Oxygen storage capacity and structural flexibility of LuFe sub(2)O sub(4+x) (0 less than or equal to x less than or equal to 0.5)

• Published in: Nature materials 2013-12, Vol.13 (1), p.74-80
• Main Authors: Hervieu, M, Guesdon, A, Bourgeois, J, Elkaim, E, Poienar, M, Damay, F, Rouquette, J, Maignan, A, Martin, C
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cationic; Devices; Diffraction; Doors; Ferrite; Magnetic properties; Nanostructure; Thermogravimetric analysis
• ISSN: 1476-1122
• DOI: 10.1038/nmat3809

Combining functionalities in devices with high performances is a great challenge that rests on the discovery and optimization of materials. In this framework, layered oxides are attractive for numerous purposes, from energy conversion and storage to magnetic and electric properties. We demonstrate here the oxygen storage ability of ferroelectric LuFe sub(2)O sub(4+x) within a large x range (from 0 to 0.5) and its cycling possibility. The combination of thermogravimetric analyses, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy evidences a complex oxygen intercalation/de-intercalation process with several intermediate metastable states. This topotactic mechanism is mainly governed by nanoscale structures involving a shift of the cationic layers. The ferrite is highly promising because absorption begins at a low temperature (), occurs in a low oxygen pressure and the uptake of oxygen is reversible without altering the quality of the crystals. The storage/release of oxygen coupled to the transport and magnetic properties of LnFe sub(2)O sub(4) opens the door to new tunable multifunctional applications.