Exsolution enables controlled solid-state precipitation of metal nanoparticles from metal oxides, resulting in materials that exhibit excellent catalytic properties for electrochemical energy conversion. The diverse characteristics of particles exsolved at different temperatures indicate complex mechanisms that remain unresolved. Through a series of in situ electron microscopy, synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and thermogravimetry experiments on La0.2Ca0.7Ti0.9Sc0.05Cu0.05O3−δ across nanoscale wedges to μm-sized powders, multiple stages of exsolution are deconvoluted with increasing thermal activation: (1) minor exsolution of anchored surface nanoparticles, (2) exsolution of endoparticles within the bulk, and (3) diffusion and coalescing in the bulk and at the surfaces. Reconstruction of the perovskite surface by formation of nanoscopic steps and terraces proceeds concurrently with endoparticle growth. Moreover, distinct exsolution characteristics are observed in the near-surface region and deeper within the bulk, resulting in spherically and orthorhombically shaped endoparticles, respectively.
Wang, Luyang; Sun, Xinwei & Norby, Truls
(2026).
Surface protonic conduction on oxide and nitride materials at elevated temperatures.
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Wang, Luyang; Jiang, Bo; Ferriday, Thomas & Norby, Truls
(2026).
H2O-modulated surface conduction of NiO: hydration and hydroxylation from ambient to elevated temperatures.
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Wang, Luyang & Norby, Truls
(2025).
Electronic and protonic surface conduction on Ni1-xO.
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Wang, Luyang; Sun, Xinwei; Jiang, Bo & Norby, Truls
(2024).
Water Adsorption and Surface Protonic Conduction on Nickel Oxide (NiO).
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Norby, Truls; Sun, Xinwei & Wang, Luyang
(2024).
Surface protonics - Protonic conduction in adsorbed water on oxide surfaces.
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Wang, Luyang; Sun, Xinwei; Jiang, Bo & Norby, Truls
(2024).
Minority bulk and surface proton conduction in ceramic positrodes for proton ceramic electrochemical cells.
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Norby, Truls; Sun, Xinwei & Wang, Luyang
(2024).
Surface protonic conduction in porous oxides.
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Wang, Luyang; Sun, Xinwei & Norby, Truls
(2023).
Minority Bulk and Surface Proton Conduction in Positrodes for Proton Ceramic Electrochemical Cells.
Fulltekst i vitenarkivVis sammendrag
The positrode is a critical component for proton ceramic steam electrolyzers and fuel cells for hydrogen and ammonia. It constitutes a major contribution to the over-potentials and hence losses in the whole cell, resulting from its limited solubility and diffusivity of protons, which is challenging to characterise and improve.
We are introducing a PhD project that aims to establish theoretical frameworks and experimental methodology for measuring protonic conductivities in the bulk and on surfaces of positrode materials. The approaches to reach the goal comprise the use of defect chemistry and transport theory for protons conduction, with the implementation of physiochemical experiments to distinguish signals of protons among other defects and charge carriers and paths on those predominantly electronic conductors. The results will be used as input to other project participants who perform computer simulations and, on that basis, seek strategies for optimization and effects on electrodes in scaled-up cells.