The phase diagram of ${\mathrm{LaFeO}}_3$ (010) surfaces is developed by ab initio thermodynamics. The stabilities of LaO- and ${\mathrm{FeO}}_2$-terminated surfaces are investigated at temperatures representative of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) operating conditions [773, 1073, and 1223 K at $p$(O${}_2$) ≈ 0.21 atm]. For LaO-type surfaces, it is predicted that the most stable surface structure is oxidized at all temperatures considered. For ${\mathrm{FeO}}_2$-type surfaces, the most stable surface structure is predicted to change from oxidized (at 773 K) to stoichiometric (at 1073 and 1223 K). Even though both LaO and ${\mathrm{FeO}}_2$ surfaces can be oxidized under SOFC operating conditions, the degree of oxidation is much greater for the LaO surface. In addition, as reduced surfaces are predicted to be significantly more unstable than stoichiometric and oxidized terminations at these temperatures and oxygen partial pressures, surface oxygen vacancies are not predicted to form on either the LaO or the ${\mathrm{FeO}}_2$ terminations. Moreover, at high temperatures [above ∼1500 K at $p$(O${}_2$) $=$ 0.21 atm], only ${\mathrm{FeO}}_2$-type surfaces are predicted to be stable. Importantly, the calculated transition temperatures where surface oxygen stoichiometries are predicted to change are in good agreement with the results of temperature-programmed desorption experiments.

• Received 29 June 2010

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.83.115418