Effects of three-dimensional mechano-chemical tensile strain on fast oxygen diffusion in Au-dispersed Pr1.90Ni0.71Cu0.24Ga0.05O4+δ

Abstract

There has been considerable interest in the effects of strain on electrical conduction in ionic conductors, and it has been suggested that tensile strain in oxide films (2D strain) can significantly increase oxide ion conductivity. Here, we demonstrate the successful generation of 3-dimensional (3D) tensile strain in Pr₂NiO₄ by dispersing Au particles into the grains. The oxide ion diffusivity was increased significantly by Au dispersion. Redox titration measurements suggest that the 3D tensile strain increased the amount of excess oxygen. Therefore, it is concluded that the mechanical strain changes both the oxide ionic carrier concentration and mobility.