La1–yBayF3–y Solid Solution Crystals as an Effective Solid Electrolyte: Growth and Properties

Abstract

A series of nonstoichiometric La1–yBayF3–y (0 ≤ y ≤ 0.12) single crystals with a tysonite-type structure (sp. gr. P-3c1) was grown from the melt by the directional crystallization method in a fluorinating atmosphere, and some physical properties were characterized. The concentration dependence of electrical conductivity σdc(y) La1–yBayF3–y crystals was studied. The composition of the ionic conductivity maximum for this solid electrolyte was refined. It was confirmed that the maximum conductivity σmax = 8.5 × 10–5 S/cm (295 K) was observed at the composition ymax = 0.05 ± 0.01. Analysis of the electrophysical data for the group of tysonite-type solid electrolytes R1–yMyF3–y (M = Ca, Sr, Ba, Eu2+ and R = La, Ce, Pr, Nd) showed that the compositions of the maxima of their conductivity were close and amount to y = 0.03−0.05. This fact indicates a weak influence of the size effect (ionic radii R3+ and M2+) on the value of ymax for R1–yMyF3–y solid electrolytes.