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2D Doping of Proton Conductors: BaZrO 3 ‐Based Heterostructures
Author(s) -
Ngabonziza Prosper,
Merkle Rotraut,
Wang Yi,
Aken Peter A.,
Bjørheim Tor S.,
Maier Joachim,
Mannhart Jochen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced energy materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 10.08
H-Index - 220
eISSN - 1614-6840
pISSN - 1614-6832
DOI - 10.1002/aenm.202003267
Subject(s) - materials science , doping , heterojunction , yttrium , nanotechnology , conductivity , electrical conductor , optoelectronics , oxide , chemical physics , condensed matter physics , chemistry , physics , composite material , metallurgy
Ionically conducting oxide heterostructures provide ideal geometries for revealing interfacial effects in solid state ionics. Beyond that, they can provide a high density of heterointerfaces and thus allow for reliable studies of interfacial phenomena with respect to fundamental understanding as well as with respect to nanoionic applications. Substituting an entire single layer rather than random single ions by aliovalent impurities enables the possibility of 2D doping rather than conventional 0D doping. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this technique has never been applied to ionically conducting systems. Acceptor‐doped barium zirconate has been widely investigated, particularly for applications in clean energy technologies, most importantly for intermediate temperature fuel cells. Here, epitaxial BaZrO 3 –BaYO x heterostructures and in particular 2D doping of BaZrO 3 by yttrium are reported. The effects on proton conductivity are studied. The results not only lead to fundamental insight into the pros and cons of 2D doping of ion conductors, but may also help improve protonic devices.