LSM Microelectrodes: Kinetics and Surface Composition

Lanthanum strontium manganite microelectrodes with the nominal composition of (La0.75Sr0.25)0.95MnO3 and a thickness of ca 500 nm was electrochemically characterized in situ at temperatures from 660 to 850◦C using a controlled atmosphere high temperature scanning probe microscope. Impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry were performed on electrodes with diameters of 20–100 μm in oxygen, air and nitrogen both at open circuit voltage and at anodic and cathodic polarization. In situ conductance mapping, ex situ surface analysis by time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy were performed to observe electrical, chemical and structural changes on the microelectrodes. © 2015 The Electrochemical Society.