X‑ray Spectroscopy of (Ba,Sr,La)(Fe,Zn,Y)O3−δ Identifies Structural and Electronic Features Favoring Proton Uptake

Mixed protonic–electronic conducting oxides are key functional materials for protonic ceramic fuel cells. Here, (Ba,Sr,La)­(Fe,Zn,Y)­O3−δ perovskites are comprehensively investigated by X-ray spectroscopy (in oxidized and reduced states). Extended X-ray absorption fine structure shows that Zn,Y doping strongly increases the tendency for Fe–O–Fe buckling. X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy at the Fe K-edge and X-ray Raman scattering at the O K edge demonstrate that both iron and oxygen states are involved when the samples are oxidized, and for the Zn,Y doped materials, the hole transfer from iron to oxygen is less pronounced. This can be correlated with the observation that these materials show the highest proton uptake.