Publication date: 10th April 2024
The surface segregation of cations, particularly strontium (Sr), has been identified as a key factor contributing to the performance degradation of perovskite-based oxide electrodes used in various energy conversion devices. However, the complex chemistry and structure of the perovskite oxide surfaces have led to only partial comprehension of the mechanisms behind Sr segregation and its impact on electrode activity. Moreover, Sr segregation already occurs during perovskite synthesis, further complicating the situation.
To address this issue, this study implements a controlled approach using a model thin film system composed of atomically flat SrTi0.5Fe0.5O3-δ (STF50) with a stoichiometric surface, enabling detailed examination. The evolution of surface structure, composition, and oxygen exchange kinetics are observed as a function of temperature and time. By integrating experiments and ab initio simulations, we tackle several fundamental questions, including evaluating reactivity for pristine perovskite oxide surface before Sr segregation and the correlation between Sr segregation at the surface with oxygen exchange kinetics. Our comprehensive analysis reveals that the decline in performance of the perovskite oxide electrodes is primarily attributed to the detrimental effects of Sr deficiency on the surface, thereby resolving longstanding debates in the field.