Perovskite La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} (B = Ti, Cr, Co) oxides: Structural, reduction-tolerant, sintering, and electrical properties

The perovskite La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} (B = Ti, Cr, Co) powders have been synthesized by the citrate gel method. Structural, reduction-tolerant, and sintering properties of the perovskite La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} (B = Ti, Cr, Co) oxides were studied by x-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry (TG), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The enhanced structural stability of the Co-free La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} (B = Cr, Ti) oxides is ascribed to the higher metal-oxygen bonding energy of the Ti and Cr cations in the oxides. Electrical conductivities of the sintered La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} (B = Ti, Cr, Co) ceramics were measured, and increased as B = Co > Cr > Ti among the La _0.6Sr _0.4B _0.2Fe _0.8O _{3 - δ} oxides.