Structure defect formation influence on the performance of SrCo<sub>1-x</sub>Fe<sub>x</sub>O<sub>3-δ</sub> ceramic membrane
Strontium cobaltite-ferrite SrCo<sub>1-x</sub>Fe<sub>x</sub>O<sub>3-δ</sub> prepared by two different techniques is studied in terms of the structure de­fect formation influence on the performance of ceramic material for oxygen membrane. Disordered perovskite structure with large anion deficiency is observed at 830°С and higher for the compositions 0,2 ≤ x ≤ 1,0. This structure is the most suitable for the optimal operating of the membrane. Average oxidation states for iron and cobalt ions are 3,64+ and 3,29+ respectively in the case of low-temperature preparation technique, compared to 3,46+ and 3,14+ respectively for the conventional prepara­tion route. Electron exchange between such cations facilitates anion transport in the bulk of material. This exchange mainly proceed according to the equation: Co<sup>4+</sup> + Fe<sup>3+</sup> ⇔ Co<sup>3+</sup> + Fe<sup>4+</sup>.