Core-level and valence band photoemission study of perovskite oxide powders synthesized by mechanically and thermally activated solid-state reaction

Abstract

High-resolution core-level and valence band x-ray photoemission spectroscopy measurements were performed on perovskite oxide powders synthesized for applications in solid-oxide fuel cells by high-temperature solid-state reaction (x = 0.3 and 0.19) and by room-temperature mechanical activation of the precursors (x = 0.3). A structure in the valence band at about 1 eV below the Fermi level was clearly observed and assigned to the emission from the Mn 3d-derived states, thereby allowing the extraction of information about correlation effects in this type of material. Both the core-level and valence band spectral features were found to be independent of the choice of synthesis route. This finding indicates that mechanical activation, due to its lower synthesis temperature, can represent a valid alternative method of synthesis allowing a better control of the microstructure.