Effect of B-site deficiency on the (In, Fe) co-doped SrTiO${}_3$

Indium and iron were co-doped at the Ti site of strontium titanate (SrTiO${}_3$) as dopant to improve the electrical properties of the anode material for solid oxide fuel cells. The effect of B-site deficiency on the weight loss, phase, lattice parameter, density, microstructure and electrical properties of Sr(Ti${}_{0.8}$In${}_{0.1}$Fe${}_{0.1}$)${}_{1-x}$O${}_{3-\delta }$ (x = 0, 0.02, 0.06) samples was investigated. A compound solid solution was formed at 977 °C. Sr(Ti${}_{0.8}$In${}_{0.1}$Fe${}_{0.1}$)${}_{1-x}$O${}_{3-\delta }$ powders sintered at 1435 °C for 5 h in air exhibited a single-phas cubic perovskite structure. With increasing B-site deficiency level, the relative density and sinterability of (In, Fe) co-doped SrTiO${}_3$ decrease, whereas its lattice parameter, porosity and total conductivity increase.