Effects of Rh on the thermoelectric performance of the p-type Zr0.5Hf0.5Co1−xRhxSb0.99Sn0.01 half-Heusler alloys

We show that Rh substitution at the Co site in Zr_0.5Hf_0.5Co_1−xRh_xSb_0.99Sn_0.01 (0≤x≤1) half-Heusler alloys strongly reduces the thermal conductivity with a simultaneous, significant improvement of the power factor of the materials. Thermoelectric properties of hot-pressed pellets of several compositions with various Rh concentrations were investigated in the temperature range from 300 to 775 K. The Rh “free” composition shows n-type conduction, while Rh substitution at the Co site drives the system to p-type semiconducting behavior. The lattice thermal conductivity of Zr_0.5Hf_0.5Co_1−xRh_xSb_0.99Sn_0.01 alloys rapidly decreased with increasing Rh concentration and lattice thermal conductivity as low as 3.7 W/m*K was obtained at 300 K for Zr_0.5Hf_0.5RhSb_0.99Sn_0.01. The drastic reduction of the lattice thermal conductivity is attributed to mass fluctuation induced by the Rh substitution at the Co site, as well as enhanced phonon scattering at grain boundaries due to the small grain size of the synthesized materials.     

Crystal structure, microstructure and reducibility of LaNixCo1−xO3 and LaFexCo1−xO3 Perovskites (0<x≤0.5)

Nickel and iron substituted LaCoO₃ with rhombohedrally distorted perovskite structure were obtained in the temperature range of 600-900 °C by thermal decomposition of freeze-dried citrates and by the Pechini method. The crystal structure, morphology and defective structure of LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ and LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ were characterized by X-ray diffraction and neutron powder diffraction, TEM and SEM analyses and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. The reducibility was tested by temperature programmed reduction with hydrogen. The products of the partial and complete reduction were determined by ex-situ XRD experiments. The replacement of Co by Ni and Fe led to lattice expansion of the perovskite structure. For perovskites annealed at 900 °C, there was a random Ni, Fe and Co distribution. The morphology of the perovskites does not depend on the Ni and Fe content, nor does it depend on the type of the precursor used. LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ perovskites (x>0.1) annealed at 900 °C are reduced to Co/Ni transition metal and La₂O₃ via the formation of oxygen deficient Brownmillerite-type compositions. For LaCo_1−xNi_xO₃ annealed at 600 °C, Co/Ni metal, in addition to oxygen-deficient perovskites, was formed as an intermediate product at the initial stage of the reduction. The interaction of LaCo_1−xFe_xO₃ with H₂ occurs by reduction of Co³⁺ to Co²⁺ prior to the Fe³⁺ ions. The reducibility of Fe-substituted perovskites is less sensitive towards the synthesis procedure in comparison with that of Ni substituted perovskites.     

Structural characterization, magnetic behavior and high-resolution EELS study of new perovskites Sr2Ru2−xCoxO6−δ (0.5?x?1.5)

New oxides of general formula Sr₂Ru_2−xCo_xO_6−δ (0.5?x?1.5) have been synthesized as polycrystalline materials and characterized structurally by X-ray diffraction. For 0.5?x<0.67 the orthorhombic, Pnma, perovskite structure of the end member, SrRuO₃, is found. At x=0.67 a phase separation into an Ru-rich Pnma phase and a Co-rich I2/c phase occurs. The I2/c form is also found for x=1.0 but another orthorhombic phase, Imma, obtains for x=1.33 and 1.5. Reductive weight losses indicate negligible oxygen non-stoichiometry, i.e., δ∼0, for all compositions even those rich in Co. High-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) indicates that cobalt is high-spin Co³⁺ or high-spin Co⁴⁺ for all x. Appropriate combinations of Ru⁴⁺, Ru⁵⁺, HS Co³⁺ and HS Co⁴⁺ are proposed for each x which are consistent with the observed Ru(Co)-O distances. Significant amounts of Co⁴⁺ must be present for large x values to explain the short observed distances. Broad maxima in the d.c. susceptibilities are found between 78 and 97 K with increasing x, along with zero-field-cooled (ZFC) and field-cooled (FC) divergences suggesting glassy magnetic freezing. A feature near 155 K for all samples indicates a residual amount of ferromagnetic SrRuO₃ not detected by X-ray diffraction.     

Investigation of the quasi-ternary system LaMnO3-LaCoO3-“LaCuO3”—I: the series La(Mn0.5Co0.5)1−xCuxO3−δ

The La(Mn_0.5Co_0.5)_1−xCu_xO_3−δ series with x=0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8 and 1 was synthesized by the Pechini method to obtain insight into the phase formation in the quasi-ternary LaMnO₃-LaCoO₃-“LaCuO₃” system caused by the instability of LaCuO₃ under ambient conditions. After sintering at 1100°C some remarkable results were obtained: LaMn_0.3Co_0.3Cu_0.4O_3−δ crystallized as a single phase in the orthorhombic perovskite structure typical of LaCuO₃. Among the synthesized compositions this compound showed the highest electrical conductivity in air at 800°C (155 S cm⁻¹) and also the highest thermal expansion coefficient (α_30−800°C=15.4×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹). The LaCuO_3−δ composition also crystallized as a single phase but in a monoclinic structure although previous investigations have shown that other phases are preferably formed after sintering at 1100°C. The electrical conductivity and thermal expansion coefficient were the lowest within the series of compositions, i.e. 9.4 S cm⁻¹ and 11.9×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹, respectively.     

Sol-gel synthesized semiconducting LaCo0.8Fe0.2O3-based powder for thick film NH3 gas sensor

Perovskite type LaCo_xFe_1−xO₃ nanoparticles was synthesized by a sol-gel citrate method. The structural, electrical and sensing characteristics of the LaCo_xFe_1−xO₃ system were investigated. The structural characteristics were performed by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine the phase and morphology of the resultant powder. The XRD pattern shows nanocrystalline solid solution of LaCo_xFe_1−xO₃ with perovskite phase. Electrical properties of synthesized nanoparticles are studied by DC conductivity measurement. The sensor shows high response towards ammonia gas in spite of other reducing gases when x = 0.8. The effect of 0.3 wt.% Pd-doped LaCo_0.8Fe_0.2O₃ on the response and a recovery time was also addressed.     

Hexaferrites and phase relations in the iron-rich part of the system Sr-La-Co-Fe-O

The iron rich part of the system was examined in the temperature range of 1200-1380 °C in air, with focus on the solid solutions of M-type hexaferrites. Samples of suitable compositions were studied by electronprobe microanalysis (EPMA). Substituted Sr-hexaferrites in the system Sr-La-Co-Fe-O do not follow the 1:1 substitution mechanism of La/Co in M-type ferrites. Due to the presence and limited Co²⁺-incorporation Fe³⁺-ions are reduced to Fe²⁺ within the crystal lattice to obtain charge balance. In all examined M-type ferrites divalent iron is formed, even at 1200 °C. The substitution principle Sr²⁺+Fe³⁺↔La³⁺+(Fe²⁺, Co²⁺) yields to the general substitution formula for the M-type hexaferrite Sr²⁺_1-xLa³⁺_xFe²⁺_x-yCo²⁺_yFe³⁺_12-xO¹⁹ (0≤x≤1 and 0≤y≤x). In addition Sr/La-perovskite_SS (_SS=solid solution), Co/Fe-spinel_SS, hematite and magnetite are formed. Sr-hexaferrite exhibits at 1200 °C a limited solid solution with small amounts of Fe²⁺ (SrFe₁₂O₁₉↔Sr_0.3La_0.7Co_0.5Fe²⁺_0.2Fe_11.3O₁₉). At 1300 and 1380 °C a continuous solid solution series of the M-type hexaferrite is stable. SrFe₁₂O₁₉ and LaCo_0.4Fe²⁺_0.6Fe₁₁O₁₉ are the end members at 1300 °C. The maximum Fe²⁺O content is about 13 mol% in the M-type ferrite at 1380 °C (LaCo_0.1Fe²⁺_0.9Fe₁₁O₁₉).     

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of two-dimensional antiferromagnets Co1−xZnxTeMoO6

Crystal structures and magnetic properties of metal telluromolybdates Co_1−xZn_xTeMoO₆ (x=0.0, 0.1,…,0.9) are reported. All the compounds have an orthorhombic structure with space group P2₁2₁2 and a charge configuration of M²⁺Te⁴⁺Mo⁶⁺O₆. In this structure, M ions form a pseudo-two-dimensional lattice in the ab plane. Their magnetic susceptibility measurements have been performed in the temperature range between 1.8 and 300 K. The end member CoTeMoO₆ shows a magnetic transition at 24.4 K. The transition temperature for solid solutions rapidly decreases with increasing x and this transition disappears between x=0.4 and 0.5, which is corresponding to the percolation limit for the square-planer lattice. From the magnetization, specific heat, and powder neutron diffraction measurements, it is found that the magnetic transition observed in the CoTeMoO₆ is a canted antiferromagnetic ordering of Co²⁺ ions. The antiferromagnetic component of the ordered magnetic moment (3.12(3)μ_B at 10 K) is along the b-axis. In addition, there exists a small ferromagnetic component (0.28(3)μ_B) along the a-axis.     

Partial substitution of rhodium for cobalt in the misfit [Pb0.7Co0.4Sr1.9O3][CoO2]1.8 oxide

The partial substitution of Co by Rh in the [Pb_0⋅7Co_0.4Sr_1.9O₃]^RS[CoO₂]_1.8 family has been investigated. By transmission electron microscopy and X-ray powder diffraction, it is shown that the substitution of Rh for Co takes place at the two cobalt sites of the structure but for the low enough Rh contents, this substitution is made preferentially at the level of the CdI₂-like layer. Thus, a generic formula [Pb_0.7(Co_0.4−zRh_z)Sr_1.9O₃]^RS[Co_1−yRh_yO₂]_b1/b2 (0?y?0.5 and 0?z?0.3) can be proposed for this new family of misfit phase. As observed for the pure misfit cobaltite, the thermoelectric power is also very large, close to +140 μV/K at room temperature. The Rh cation can adopt a mixed valency Rh³⁺/Rh⁴⁺ (4d⁶/4d⁵) with low spin states t_2g⁶/t_2g⁵ equivalent to the ones of low spin Co³⁺/Co⁴⁺ (3d⁶/3d⁵). The large thermopower observed in the Rh substituted compounds is therefore a direct proof that the coexistence of low spin states t_2g⁶/t_2g⁵ contributes to the thermoelectric power enhancement in these oxides.     

Synthesis and electrical conductivity of perovskite-type PrCo1−xMgxO3

Oxides in the system PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ (x=0.0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25) were synthesized by citrate technique and characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope. All compounds have a cubic perovskite structure (space group ). The maximum ratio of doped Mg in the system PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ is x=0.2. Further doping leads to the segregation of Pr₆O₁₁ in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃. The substitution of Mg for Co improves the performance of PrCoO₃ as compared to the electrical conductivity measured by a four-probe electrical conductivity analyzer in the temperature range from 298 to 1073 K. The substitution of Mg for Co on the B site may be compensated by the formations of Co⁴⁺ and oxygen vacancies. The electrical conductivity of PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ oxides increases with increasing x in the range of 0.0-0.2. The increase in conductivity becomes considerable at the temperatures ?673 K especially for x?0.1; it reaches a maximum at x=0.2 and 1073 K. From x>0.2 the conductivity of PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ starts getting lower. This is probably a result of the segregation of Pr₆O₁₁ in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ , which blocks oxygen transport, and association of oxygen vacancies. A change in activation energy for all PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ compounds (x=0-0.25) was observed, with a higher activation energy above 573 K and a lower activation energy below 573 K. The reasons for such a change are probably due to the change of dominant charge carriers from Co⁴⁺ to Vö in PrCo_1−xMg_xO₃ oxides and a phase transition mainly starting at 573 K.     

Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline La1−xSrxCoO3

Thermoelectric properties of polycrystalline La_1−xSr_xCoO₃, where Sr²⁺ is substituted in La³⁺ site in perovskite-type LaCoO₃, have been investigated. Sr-doping increases the electrical conductivity (σ) of La_1−xSr_xCoO₃, and also decreases the Seebeck coefficient (S) for 0.01?x?0.40. A Hall coefficient measurement reveals that the increase in electrical conductivity arises from increases in both carrier concentration and the Hall mobility. The decrease in the Seebeck coefficient is caused by a decrease in carrier effective mass as well as increase in carrier concentration. The highest power factor (σS²) is 3.7×10⁻⁴ W m⁻¹ K⁻² at 250 K for x=0.10. The thermal conductivity (κ) is about 2 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 300 K for 0?x?0.04, and increases for x?0.05 because of an increase in heat transport by conductive carrier. The thermoelectric properties of La_1−xSr_xCoO₃ are improved by Sr-doping, and the figure of merit (Z=σS² κ⁻¹) reaches 1.6×10⁻⁴ K⁻¹ for x=0.06 at 300 K (ZT=0.048). For heavily Sr-doped samples, the thermoelectric properties diminish mainly because of the decrease in the Seebeck coefficient and the increase in thermal conductivity.     

Structural and magnetic properties of high-pressure/high-temperature synthesized (Sr1-xRx)CoO3 (R=Y and Ho) perovskites

Polycrystalline perovskite cobalt oxides Sr_1-xR_xCoO₃ (R=Y and Ho; 0?x?1) were prepared by high-pressure/high-temperature technique. X-ray powder patterns of the Y-system indicated cubic perovskite form for 0?x?0.5, and orthorhombic perovskite form for x=0.8 and 1.0, while coexisting of the two phases for x=0.6. The cubic perovskite samples had metallic electric resistivities while the orthorhombic ones with semiconducting or insulating nature. The parent compound SrCoO₃ showed a ferromagnetic transition at 266 K. With the Y substitution, the transition temperature increased slightly to ∼275 K at x=0.1, then decreased rapidly to ∼60 K for x=0.6. The YCoO₃ (x=1) sample showed non-magnetic behavior. The Ho-substituted system showed quite similar structural, transport and magnetic properties to those of the Y-system.     

Spin-driven ferroelectricity in the delafossite CuFe1−xRhxO2 (0≤x≤0.15)

The effect of substitution at the Fe site in the CuFeO₂ delafossite is known to induce a magnetic structure responsible for the appearance of electric polarization. A CuFe_1−xRh_xO₂ series of ceramic samples is studied in order to determine the composition range exhibiting such a polar state. It is found that for the CuFe_1−xRh_xO₂ (x≤0.15) solid solution, the Néel temperature T_N2 decreases monotonously with x from 11.5 K to 5.9 K, for x=0.00 to 0.15, respectively, and that the dielectric peak and the polarization transition temperatures coincide with T_N2. In contrast, the dielectric peak and polarization magnitudes go through an optimum for CuFe_0.92Rh_0.08O₂ (x=0.08). These results demonstrate that, compared to other substituting elements, the Rh³⁺ for Fe³⁺ substitution in CuFeO₂ allows to extend significantly the ferroelectric region in the (x, T) phase diagram in connection with the slower T_N2 decrease.     

Verwey-type transition within the Pb3Rh7−xMnxO15 solid solution

A complete solid solution was found between isostructural Pb₃Mn₇O₁₅ and Pb₃Rh₇O₁₅. Single-crystals of two members of the solid solution Pb₃Rh_7−xMn_xO₁₅ (x=1.07 and 2.26) were grown and their crystal structures were determined. The Verwey-type transition for Pb₃Rh₇O₁₅ at 185 K remains with a 3% substitution of Mn for Rh but disappears with 4% substitution of Mn for Rh. The magnetic ordering temperature found for Pb₃Mn₇O₁₅ at about 70 K is maintained at a 43% substitution of Rh for Mn but has disappeared for 57% substitution of Rh for Mn. The unit cell volume of this layered structure contracts with increasing x for Pb₃Rh_7−xMn_xO₁₅ phases, but the structure actually expands in the direction perpendicular to the layers due to increased separation between the layers.     

Doping studies of the magnetic cobaltocuprate CoSr2Y2−xCexCu2O9±δ

A structural, magnetic and electronic study of the cobaltocuprate CoSr₂Y_2−xCe_xCu₂O_9±δ (x=0.5-0.8) has been performed. All materials crystallise in the orthorhombic Cmcm symmetry space group in which chains of corner linked CoO₄ tetrahedra run parallel to the 1 1 0 direction. An antiferromagnetic transition is observed for x=0.5-0.8; T_M increases with x. A change in the dimensionality of the magnetic order occurs at x=0.8 as the interchain distance increases to a critical value. There is charge transfer between the cuprate planes and cobaltate layer as Ce doping increases, so that Co³⁺ is partially oxidised to Co⁴⁺ with a concomitant reduction in the valence of Cu. Superconductivity is not observed in any of the samples and a crossover from Mott to Efros and Shklovskii variable range hopping behaviour is evidenced as x increases from 0.5 to 0.8.     

Structural and magnetic study of the cation-ordered perovskites Ba2−xSrxErMoO6

A series of perovskite phases have been prepared from the appropriate carbonates and oxides by heating under reducing conditions at temperatures up to 1300 °C. Complete ordering between ErO₆ and MoO₆ octahedra and a disordered distribution of Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺ occur in all compounds. Neutron powder diffraction experiments show that the substitution of Sr²⁺ into Ba₂ErMoO₆ introduces a progressive reduction in symmetry from Fm3¯m (x=0) to I4/m (x=0.5, 0.8) to P2₁/n (x=1.25, 1.75, 2.0). Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all of these compounds show Curie-Weiss paramagnetism and that for x<1.25 this behaviour persists down to 2 K. The monoclinically distorted compounds show magnetic transitions at low temperature and neutron diffraction has confirmed the presence of long-range antiferromagnetic order below 2.5 and 4 K in Ba_0.25Sr_1.75ErMoO₆ and Sr₂ErMoO₆, respectively. Ba_0.75Sr_1.25ErMoO₆, Ba_0.25Sr_1.75ErMoO₆ and Sr₂ErMoO₆ do not undergo structural distortion on cooling from room temperature.     

Synthesis, structure, and magnetic properties of SrMn1−xGaxO3−δ (x=0-0.5) perovskites

We report the synthesis of SrMn_1−xGa_xO_3−δ perovskite compounds and describe the dependence of their phase stability and structural and physical properties over extended cation and oxygen composition ranges. Using special synthesis techniques derived from thermogravimetric measurements, we have extended the solubility limit of random substitution of Ga³⁺ for Mn in the cubic perovskite phase to x=0.5. In the cubic perovskite phase the maximum oxygen content is close to 3−x/2, which corresponds to 100% Mn⁴⁺. Maximally oxygenated solid solution compounds are found to order antiferromagnetically for x=0-0.4, with the transition temperature linearly decreasing as Ga content increases. Increasing the Ga content introduces frustration into the magnetic system and a spin-glass state is observed for SrMn_0.5Ga_0.5O_2.67(3) below 12 K. These properties are markedly different from the long-range antiferromagnetic order below 180 K observed for the layer-ordered compound Sr₂MnGaO_5.50 with nominally identical chemical composition.     

Investigation of Ba fully occupied A-site BaCo0.7Fe0.3−xNbxO3−δ perovskite stabilized by low concentration of Nb for oxygen permeation membrane

BaCo_0.7Fe_0.3−xNb_xO_3−δ (BCFN, x = 0–0.2) were prepared by the conventional solid state reaction process. The crystal structure, electrical conductivity and oxygen desorption property were studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), different thermal analysis (DTA), four-terminal direct current conductivity and oxygen temperature programmed desorption (O₂-TPD), respectively. At x = 0.08–0.20, BCFN have a cubic perovskite structure, while it exhibits the hexagonal structure for x = 0.00 and the mixed phases of cubic perovskite with trace amount of hexagonal for x = 0.05. BCFN shows good structure stability in 5%H₂ + Ar reducing atmosphere, and it is enhanced with the increased Nb-doping content. The electrical conductivity of BCFN increases with increasing temperature and decreases with the Nb substitution content for iron. BCFN exhibits a p-type semiconductor and obeys the thermally activated small polarons hopping mechanism. The oxygen fluxes increase with the working temperature and the COG flow rate, but decrease with increasing Nb content. The flux of BCFN (x = 0.08) with 1.0 mm thickness membrane reaches 25.77 ml min⁻¹ cm⁻² at 875 °C, higher than most of the reported materials.     

Crystal structure and electrical conductivity of lanthanum-calcium chromites-titanates La1−xCaxCr1−yTiyO3−δ (x=0-1, y=0-1)

Five series of perovskite-type compounds in the system La_1−xCa_xCr_1−yTi_yO₃ with the nominal compositions y=0, x=0-0.5; y=0.2, x=0.2-0.8; y=0.5, x=0.5-1.0; y=0.8, x=0.6-1.0 and y=1, x=0.8-1 were synthesized by a ceramic technique in air (final heating 1350 °C). On the basis of the X-ray analysis of the samples with (Ca/Ti)?1, the phase diagram of the CaTiO₃-LaCr^IIIO₃-CaCr^IVO₃ quasi-ternary system was constructed. Extended solid solution with a wide homogeneity range is formed in the quasi-ternary system CaCr^IVO₃-CaTiO₃-LaCr^IIIO₃. The solid solution La_{(1−x′−y)}Ca_(x′+y)Cr^IV_x′Cr^III_{(1−x′−y)}Ti_yO₃ exists by up to 0.6-0.7 mol fractions of CaCr^IVO₃ (x^′<0.6-0.7) at the experimental conditions. The crystal structure of the compounds is orthorhombic in the space group Pbnm at room temperature. The lattice parameters and the average interatomic distances of the samples within the solid solution ranges decrease uniformly with increasing Ca content. Outside the quasi-ternary system, the nominal compositions La_0.1Ca_0.9TiO₃, La_0.2Ca_0.8TiO₃, La_0.4Ca_0.6Cr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ and La_0.3Ca_0.7Cr_0.2Ti_0.8O₃ in the system La_1−xCa_xCr_1−yTi_yO₃ were found as single phases with an orthorhombic structure. In the temperature range between 850 and 1000 °C, the synthesized single-phase compositions are stable at pO₂=6×10⁻¹⁶-0.21×10⁵ Pa. Oxygen stoichiometry and electrical conductivity of the separate compounds were investigated as functions of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. The chemical stability of these oxides with respect to oxygen release during thermal dissociation decreases with increasing Ca-content. At 900 °C and oxygen partial pressure 1×10⁻¹⁵-0.21×10⁵ Pa, the compounds with x>y (acceptor doped) are p-type semiconductors and those with x<y (donor doped) and x=y are n-type semiconductors. The type and level of electrical conductivity are functions of the concentration ratios of cations occupying the B-sites of the perovskite structures: [Cr³⁺]/[Cr⁴⁺] and [Ti⁴⁺]/[Ti³⁺]. The maximum electrical conductivity at 900 °C and pO₂=10⁻¹⁵ Pa was found for the composition La_0.1Ca_0.9TiO₃ (near 50 S/cm) and in air at 900 °C for La_0.5Ca_0.5CrO₃ (close to 100 S/cm).     

Mixed conductivity and Mössbauer spectra of (La0.5Sr0.5)1−xFe1−yAlyO3−δ (x=0-0.05, y=0-0.30)

Aluminum incorporation in the rhombohedrally distorted perovskite lattice of (La_0.5Sr_0.5)_1−xFe_1−yAl_yO_3−δ (x=0-0.05, y=0-0.30) decreases the unit cell volume and partial ionic and p-type electronic conductivities, while the oxygen nonstoichiometry and thermal expansion at 900-1200 K increase on doping. The creation of A-site cation vacancies has an opposite effect on the transport properties of Al-substituted ceramics. The maximum A-site deficiency tolerated by the (La,Sr)(Fe,Al)O_3−δ structure is however limited, close to 3-4%. The Mössbauer spectroscopy revealed progressive localization of electron holes and a mixed charge-compensation mechanism, which results in higher average oxidation state of iron when Al³⁺ concentration increases. The average thermal expansion coefficients of (La_0.5Sr_0.5)_1−xFe_1−yAl_yO_3−δ are (12.2-13.0)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 300-900 K and (20.1-30.0)×10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ at 900-1200 K in air. The steady-state oxygen permeability (OP) of dense Al-containing membranes is determined mainly by the bulk ionic conductivity. The ion transference numbers at 973-1223 K in air, calculated from the oxygen permeation and faradaic efficiency (FE) data, vary in the range 1×10⁻⁴-3×10⁻³, increasing with temperature.     

Phase formation, crystal structures and magnetic properties of perovskite-type phases in the system La2Co1+z(MgxTi1−x)1−zO6

Perovskite-type cobaltates in the system La₂Co_1+z(Mg_xTi_1−x)_1−zO₆ were studied for z=0≤x≤0.6 and 0≤x<0.9, using X-ray and neutron powder diffraction, electron diffraction (ED), magnetic susceptibility measurements and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy. The samples were synthesised using the citrate route in air at 1350 °C. The space group symmetry of the structure changes from P2₁/n via Pbnm to R3¯c with both increasing Mg content and increasing Co content. The La₂Co(Mg_xTi_1−x)O₆ (z=0) compounds show anti-ferromagnetic couplings of the magnetic moments for the Co below 15 K for x=0, 0.1 and 0.2. XANES spectra show for the compositions 0≤x≤0.5 a linear decrease in the L₃/(L₃+L₂) Co-L_2,3 edge branching ratio with x, in agreement with a decrease of the average Co ion spin-state, from a high-spin to a lower-spin-state, with decreasing nominal Co²⁺ ion content.