Influence of Nb-doping on the structural and electrical properties of lanthanum molybdates, La5.4MoO11.1

Nowadays, hydrogen is receiving a great deal of attention as an energy carrier. Commonly, it is obtained by hydrocarbons reforming, such as natural gas, coal and biomass. However, the resulting hydrogen needs to be purified to remove by-products and impurities, increasing the production costs. An alternative for hydrogen production is proton-conducting ceramics, where hydrogen separation takes place via a chemical potential gradient across the membrane.1, 2 In this work, Nb-doped La6MoO12--based compounds have been investigated as part of a new family of materials very competitive as SOFC electrolyte and hydrogen separation membranes.3 These materials, La5.4Mo1-xNbxO11.1-x/2 (x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.15 y 0.20) were synthesized by the freeze-drying precursor method and calcination conditions have been optimized to obtain single phases. A complete characterization has been carried out using X-Ray powder diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. The total conductivity was determined by complex impedance spectroscopy at different atmospheres. Different polymorphs are obtained as a function of the cooling rate and the dopant amount. The samples cooled by quenching are cubic with a fluorite-type structure (Fm3 ̅m) and the ones cooled at 50 y 0.5 ºC•min-1 are rhombohedral (R1 and R2 polymorphs). For niobium contents higher than x = 0.10 the R1 polymorph is stabilised at cooling rates equal or inferior to 50 ºC•min-1. For all three series, the incorporation of niobium into La5.4MoO11.1 increases the conductivity, reaching the best values for x=0.10 and the sample obtained by quenching.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Effect of preparation conditions on the polymorphism and transport properties of lanthanum molybdates

In this work, La6MoO12-based compounds were investigated as part of a new family of materials very competitive as hydrogen separation membranes [1,2]. La5.4MoO11.1 was synthesized by the freeze-drying precursor method and the calcination conditions were optimized in order to obtain single phases. Several cooling rates were applied and different polymorphs were obtained: a simple cubic fluorite symmetry (Fm-3m) for the sample cooled by quenching, and two different rhombohedral (R-3) space groups for the samples cooled at 50 ºC•min-1 and 0.5 ºC•min-1 (see Figure below). For the quenched sample, the Rietveld refinement was satisfactory in a Fm-3m space group. For the other two compositions no structural model was available and were indexed in a R-3 space group, however some small reflections were not given any intensity by the model used. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the presence of superstructures for those samples. All ceramic materials were obtained with relative densities close to 100% after sintering at 1500 ºC. Stability studies demonstrated that all three polymorphs were stable in oxidizing and reducing conditions at 800 ºC for 48 hours. The three samples present a significant proton contribution to the conductivity at temperatures lower than 800 ºC. These results were confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. The highest conductivity values were observed for the samples prepared by quenching. The three polymorphs display a small p-type electronic contribution to the overall conductivity in oxidizing conditions and n-type electronic one in very reducing conditions, much more significant for the samples cooled by quenching and at 50 ºC•min-1.Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tech

Structural analysis and sintering aids effects in La2Ce2O7 proton conductors

Global warming is an important problem that has to be solved without delay. The development of environmental-friendly energy technology is needed to deal with this issue. Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) technology has been proposed as a real alternative to fossil fuel combustion. Proton conductors like La2Ce2O7 (LDC), has several advantages in comparison with BaCeO3 due to its high stability in H2O or CO2 conditions [1]. Furthermore, for industry application is necessary to low the high sintering temperature of typical electrolyte materials. La2Ce2O7 was synthesized by the freeze-drying precursor method and calcination conditions have been optimized to obtain single phase with high compaction at 1400 ºC for 1h. A fully characterization has been carried out using X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The total conductivity was determined by complex impedance spectroscopy in dry and wet air. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) was used to clarify certainly the structure of La2Ce2O7 due to its still unknown. SAEDs patterns revealed a disordered fluorite, not appearing secondary reflections typical of pyrochlore superstructure, finishing the controversy around the correct structure in this material [2,3]. Moreover, an exhaustive study about lowering the sintering temperature with Co and Zn as sintering aids has been investigated obtaining electrolytes that can be used for SOFC. The sintering aids were impregnated using cobalt and zinc nitrates in ethanol media. Both sintering aids allow for obtain high dense pellets lowering the sintering temperature 300 ºC and 400 ºC for samples with cobalt and zinc, respectively, without compromising the electrical and microstructural properties (Fig 1).Universidad de Málaga. Campus de Excelencia Internacional Andalucía Tec

La política económica del gobierno bolivariano

En este artículo vamos a tratar de presentar de la manera más sencilla y resumida posible las pretensiones y los logros de la política económica que ha llevado a cabo el gobierno bolivariano desde que Hugo Chávez llegara al poder teniendo en cuenta, sobre todo, la situación inicial y los objetivos que el propio gobierno se había ido proponiendo. Para ello, analizaremos los objetivos explícitos de los sucesivos programas y planes del gobierno venezolano y sus resultados macroeconómicos y sociales que se manifiestan en los indicadores disponibles

Syntax matters in the acquisition of Spanish copulas

This paper presents a novel account for the distribution of the Spanish copulas with adjectives in the language of second language learners. Peer reviewed presentation at the conference Generative Approaches to Language Acquisition (GALA) 2017 with a former PhD student

Metal-Doping of La5.4MoO11.1 Proton Conductors: Impact on the Structure and Electrical Properties.

La5.4MoO11.1 proton conductors with different metal doping (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Ti4+, Zr4+, and Nb5+) have been prepared and structurally and electrically characterized. Different polymorphs are stabilized depending on the doping and cooling rate used during the synthesis process. The most interesting results are obtained for Nb-doping, La5.4Mo1−xNbxO11.1−x/2, where single compounds are obtained in the compositional range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2. These materials are fully characterized by structural techniques such as X-ray and neutron powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which independently confirm the changes of polymorphism. Scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy measurements in dry/wet gases (N2, O2, and 5% H2−Ar) showed an enhancement of the sinterability and electrical properties of the materials after Nb-doping. Conductivity measurements under very reducing conditions revealed that these materials are mixed ionic-electronic conductors, making them potential candidates for hydrogen separation membranes