LAUSR

Abstract The Ruddlesden Popper (RP) manganites La x Sr 2−x MnO 4±δ with compositions 0.25 ≤ x ≤ 0.6 have been successfully synthesized as single phases by solid-state reaction in air. All those materials are not only stable in reducing atmosphere but they also maintain the K 2 NiF 4 -type structure with I 4/ mmm symmetry under redox cycling conditions with limited volume changes. The x = 0.5 phase was analyzed by in situ high temperature neutron powder diffraction (HTNPD), under flowing hydrogen, showing the formation of oxide-ion vacancies on the equatorial sites of the perovskite planes, during reduction process. The total electrical conductivity was optimized and found maximum for x = 0.5 with values of 35.6 S cm −1 and 1.9 S cm −1  at 800 °C in air and 3% H 2 /Ar, respectively, what is judged to be sufficient for an active layer of symmetrical SOFC electrode. First Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) measurements in both oxidizing and reducing conditions, using an YSZ electrolyte and a GDC buffer layer, are presented giving rise to promising values.