Doped Apatites for Novel Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

The aim of this project is to combine X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and atomistic simulations to determine local atomic environments in novel oxide ion conductors, with applications in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). The purpose is to gain insight into the local coordination of Ga and Ge in doped melilites (e.g. La0.46Sr1.54Ga2.95M0.05O7.27-d. where M=Zn2+, Al3+ and Ge4+). The latter compounds are believed to facilitate oxygen conduction by rearranging its local structure in the presence of oxygen excess. By understanding the oxygen conduction mechanism we can design materials with improved functionality.