Defects and transport properties of Sr-doped LaP3O9

LaP3O9 and 2 mol-% Sr-doped LaP3O9 have been synthesized by the solid-state reaction method and the phase purity was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The AC conductivity of sintered disks was measured with two-point electrode setup in the temperature range 300 − 700 °C under oxidizing and reducing conditions at different oxygen and water vapor (H2O or D2O) partial pressures by means of impedance spectroscopy. The water vapor dependency and isotope effect reveal that protons are the predominant charge carrier. The conductivity was mainly independent of the partial pressure of oxygen at all measured temperatures under both oxidizing and reducing conditions, suggesting only minor electronic conductivity. Hydration thermodynamics and transport parameters for the Sr-doped sample have been determined based on a defect chemical model applied to thermogravimetry and conductivity data.