Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 29, 2026

Characterization of Electrode Materials for Lithium Ion and Sodium Ion Batteries Using Synchrotron Radiation Techniques
Published on: November 11, 2013
Enhancing oxygen reaction kinetics in lanthanum nickelate Ruddlesden-Popper electrodes via praseodymium oxide
Morena B Farias1, Allan J M Araújo2,3, Carlos A Paskocimas1
1Materials Science and Engineering Postgraduate Program - PPGCEM, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN, 59078-970 Natal, Brazil.
Abstract:
This study explores the effect of praseodymium oxide (PrO) impregnation in lanthanum nickelate Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) type materials for use in oxygen electrodes of solid oxide cells (SOCs). These mixed conductors are free of cobalt and strontium, which are increasingly being avoided in solid oxide cell applications. We investigate two compositions, La2NiO4+ (L2N1) and La4Ni3O10- (L4N3), demonstrating distinct electrical and oxygen kinetic properties. The L2N1 material exhibits superior performance due to its higher bulk oxygen-ion diffusion, which governs the enhanced ambipolar conduction, crucial for the oxygen exchange process. In the PrO-impregnated samples, at 700 °C, the total polarization resistance (Rpol) values decrease to ∼0.6 Ω cm2 for L2N1 + PrO and ∼0.8 Ω cm2 for L4N3 + PrO, representing reductions by factors of ∼7 and ∼17, respectively, compared to the non-impregnated counterparts. Electrochemical measurements as a function of oxygen partial pressure suggest that surface-exchange processes may be rate-limiting. The impregnated PrO acts as a catalyst for the dissociative adsorption of oxygen and improves the charge transfer, leading to significant enhancements in the polarization processes. The electrochemical properties and stability of these RP phases in oxidizing conditions, combined with the oxygen transport capabilities and mixed oxidation state of praseodymium oxide (Pr4+/Pr3+), offer promising Co- and Sr-free oxygen electrodes for SOC applications.
Related Concept Videos
Redox Reactions
Electron Transport Chains
The ETC is comprised of...
The Nernst Equation
The interconnection between standard cell potentials and various thermodynamic parameters such as the standard free energy change ΔG° and equilibrium constant K has been previously explored. For example, a redox reaction involving zinc(II) and tin(II) ions at 1 M concentration with Eºcell = +0.291 V and ΔG° = −56.2 kJ is spontaneous.
Electrochemical Systems
Processes at Electrodes
Redox Reactions

