Reversible phase transitions in functional oxide revealed by electron microscopy

Ceria-based oxides are the material of choice for a wide range of energy-related applications thanks to their unique properties, which arise from a defective structure that allows for the formation of mobile oxygen vacancies. Despite its significance, the behavior of the defect structure in response to external stimuli remains incompletely explored. Jointly with the Ernst Ruska Center, we have published  a new paper in Nature Communications entitled “in situ observation of reversible phase transitions in Gd-doped ceria driven by electron beam irradiation”.

We use the oxygen-conducting Gd-doped ceria as a model system and employ state-of-the-art transmission electron microscopy techniques to stimulate and visualize for the first time reversible phase transitions associated with massive rearrangement in situ with sub-Å resolution. The electron dose rate is the crucial factor in controlling the phase transition. Our results provide indispensable insights for understanding and refining the microscopic pathways of phase transition as well as defect engineering. They can be applied to other similar functional oxides.

Here is the link to the paper: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-52386-3 .

The paper can also be downloaded here .