Lanthanum (La3+)-doped double perovskites Sr2CoMoO6 (Sr2–x
La
x
CoMoO6, 0.00 ≤ x ≤
0.03) were synthesized via the citrate–nitrate autocombustion
route. The Reitveld refinement analysis of X-ray diffraction reveals
the tetragonal symmetry as the main phase with space group I4/m and also confirms the presence of
some peaks corresponding to extra phase SrMoO4. The SEM
micrograph images reflect that grains are in irregular shape and sizes
for all samples. Average grain size gradually decreases with the increase
of the SrMoO4 phase. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
(XPS) analysis confirms the presence of mixed valence states of Mo5+/Mo6+, Co2+/Co3+, and O-lattice/O-chemisorbed/O-physisorbed
species. Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) analysis shows that
the particular composition Sr1.97La0.03CoMoO6 has the lowest CTE value among the compositions studied.
The electrical conductivity of Sr2CoMoO6 is
enhanced effectively by doping La at Sr sites. The measured area-specific
resistance (ASR) for the composition Sr1.97La0.03CoMoO6 (SLCM03) is found to be appreciably low, ∼0.053
Ohm cm–2 at 800 °C. The obtained highest electrical
conductivity with the lowest activation energy and low ASR value for
the composition Sr1.97La0.03CoMoO6 encompasses it as a promising candidate for anode material in the
intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) application.