Cation self-diffusion in LaFeO3 measured by the solid state reaction method

Cation diffusion in LaFeO₃ has been studied using the solid state reaction between sintered bodies of La₂O₃ and Fe₂O₃ at 950–1350 °C in air or O₂–N₂ mixtures. LaFeO₃ was the only product formed. The growth was parabolic and demonstrated to take place predominantly by diffusion of Fe³⁺ through the LaFeO₃ layer. The self-diffusion coefficient of Fe³⁺ was accordingly calculated from the parabolic rate constant, and at constant activity of La₂O₃, a_La2O3 = 1, it shows Arrhenius-type behaviour with activation energy 320 ± 20 kJ/mol. It appeared to be independent of the surrounding pO₂, but this was ascribed to lack of equilibrium with the atmosphere during growth of the LaFeO₃ layer. Correspondingly, the product LaFeO₃ is probably stoichiometric, and differences between our diffusivity and activation energy and those in the literature are discussed in view of this.