Simultaneous first-order valence and oxygen vacancy order/disorder transitions in (Pr_0.85Y_0.15)_0.7Ca_0.3CoO_3-δ via analytical transmission electron microscopy

Perovskite cobaltites have been studied for years as some of the few solids to exhibit thermally driven spin-state crossovers. The unanticipated first-order spin and electronic transitions recently discovered in Pr-based cobaltites are notably different from these conventional crossovers, and are understood in terms of a unique valence transition. In essence, the Pr valence is thought to spontaneously shift from 3+ toward 4+ on cooling, driving subsequent transitions in Co valence and electronic/ magnetic properties. Here, we apply temperature-dependent transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy to study this phenomenon, for the first time with atomic spatial resolution, in the prototypical (Pr_0.85Y_0.15)_0.70 Ca_0.30CoO_3-δ. In addition to the direct spectroscopic observation of charge transfer between Pr and Co at the 165 K transition (on both the Pr and O edges), we also find a simultaneous order/disorder transition associated with O vacancies. Remarkably, the first-order valence change drives a transition between ordered and random O vacancies, at constant O vacancy density, demonstrating reversible crystallization of such vacancies even at cryogenic temperatures.