Themed collection Special issue in honour of Prof. John Kilner’s 75th birthday
![](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/Ajax-GA-Loader.gif)
Introduction to the special issue in honour of Prof. John Kilner’s 75th birthday
Stephen Skinner, Viola Birss, Jennifer Rupp and Roger De Souza introduce the Journal of Materials Chemistry A special issue in honour of Prof. John Kilner’s 75th birthday.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2149-2151
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2TA90015G
Chemical lattice strain in nonstoichiometric oxides: an overview
This article reviews the state of the art – from the experimental and computational data available to the models, origins and possible uses – in the field of chemical strain of oxide materials (primarily those for elevated-temperature applications).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 6351-6375
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08407K
Doping strategy and mechanism for oxide and sulfide solid electrolytes with high ionic conductivity
Ionic conductivity is a critical parameter required for superionic conductors to be successfully applied as solid electrolytes in all-solid-state batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 4517-4532
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA10966A
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Silica: ubiquitous poison of metal oxide interfaces
In this review, we consider the detrimental effects of Si-contamination on electrochemical applications, broadly conceived, in which both ions and electrons play key roles in device operation and where exchange of oxygen between the gas and solid phase is likewise essential for operation.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2618-2636
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08469K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
A review on dual-phase oxygen transport membranes: from fundamentals to commercial deployment
This review summarizes recent progress on dual-phase oxygen transport membranes. Existing challenges, research strategies and future application areas are discussed.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2152-2195
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07898D
Recent advances, practical challenges, and perspectives of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cell cathodes
We present an overview on the development of various mixed conducting perovskite-type related structure metal oxides and other crystal structures, and composite cathodes for advanced solid oxide fuel cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2196-2227
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08475E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Visualizing local fast ionic conduction pathways in nanocrystalline lanthanum manganite by isotope exchange-atom probe tomography
The study of the oxygen incorporation and diffusion in lanthanum manganite thin films is presented by means of novel isotope-exchange atom probe tomography, allowing a direct quantification of the enhancement of grain boundaries' oxygen kinetics.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2228-2234
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA10538H
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Halogenation of Li7La3Zr2O12 solid electrolytes: a combined solid-state NMR, computational and electrochemical study
Tetragonal Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) was halogenated to form cubic LLZOF(Cl) via a low temperature solid state synthetic route using PTFE and PVC polymers.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 11172-11185
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07309E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics of mixed ionic-electronic conductive electrodes and their interfaces: a Ni/CGO study
Non-equilibrium thermodynamics describe the current–voltage characteristics of electrochemical devices.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 11121-11130
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07351F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Role of pO2 and film microstructure on the memristive properties of La2NiO4+δ/LaNiO3−δ bilayers
In mixed-conducting LaNiO3−δ/La2NiO4+δ bilayers the deposition conditions determine the film microstructure and the oxygen defect concentration at the interface (and
) building up an electronic barrier which induces a memristive behavior.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 6523-6530
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA10296F
Operando characterization of metallic and bimetallic electrocatalysts for SOFC fuel electrodes operating under internal methane reforming conditions
Working solid oxide fuel cell anodes based on conducting ceramic scaffolds with different infiltrated electrocatalysts have been investigated by operando Raman spectroscopy and EIS. Carbon deposition depends on electrical load and electrocatalyst.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 5550-5560
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07299D
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Thermally-driven reactivity of Li0.35La0.55TiO3 solid electrolyte with LiCoO2 cathode
Co diffusion from LCO into LLTO onsets around 300 °C in air, in the absence of any secondary phases. Co diffusion into LLTO decreases the charge transfer resistance, by forming a mixed electronic and ionic conducting zone near the interface.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 3485-3494
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08853J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
High ionic conductivity in fluorite δ-bismuth oxide-based vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films
First time demonstration of epitaxially stabilised δ-Bi2O3 phase in vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films, exhibiting very high ionic conductivities of up to 10−3 S cm−1 at 500 °C.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 3478-3484
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07308G
Enhanced oxygen reduction kinetics of IT-SOFC cathode with PrBaCo2O5+δ/Gd0.1Ce1.9O2−δ coherent interface
A PBC–GDC composite with coherent interface structure shows remarkable ORR activity and low polarization resistance under IT-SOFC service conditions.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 3495-3505
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA09615J
Molecular dynamics study of oxygen-ion diffusion in yttria-stabilized zirconia grain boundaries
This work focuses on understanding the oxygen-ion transport through the mixed Grain Boundaries (GBs) present in yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ), a common solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) electrolyte.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2567-2579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08309K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
High-performance protonic ceramic fuel cell cathode using protophilic mixed ion and electron conducting material
High-performance and stability for protonic ceramic fuel cell cathode applications are realised in a self-assembled nanocomposite material Ba0.5Sr0.5(Co0.7Fe0.3)0.6875W0.3125O3−δ (BSCFW) through interplay of single and double perovskite phases.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2559-2566
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07113K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Advanced metal oxide infiltrated electrodes for boosting the performance of solid oxide cells
Pr and Mn infiltrated oxide nanoparticles are confirmed as excellent candidates for boosting the performance of standard lanthanum strontium manganese oxygen electrodes.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2541-2549
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07902F
Sillén–Aurivillius phase bismuth niobium oxychloride, Bi4NbO8Cl, as a new oxide-ion conductor
Fast oxide-ion conductivity in Bi3.9Sr0.1NbO8−δCl is reported for the first time, and this oxide is stable under a reducing atmosphere.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2550-2558
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07335D
Enhancing the polymer electrolyte–Li metal interface on high-voltage solid-state batteries with Li-based additives inspired by the surface chemistry of Li7La3Zr2O12
High-voltage Li metal solid-state batteries are in the spotlight as high energy and power density devices for the next generation of batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2352-2361
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08362G
Considerations in applying neutron depth profiling (NDP) to Li-ion battery research
Li distribution within the battery electrode material is quantified using neutron depth profiling (NDP) as a function of depth in real-time.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2336-2351
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA09639G
Tailored nano-columnar La2NiO4 cathodes for improved electrode performance
We report a new strategy to grow nano-columnar La2NiO4 thin films with an enlarged specific surface area. In combination with modifications of the surface chemistry, we strongly improved the oxygen exchange activity of this promising electrode material.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2528-2540
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA09110G
Promotion of the oxygen evolution reaction via the reconstructed active phase of perovskite oxide
Gaining insight into the reconstruction of perovskite oxides that promote oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for developing stable and high-efficiency electrocatalysts.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2271-2279
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08445C
In situ construction of hetero-structured perovskite composites with exsolved Fe and Cu metallic nanoparticles as efficient CO2 reduction electrocatalysts for high performance solid oxide electrolysis cells
Hetero-structured DP/RP-SFCuM perovskite composites with exsolved Fe and Cu metallic nanoparticles exhibit excellent electrochemical performance in CO2 electrolysis reactions for high performance solid oxide electrolysis cells.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2509-2518
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07678G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Theoretical study on stability and ion transport property with halide doping of Na3SbS4 electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries
We report a comprehensive first-principles DFT study on (electro)chemical stability, intrinsic defects, and ionic conductivity improvement by halide doping of Na3SbS4 electrolyte for all-solid-state Na batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2235-2248
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07292G
Layered-perovskite oxides with in situ exsolved Co–Fe alloy nanoparticles as highly efficient electrodes for high-temperature carbon dioxide electrolysis
Ruddlesden–Popper phase oxide with exsolved Co–Fe alloy nanoparticles uniformly distributed on the surface (Co–Fe–STCF) exhibited outstanding activity towards CO2 electrolysis at elevated temperature.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2327-2335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07251J
Self-assembled nano-composite perovskites as highly efficient and robust hybrid cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells
Schematic representation of possible oxygen electrochemical reduction pathways of self-assembled multi-phase cathodes with a synergistic ensemble effect.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2496-2508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA08178K
A low resistance and stable lithium-garnet electrolyte interface enabled by a multifunctional anode additive for solid-state lithium batteries
Limited reaction between Li0.3La0.5TiO3 and molten lithium sufficiently modifies the properties of the lithium anode, improving the overall performance of solid-state lithium batteries.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2519-2527
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07804F
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Free standing dual phase cathode tapes – scalable fabrication and microstructure optimization of garnet-based ceramic cathodes
Free-standing garnet based ceramic cathodes with tailored microstructure enable dramatically increased full-cell capacity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2320-2326
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07194G
Exsolution of nanoparticles on A-site-deficient lanthanum ferrite perovskites: its effect on co-electrolysis of CO2 and H2O
La0.7Sr0.2Ni0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSNF), having thermochemical stability, superior ionic and electronic conductivity, and structural flexibility, was investigated as a cathode in SOECs.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2483-2495
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07389C
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Influence of Y-substitution on phase composition and proton uptake of self-generated Ba(Ce,Fe)O3−δ–Ba(Fe,Ce)O3−δ composites
Substitution with Y affects phase formation and the local cation stoichiometry of the Ce-rich and Fe-rich phases of BaCe1−(x+z)FexYzO3−δ self-generated composites. This is of particular importance for the water uptake in these compounds.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2474-2482
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07208K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Investigating oxygen reduction pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces by in situ PLD impedance spectroscopy
Temperature and p(O2) dependences of the oxygen exchange kinetics of SOFC cathode materials were correlated with point defect concentrations. Defect chemical contributions were identified as a major part of effectively measured activation energies.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2305-2319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07128A
On the role of surfaces and interfaces in electrochemical performance and long-term stability of nanostructured LSC thin film electrodes
Nanostructured La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ (LSC) thin film electrodes with higher porosities exhibit better electrochemical performance and long-term stability owing to enhanced surface exchange properties and suppressed cation diffusion across interfaces.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2445-2459
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07235H
Achieving performance and longevity with butane-operated low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells using low-cost Cu and CeO2 catalysts
Record high performance and longevity is reported for a butane-fueled low-temperature-operating solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC). Affordable catalysts, Cu and CeO2, were incorporated into a thin-film-based SOFC to enable this remarkable enhancement.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2460-2473
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06922E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Atomic-scale investigation of cation doping and defect clustering in the anti-perovskite Na3OCl sodium-ion conductor
We reveal the effects of cation doping and dopant-vacancy clustering on Na-ion conductivity in the anti-perovskite Na3OCl solid electrolyte through atomistic simulations.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2249-2255
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07588H
Multi-scale chemo-mechanical evolution during crystallization of mixed conducting SrTi0.65Fe0.35O3−δ films and correlation to electrical conductivity
Crystallization of a perovskite mixed conductor is coupled to oxidation, which drives defect chemistry, ion coordination, polyhedra alignment, hierarchical microstructure, and property evolution – including a boost to electrical conductivity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2421-2433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06455J
Tailoring high-temperature stability and electrical conductivity of high entropy lanthanum manganite for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes
Optimum (La0.2Nd0.2Sm0.2Ca0.2Sr0.2)MnO3 exhibits excellent high-temperature resistance to elemental segregation and chemical compatibility with 8YSZ while maintaining good electrical conductivity.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2256-2270
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07275G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Anharmonic lattice dynamics of superionic lithium nitride
We explore the crystal vibrations of Li3N and their connection to the high-temperature superionic transition.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2295-2304
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07631K
Unraveling the evolution of exsolved Fe–Ni alloy nanoparticles in Ni-doped La0.3Ca0.7Fe0.7Cr0.3O3−δ and their role in enhancing CO2–CO electrocatalysis
In situ exsolved Fe–Ni nanoparticles anchored on a (La0.3Ca0.7)0.95Fe0.7Cr0.25Ni0.05O3−δ parent perovskite surface significantly enhance the CO oxidation kinetics, thus reaching excellent activity of the CO2 reduction reaction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2280-2294
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07552G
Direct evidence of cobalt oxyhydroxide formation on a La0.2Sr0.8CoO3 perovskite water splitting catalyst
Combining electrochemical measurements with in situ and ex situ photoelectron spectroscopy and simulations to detect the formation of cobalt oxyhydroxide during the oxygen evolution reaction.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2434-2444
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA04957G
Alternative anodes for Na–O2 batteries: the case of the Sn4P3 alloy
Formation of sodium superoxide on the anode evidences the existence of O2/O2− crossover processes. Sn4P3 alloy provides greater stability and less surface reactivity than metallic Na anode.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2398-2411
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA07096G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Phase formation and performance of solid state reactive sintered Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ–FeCo2O4 composites
Reactive sintering of composites for use as OTM is a promising method enabling lower sintering temperatures as well as low-cost raw materials. Phase formation and distribution during sintering plays a vital role in the performance of the composites.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2412-2420
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA05695F
Perovskite crystal symmetry and oxygen-ion transport: a molecular-dynamics study of perovskite
Oxygen diffusion in CaTiO3 is revealed through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to have a smaller activation enthalpy in the high-symmetry phase.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2388-2397
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA06293J
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Fabrication of multi-layered structures for proton conducting ceramic cells
We show manufacturing of 25 cm2 BZCY half-cells by tape-casting of assemblies with electrolyte thickness 10–20 μm. BaY2NiO5 transient liquid phase formation is analysed and proton conductivity with values of σ = 0.003 S cm−1 at 600 °C is shown.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2362-2373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA05240C
Protagonists and spectators during photocatalytic solar water splitting with SrTaOxNy oxynitride
With a new photoelectrochemical cell we perform operando X-ray absorption spectroscopy on SrTaOxNy during photocatalytic solar water splitting. Operando characterisation proves to be an invaluable tool for the design and discovery of novel materials.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2022,10, 2374-2387
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1TA05052D