A novel
combined chemical procedure was employed to synthesize
a homogeneous SrMo0.9Co0.1O3−δ (SMC) perovskite at lower temperatures (900 °C). The physicochemical
properties of SMC were analyzed by means of in situ X-ray diffraction and X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiments
under reducing and oxidizing conditions from 20 to 700 °C. The
study revealed a strong interaction between Mo and Co cations in the
SMC perovskite, which led to their unexpected oxidation number speciation
and a critical modification of their first coordination shell. Perovskite-like
unit cells containing Co in their center can drastically increase
the occupation number of oxygen anions, enhancing SMC oxygen storage
capability. Under reducing conditions, these loosely bonded anions
were easily released from the material to chemically react with H2 in the gas phase. These findings bring novel insights into
the physicochemical processes that take place in SMC materials and
give rise to the catalytic and electrochemical activity that makes
this material a candidate for intermediate temperature-SOFC anode
application.