Dynamic and Impure Perovskite Structured Metal Oxide Surfaces

Surfaces of LSF and LSCF perovskite model electrodes were investigated using a variety of analytical methods on flat model electrodes that were prepared as either pellets or as thin films on top of YSZ pellets in other to throw more light on the widely discussed segregation of layers and particles on the electrode surfaces.

An experimental test of the suggestion that the segregation might happen in the vacuum in the analysis equipment gave a negative result. Formation of particles containing significant amounts of S and Cr from segregation of the trace impurities in the acquired powders were observed, and lead us to a new hypothesis about the differences between flat model electrodes and technical nano-sized composite electrodes.