Publication date: 10th April 2024
Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are advanced ceramic devices which operate at high temperatures from 600 to 800°C and serve in two ways. SOCs consist basically of an electrolyte, air and fuel electrodes. In the most effective configuration, a proton-conducting electrolyte is coupled with oxide electrodes that demonstrate oxide, proton and electron conduction. A significant challenge for these devices is finding materials that can provide performance and durability. Many studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficiency of various materials. Among them, Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) type oxides show promising potential as electrodes. Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) is a layered perovskite with the formula An+1Bn O3n+1, where (A represents rare earth, B represents transition metal, and n represents the order phase of materials). The higher-order phases of RP, where n > 2, have demonstrated good performance, but some instability issues exist. One potential solution is stabilising these phases by using high entropy oxides, a recent innovation in the field. This work synthesised PrSrCoFeCrMnNiO (PSCFCMNO) powder via the Pechini method to produce a single phase of Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) materials. After several attempts to adjust metals ratios and heat treatments, a single phase was successfully obtained. The phase purity was confirmed through powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and further refinement using Le Bail refinement helped enhance the accuracy of the crystal structure by determining lattice parameters. Additionally, energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX) was employed to identify elements and provide detailed information about the homogeneity of the produced powder. Moreover, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was utilised to analyse the surface's chemical composition and oxidation states.
I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all those who contributed to the creation and success of this project. Special thanks to Prof. Stephen Skinner, whose invaluable support, guidance, and expertise were instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. I would also like to extend heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Gwilherm Kerherve for his precious assistance in XPS analysis, which significantly contributed to the depth and accuracy of our findings. Additionally, I extend my appreciation to King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, where their contributions have greatly enriched my work and made this endeavour possible. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication.