Atomic structure of functional oxide interfaces under operational conditions (FWF- SFB FOXSI Rupprechter (G107)

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Andreas Stierle
• Co-Applicants: Professorin Dr. Ulrike Diebold; Professor Dr. Jürgen Fleig; Professor Dr. Bernhard Klötzer; Professor Dr. Josef Redinger; Professor Dr. Günther Rupprechter; Professor Dr.-Ing. Michael Schmid; Professor Dr. Ulrich Schubert; Professor Dr. Yuri Suchorski
• Subject Area: Physical Chemistry of Solids and Surfaces, Material Characterisation
• Term: from 2011 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 193555807

In this project part the structure of functional oxide surfaces and interfaces will be investigated using advanced x-ray scattering techniques, allowing an in-situ characterization at the atomic scale. In the primary focus are application relevant conditions such as gas pressures in the bar regime and elevated temperatures, as well as externally applied voltages. In the first subproject, the atomistic structure of oxide single crystal surfaces and epitaxial oxide films will be investigated as a function of the oxygen and water partial pressures at variable temperatures with focus on ZrO2 (Y stabilized), CeO2 and perovskites, which are key materials in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC’s), in gas sensors or as supports in catalytic reactions. In the second subproject, the atomic structure of metallic nanoparticles on oxide supports will be investigated during catalytic reactions, which are relevant for the hydrogen activation on SOFC anodes and syngas production. The focus will be on epitaxial Ni, NiPd and NiAu nanoparticles and nano-porous materials. This project part is at the heart of the proposed SFB, since it touches the core materials (Y stabilized ZrO2, CeO2, perovskites, Ni/ZrO2 interfaces) and the core topics (structure of functional oxide surfaces and interfaces, gas-oxide interactions, functional oxides under operational conditions). In addition, the x-ray results will be compared to results obtained by complementary techniques within the SFB and theory. From such a multi-technique approach, a very detailed, complete picture of the atomistic processes involved in complex chemical reactions can be drawn.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Austria
• Major Instrumentation: Großgerät ; in-situ x-ray diffraction chamber for solid state electrochemical experiments (own design)
• Instrumentation Group: 8380 Schichtdickenmeßgeräte, Verdampfungs- und Steuergeräte (für Vakuumbedampfung, außer 833)