La5.4MoO11.1 proton conductors with different
metal doping (Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Ti4+, Zr4+, and Nb5+
) have
been prepared and structurally and electrically characterized. Different
polymorphs are stabilized depending on the doping and cooling rate
used during the synthesis process. The most interesting results are
obtained for Nb-doping, La5.4Mo1–x
Nb
x
O11.1–x/2, where single compounds are obtained in the compositional
range 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2. These materials
are fully characterized by structural techniques such as X-ray and
neutron powder diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, which
independently confirm the changes of polymorphism. Scanning electron
microscopy and impedance spectroscopy measurements in dry/wet gases
(N2, O2, and 5% H2–Ar) showed
an enhancement of the sinterability and electrical properties of the
materials after Nb-doping. Conductivity measurements under very reducing
conditions revealed that these materials are mixed ionic-electronic
conductors, making them potential candidates for hydrogen separation
membranes.