Characterization of ultrafine La x Sr1−x MnO3 powder prepared by spray pyrolysis

The characterization of La _x Sr_1−x MnO₃ powders produced by spray pyrolysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation, specific surface area (Brunauer-Emett-Teller), and particle size distribution measurements shows that the resultant large particles are loose agglomerates consisting of many small particles. However, the sintered tiny particles can form hard agglomerates, and the particle size increases remarkably. The structures of the powders before and after sintering were identified by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The study of the electrical property of the powder shows that the powder is a metallic conductor. In a reducing atmosphere, the powder can be decomposed. When the powder is cofired with yttria-stabilized zirconia 5% (YSZ) powder at 1200 °C for 5 h, no new phase is produced, and the powder remains a single provskite hexagonal-rhombohedral structure.