Local distortions in new rare-earth-free oxygen-ion conductor

We propose a high-temperature diffraction study of a newly synthesised oxygen-ion conductor material. The compound is stable as a cubic Pm-3m perovskite structure, but has a structured of mass loss through the compositional range at moderate temperatures. A multiple-temperature Pair-Distribution Function analysis study of this material will provide valuable insights on the mechanism of local distortions and vacancy order/disorder that are likely to be behind this exceptional behaviour. A full characterisation will allow to bring this promising low-temperature oxygen ion conductor forward for applications as a cathode in new generation solid-oxide fuel cells, more environmentally friendly and affordable