Investigations in the phase system Li–MgO–Y–Zr with respect to defect forming and catalytic performance Original Research Article

The phase systems Li–MgO–Zr and Li–MgO–Y–Zr have been investigated in order to determine the influence of transition metal ion doping (TMI) and additional doping with high ion- radius ion, and their effect on the defect concentration as well as the Li fixation in the lattice. Many investigation methods have been used and just the combination of these methods enabled a complete understanding. So, with respect to similar publications only by the combination of UV–VIS and Rutherford Backscattered spectroscopy (RBS) separate bands for Li, ZrO2 and MgO could be identified. This work is a first approach to investigate the material from physical and chemical point of view. The incorporation of TMI stabilizes the Li in the structure whereas the addition of a rare earth element seems to cause a reduced Li solubility. Due to the incorporation of higher valent ions vacancies in the lattice are formed and thus the amount of Li can be increased. Thus the catalytic activity and performance can be enhanced. Long time stability of the catalytic performance was tested up to 40 h on stream.