Radiation behavior of Ruddlesden–Popper Srn+1TinO3n+1 (n = 1, 2, 3, and ∞): Effects of layered structure and temperature

Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites are layer-structured derivatives of simple perovskites. In this study, the radiation behavior of RP perovskites Sr_n+1Ti_nO_3n+1 (n = 1, 2, 3, and ∞) was investigated, focusing on the effects of [SrO] layers and temperatures. Under 3 MeV Xe ion irradiation at room temperature, Sr_n+1Ti_nO_3n+1 perovskites exhibited varying degrees of amorphization and lattice swelling. As the index n increases or the density of [SrO] layers decreases, the radiation resistance of Sr_n+1Ti_nO_3n+1 gradually increases, suggesting that the [SrO] layers play a significant role in the radiation behavior of RP perovskites. At high temperatures, Sr_n+1Ti_nO_3n+1 perovskites exhibited enhanced radiation tolerance. Moreover, the typical layered Sr_n+1Ti_nO_3n+1 (n = 1–3) perovskites decomposed into non-layered SrTiO₃ and SrO. To further elucidate these observations, annealing experiments were performed on pristine and room-temperature irradiated samples. The results confirm that the phase decomposition is caused by a combined effect of irradiation and high temperature. On the basis of the first-principles calculations, the experimental results are well interpreted within the framework of defect energetics and thermodynamic stability. This study provides insights into the mechanism governing the structural stability of RP perovskites under radiation, offering guidance for tuning the radiation resistance of complex materials.