Particle size effect on formation and stability of β-La2Mo2O9 ionic conductor

The La2Mo2O9 compound was prepared by thermal crystallization from a mixed nitrate solution to obtain a precursor material with different particle size than that obtained by the conventional mixing of starting oxides. This precursor material was characterized by several techniques before and after thermal decomposition into the final compound. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy results evidence the formation of the high-temperature β-La2Mo2O9 phase after calcination at 550 °C. The well-known α-to-β phase transition was detected at temperatures lower than that for powders prepared from mixing of starting oxides. Electrical conductivity measurements at several oxygen partial pressures show that specimens prepared from nitrates have a different behavior when compared to those specimens obtained by the conventional route. The overall results reveal the role of particle size of the precursor material on phase transition and stability of sintered La2Mo2O9.