxygen in the temperature range 650–950°C. An absolute reference value ofδwas obtained by thermogravimetry in air. The nonstoichiometry at a given oxygen pressure and temperature decreases with iron contenty. At low nonstoichiometries the oxygen chemical potential decreases withδ. The observed behavior can be interpreted by assuming random distribution of oxygen vacancies, an electronic structure with both localized donor states on Fe, and a partially filled itinerant electron band, of which the density of states at the Fermi level scales with the Co content. The energy of the Fe states is close to the energy at the Fermi level in the conduction band. The observed trends of the thermodynamic quantities can be interpreted in terms of the itinerant electron model only when the iron content is small. At high values ofδthe chemical potential of O₂becomes constant, indicating partial decomposition of the perovskite phase. The maximum value ofδat which the compositions are single-phase increases with temperature.     

Properties of oxygen permeation and partial oxidation of methane in La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC)–La0.7Sr0.3Ga0.6Fe0.4O3−δ (LSGF) membrane

The oxygen separation membrane having perovskite structure for the partial oxidation of methane to synthesis gas was prepared. La_0.7Sr_0.3Ga_0.6Fe_0.4O_3−δ (LSGF) perovskite membrane coated with La_0.6Sr_0.4CoO_3−δ (LSC) (M1), and the one side of M1 membrane coated with NiO (M2) was prepared to examine the partial oxidation of methane. The single oxygen permeations of the LSC + LSGF (M1) membrane and NiO coated membrane (M2) were measured. The oxygen permeation flux in M1 membrane was higher than that of M1 membrane at 850 °C.

The partial oxidation experiment of methane using the prepared membranes was examined at 850 °C. The value of CH₄ conversion and CO selectivity of M2 membrane was higher than that of M1 membrane.

NiO/NiAl₂O₄ catalyst was used to improve the methane conversion, and the partial oxidation experiment of methane with M1 membrane was examined at 850 °C. The CH₄ conversion was 88%, and CO selectivity was 100%.     

Oxygen permeation through a Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ–La0.8Sr0.2CrO3−δ dual-phase composite membrane

A composite of oxygen ion conducting oxide Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_2−δ (60 vol.%) and electron conducting oxide La_0.8Sr_0.2CrO_3−δ was prepared by sintering a powder compact at a temperature of 1550 °C. No significant reaction between the two constituent oxides was observed under preparation and oxygen permeation conditions. Appreciable oxygen permeation fluxes through the composite membrane were measured at elevated temperatures with one side of it exposed to the ambient air and the other side to a flowing helium gas stream. The oxygen flux initially increased with time, and took a long time to reach a steady value. A steady oxygen permeation flux as high as 1.4 × 10⁻⁷ mol cm⁻² s⁻¹ was obtained with a 0.3 mm thick membrane at 950 °C under a relatively small oxygen partial pressure difference of 0.21 bar/0.0092 bar. It was revealed that the overall oxygen permeation process was mainly limited by the transport in the bulk of the membrane in the range of the membrane thickness greater than 1.0 mm, and the limitation by the surface oxygen exchange came into play at reduced thickness of 0.6 mm.     

Preparation and Characterization of Single-Phase Perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ

Single-phase perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ has been successfully prepared by using citrate-EDTA complexation method at relatively low calcination temperature. The structure and thermal decomposition process of the complex precursor have been investigated by means of differential scanning calorimetry-thermal gravimetric analysis (DSC/TGA), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) measurements. The precursor decomposed completely and started to form perovskite-type oxide above 420℃ according to the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results. Single-phase perovskite La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ obtained has been confirmed from the XRD pattern, and no peak of SrCO3 was found by XR.D of the oxides synthesized at a relatively low temperature of 800 ℃. The reducibility of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ was also characterized by the temperature programmed reduction (TPR) technique. Disk shaped dense La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ membrane was prepared by the isostatical pressing method. The oxygen flux rate of dense La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ membrane was (2.8-18)×10-8 mol/(cm2·s) in the temperature range of 800-1 000℃.     

Synthesis and ac susceptibility of YCa2Cu3O7−δ

The bulk superconducting YCa₂Cu₃O_7−δ compounds are prepared at an ordinary pressure of oxygen by conventional solid-state reaction method. The formation of sample is tested by means of XRD and is studied for their ac susceptibility below room temperature up to 77.5 K. The samples are found single-phase orthorhombic structure and found superconducting at 83.5 K. It is shown that the analysis is consistent with published data on YBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ oxide superconductor.     

Structure and Magnetism of Pr1−xSrxFeO3−δ

Crystal structure, redox, and magnetic properties for the Pr_1−xSr_xFeO_3−δ solid-solution phase have been studied. Oxidized samples (prepared in air at 900°C) crystallize in the GdFeO₃-type structure for 0≤x≤0.80, and probably in the Sr₈Fe₈O₂₃-type (unpublished) structure for x=0.90. Reduced samples (containing virtually only Fe³⁺) crystallize as the perovskite aristotype for x=0.50 and 0.67 with randomly distributed vacancies. The Fe⁴⁺ content increases linearly in the oxidized samples up to x≈0.70, whereupon it stabilizes at around 55%. Antiferromagnetic ordering of the G type is observed for oxidized samples (0≤x≤0.90) which show decreasing Néel temperature and ordered magnetic moment with increasing x, while the Néel temperature is nearly constant at 700 K for reduced samples. Electronic transitions for iron from an average-valence state via charge-separated to disproportionated states are proposed from anomalies in magnetic susceptibility curves in the temperature ranges 500–600 K and 150–185 K.     

Pyrochlore phases in the system ZnOBi2O3Sb2O5: II. Crystal structures of Zn2Bi3.08Sb2.92O14+δ and Zn2+xBi2.96−(x−y)Sb3.04−yO14.04+δ

Rietveld refinement of combined X-ray and neutron diffraction data has, within errors, confirmed the stoichiometries of two, cubic pyrochlore phases in the ZnOBi₂O₃Sb₂O₅ system. Neither phase has the ‘ideal’ stoichiometry, Zn₂Bi₃Sb₃O₁₄. One phase, P₁, is a Zn-rich, Bi-deficient solid solution Zn_2+xBi_{2.96−(x−y)}Sb_3.04−yO_14.04+δ. The other, P₂, is a Bi-rich line phase, stoichiometry Zn₂Bi_3.08Sb_2.92O_14+δ. Both structures have a mixture of Bi, Zn on the A-sites and Zn, Sb on the B-sites. However, Zn is displaced off-centre in the A-sites to achieve lower co-ordination number with realistic ZnO bond lengths. Additional structural complexities arise from: displacement of O(2) atoms; partial occupancies of O(1) and O(2) sites; partial occupancy of a third, interstitial oxygen site, O(3). Since the multiplicities of the off-centre sites are much higher than those of the ideal positions, there is considerable possibility for correlated short range order throughout the structures.     

The enhancement of oxygen flux on Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3−δ (BSCF) hollow fibers using silver surface modification

Ba_0.5Sr_0.5Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−δ (BSCF) hollow fibers were fabricated using a phase inversion/sintering method. As oxygen permeation of BSCF hollow fibers is controlled by the rate surface exchange kinetics, catalytic Ag particles were coated on both inner and outer surfaces using chemical deposition method, as verified by SEM and EDX. The Ag coated BSCF membranes showed up to 100% increase in oxygen permeation at 700 °C, and improvements lower than 10% were measured at 950 °C as compared with unmodified membranes. It was found that Ag catalyst surface loading was non-homogenous and concentrated on the perovskite grain boundaries. As a result, lighter Ag surface loading delivered improved oxygen flux while oxygen flux reached a maximum even though in the presence of excess catalyst loading. The catalytic activity of Ag was beneficial in enhancing surface reaction kinetics up to 850 °C attributed to the spillover effect. Above this temperature, the increase in oxygen permeation rate was marginally diminished due to the reduction of the spillover effect.     

Preparation and hydrogen permeation of BaCe0.95Nd0.05O3−δ membranes

A mixed proton–electron conducting perovskite made of BaCe_0.95Nd_0.05O_3−δ (BCN) was prepared by EDTA/citric acid complexing method. The precursor was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). In order to learn the perovskite formation process during the calcination, the intermediate, i.e. the sample calcined at 750 °C for 5 h, was investigated by scanning (STEM), energy-filtered (EFTEM), and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) as well as electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). The results revealed that the perovskite structure was formed via a solid-state reaction between barium–cerium mixed carbonate and cerium–neodymium mixed oxide particles. Dense mixed proton–electron conducting BCN membranes were made by pressing BCN powder followed by sintering. The microstructure of the sintered membranes was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Hydrogen permeation through the BCN membrane was studied using a high-temperature permeator. The hydrogen permeation fluxes under wet conditions are higher than those under dry conditions, which is due to increased proton concentrations in the H⁺ hopping via OH groups. The hydrogen permeation increased with increasing hydrogen and steam concentrations in the feed. For a steam concentration of 15 vol.%, the hydrogen permeation flux reaches 0.026 ml/min cm².     

Properties of the perovskites, SrMn1−xFexO3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3)

The SrMn_1−xFe_xO_3−δ (x=1/3, 1/2, 2/3) phases have been prepared and are shown by powder X-ray and neutron (for x=1/2) diffraction to adopt an ideal cubic perovskite structure with a disordered distribution of transition-metal cations over the six-coordinate B-site. Due to synthesis in air, the phases are oxygen deficient and formally contain both Fe³⁺ and Fe⁴⁺. Magnetic susceptibility data show an antiferromagnetic transition at 180 and 140 K for x=1/3 and 1/2, respectively and a spin-glass transition at 5, 25, 45 K for x=1/3, 1/2 and 2/3, respectively. The magnetic properties are explained in terms of super-exchange interactions between Mn⁴⁺, Fe^(4+δ)+ and Fe⁽³⁺⁾⁺. The XAS results for the Mn-sites in these compounds indicate small Mn-valence changes, however, the Mn-pre-edge spectra indicate increased localization of the Mn-e_g orbitals with Fe substitution. The Mössbauer results show the distinct two-site Fe⁽³⁺⁾+/Fe^(4+δ)+ disproportionation in the Mn- substituted materials with strong covalency effects at both sites. This disproportionation is a very concrete reflection of a localization of the Fe-d states due to the Mn-substitution.     

The oxycarbonates Sr4(Fe2−xMnx)1+y(CO3)1−3yO6(1+y): nano, micro and average structural approach

The possibility to synthesize layered oxycarbonates, with nominal composition Sr₄Fe_2−xMn_xO₆CO₃ involving trivalent manganese, with 0≤x≤1.5, is reported for the first time. The structural study of Sr₄FeMnO₆CO₃ using NPD, HREM, Mössbauer and XANES, shows that this phase is closely related to n=3 member of the Ruddlesden–Popper family. It derives from the latter by replacing the middle layer of transition metal octahedra by triangular CO₃ groups, with two different “flag” and “coat hanger” configurations. The magnetic order is antiferromagnetic and fundamentally different from the magnetic behavior of Sr₄Fe₂O₆CO₃.     

Liquid phase epitaxy of REBa2Cu3O7−δ single-crystalline thick films

The growth of REBa₂Cu₃O_7−δ (REBCO = rare earth elements) high-temperature superconducting thick films by liquid phase epitaxy is reviewed, which are most promising for electronic device and coated conductor applications. The paper focused on thermodynamic relations, chemical reactions and physical phenomena in the liquid phase epitaxy process, which are closely related to the control of the microstructures and properties of materials. Recent progresses achieved and the problems to be solved have been reviewed in above sections.     

Preparation and hydrogen permeation of SrCe0.95Y0.05O3−δ asymmetrical membranes

Asymmetrical thin membranes of SrCe_0.95Y_0.05O_3−δ (SCY) were prepared by a conventional and cost-effective dry pressing method. The substrate consisted of SCY, NiO and soluble starch (SS), and the top layer was the SCY. NiO was used as a pore former and soluble starch was used to control the shrinkage of the substrate to match that of the top layer. Crack-free asymmetrical thin membranes with thicknesses of about 50 μm and grain sizes of 5–10 μm were successfully pressed on to the substrates. Hydrogen permeation fluxes (J_H2) of these thin membranes were measured under different operating conditions. At 950 °C, J_H2 of the 50 μm SCY asymmetrical membrane towards a mixture of 80% H₂/He was as high as 7.6 × 10⁻⁸ mol/cm² s, which was about 7 times higher than that of the symmetrical membranes with a thickness of about 620 μm. The hydrogen permeation properties of SCY asymmetrical membranes were investigated and activation energies for hydrogen permeation fluxes were calculated. The slope of the relationship between the hydrogen permeation fluxes and the thickness of the membranes was −0.72, indicating that permeation in SCY asymmetric membranes was controlled by both bulk diffusion and surface reaction in the range investigated.     

Advanced Ba0.5Sr0.5Zn0.2Fe0.8O3−δ perovskite-type ceramics as oxygen selective membranes: Evaluation of the synthetic process

A synthetic route for advanced perovskites is elucidated that consists of a combined EDTA/citrate complexing of metal cations and the subsequent drying and firing at moderate temperatures. A fine-scale intermixing of cations is maintained during all the processing steps. The perovskite-type oxide is formed already in an intermediate step at 700 °C by the reaction of an ultra-finely dispersed powder consisting of a mixed barium–strontium carbonate, a zinc–iron spinel, and zinc oxide. The process yields powders of good sinterability and finally dense ceramics composed of stoichiometric perovskite grains of the type (Ba,Sr)(Zn,Fe)O_3−δ.     

Structure and redox properties of CexPr1−xO2−δ mixed oxides and their catalytic activities for CO, CH3OH and CH4 combustion

A series of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides were synthesized by a sol–gel method and characterized by Raman, XRD and TPR techniques. The oxidation activity for CO, CH₃OH and CH₄ on these mixed oxides was investigated. When the value x was changed from 1.0 to 0.8, only a cubic phase CeO₂ was observed. The samples were greatly crystallized in the range of the value x from 0.99 to 0.80, which is due to the formation of solid solutions caused by the complete insertion of Pr into the CeO₂ crystal lattices. Raman bands at 465 and 1150 cm⁻¹ in Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ samples are attributed to the Raman active F_2g mode of CeO₂. The broad band at around 570 cm⁻¹ in the region of 0.3 ≤ x ≤ 0.99 can be linked to oxygen vacancies. The new band at 195 cm⁻¹ may be ascribed to the asymmetric vibration caused by the formation of oxygen vacancies. The TPR profile of Pr₆O₁₁ shows two reduction peaks and the reduction process is followed: . The reduction temperature of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides is lower than those of Pr₆O₁₁ or CeO₂. TPR results indicate that Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ mixed oxides have higher redox properties because of the formation of Ce_xPr_1−xO_2−δ solid solutions. The presence of the oxygen vacancies favors CO and CH₃OH oxidation, while the activity of CH₄ oxidation is mostly related to reduction temperatures and redox properties.     

Preparation, characterization and the standard enthalpy of formation of La0.95MnO3+δ and Sm0.95MnO3+δ

Among the perovskites, the rare earth manganites find application in several electrochemical devices because of their enhanced thermodynamic stability. In this paper, we present the results obtained on the preparation and characterization of La_0.95MnO_3+δ and Sm_0.95MnO_3+δ which were prepared by the solid state and sol–gel methods. XRD characterization of the manganites indicated that the crystal structure depends on the method of preparation and heat treatments. The ratio of Mn³⁺ to Mn⁴⁺ in these samples also depended on the method of preparation and heat treatments, as indicated by thermogravimetric (TG) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR) studies in Ar + 5% H₂ atmosphere. The standard molar enthalpy of formation, which is a measure of the thermodynamic stability of these compounds were determined using an isoperibol calorimeter.     

The structure Tl3SbS3, Tl3SbSe3, Tl3SbS3−xSex, and Tl3SbyAs1−ySe3

The space group symmetry and crystal structure of Tl₃SbS_3−xSe_x compounds in the composition range 0 < x < 3 have been determined by a combination of powder X-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The incongruently melting compound Tl₃SbSe₃ has been shown to crystallize in cubic space group P2₁3 with a = 9.435Å in a structure related to that of Langbeinite. The convergent beam electron diffraction pattern of Tl₃SbS₃ is in accord with the space group R3m determined by X-ray diffraction. The cubic Langbeinite-type structure is found for Tl₃SbS_3−xSe_x for 0.5 < x < 3 and for Tl₃Sb_yAs_1−ySe₃ for 0.077 < y < 1.0. A five-component compound Tl₃Sb_0.5As_0.5Se_1.5S_1.5 was also found to be cubic.