Structure and oxygen permeability of a dual-phase membrane

The dual-phase membrane of La0.15Sr0.85Ga0.3Fe0.7O3−δ–Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.2Co0.8O3−δ (LSGF–BSCF) was prepared successfully. This membrane was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electron probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). This membrane has a dense dual-phase structure: LSGF being the dense body of this membrane and BSCF as another phase running along the LSGF body. This structure is favorable for the oxygen permeation through the membrane. The oxygen permeation test shows that the oxygen permeation flux of LSGF–BSCF membrane (JO2=0.45 ml/min cm2, at 915 °C) is much higher than that of LSGF membrane (JO2=0.05 ml/min cm2). Thickness dependence of oxygen permeation indicates that the oxygen permeation is controlled by the bulk diffusion. Compared to pure BSCF, the dual-phase membrane of LSGF–BSCF is stable in reducing atmosphere.