Sergio Federico Mayer

@inma.unizar-csic.es

Instrument scientist
Instituto de Nanociencia y Materiales de Aragón (INMA), CSIC-Universidad de Zaragoza

Sergio Federico Mayer


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https://researchid.co/sergiomayer

EDUCATION

Chemical engineer - Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - FRC (Argentina)
PhD in chemical engineering - Universidad Tecnológica Nacional - FRC (Argentina)

RESEARCH, TEACHING, or OTHER INTERESTS

Materials Science, Materials Chemistry, General Chemical Engineering, Instrumentation
11

Scopus Publications

140

Scholar Citations

7

Scholar h-index

6

Scholar i10-index

Scopus Publications

  • High Pressure Densification Investigation of Li3PS4 and Li6PS5Cl Solid Electrolytes using Combine X-Ray Diffraction, X-Ray Absorption Tomography and Ionic Measurement
    Oskar Thompson, Ove Korjus, Adrien Fauchier‐Magnan, Clément Albin, Sergio F. Mayer, et al.
    Advanced Functional Materials, 2026
    Proper densification of thiophosphate solid electrolytes is crucial for enhancing ionic transport and for preventing dendrite formation and ensuring mechanical stability. However, achieving optimal densification remains challenging due to the absence of techniques capable of monitoring structural and morphological changes in real time. We design a specific airtight high‐pressure cell and clamp, enabling the in situ investigation of amorphous (Li 3 PS 4 ) and crystalline (Li 6 PS 5 Cl) sulfide‐based solid electrolytes. Using X‐ray computed tomography and diffraction at the Psiché beamline (SOLEIL synchrotron), we studied the samples under uniaxial compression up to 3700 MPa. We correlate the evolution of structure, density, and porosity with ionic conductivity measurements obtained via electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results reveal two densification stages: an initial closure of intergranular porosity, followed by structural densification through elimination of intragranular porosity. The porosity in Li 3 PS 4 reduces faster than in Li 6 PS 5 Cl, reflecting its higher softness. Above 500 MPa, ionic conductivity decreases, likely due to lattice contraction and increased Li + migration barriers. Upon decompression, both materials exhibit irreversible conductivity enhancement, attributed to plastic densification and increased structural disorder. These findings highlight the critical role of microstructural control and pressing conditions in optimizing the electrochemical performance of sulfide‐based solid electrolytes.
  • Understanding Interphases and Interfaces of Battery Materials at the Nanoscale
    Sergio Federico Mayer, Benjamin Mercier‐Guyon, Célia Doublet, Adrien Fauchier‐Magnan, Léa Rose Mangani, et al.
    Small, 2025
    Battery performance and longevity are critically dependent on interfacial characteristics, regardless of whether these interfaces are organic, inorganic, or buried. Comprehensive understanding of these regions is essential for optimizing electrochemical performance. Characterization of battery interfaces presents significant challenges due to their nanometer‐scale thickness, complex composition (often a mixture of organic and inorganic decomposition products), and susceptibility to environmental factors and beam damage. In situ and operando techniques, often utilizing synchrotron or neutron sources, are preferred to minimize contamination and capture dynamic interfacial evolution. However, experimental constraints limit universal applicability; vacuum‐based methods suitable for solid‐state batteries are incompatible with liquid electrolyte systems, while buried interfaces pose unique analytical hurdles. A lack of standardized characterization protocols contributes to data variability and potential bias within literature. This review addresses strategies for investigating buried interfaces and examines advanced characterization techniques commonly employed in lithium‐ion battery interface studies. This study specifically addresses concerns surrounding data interpretation and the inherent sensitivity of these layers, highlighting the need for careful methodological consideration and rigorous data validation to ensure accurate representation of interfacial behavior.
  • Exploring the Temperature-Dependent Structural Evolution of Mechanically Synthesized Na3PS4 Solid Electrolyte through In Situ X-Ray Diffraction
    Sergio Federico Mayer, Marta Mirolo, Alisson Andrea Iles Velez, Ove Korjus, Emmanuelle Suard, et al.
    Small Structures, 2024
    Exploring the potential of sodium‐based materials is of utmost importance, especially for next‐generation solid‐state batteries. Herein, Na3PS4 thiophosphate solid electrolyte is focused on. While its tetragonal α phase is initially studied for Na solid‐state batteries, the impact of heat treatment and the phase transitions of amorphous and semicrystalline polymorphs obtained by mechanochemical synthesis remains poorly understood. The structural evolution is evaluated as function of the temperature of amorphous and semicrystalline Na3PS4 polymorphs obtained by mechanochemical processes. Both samples are heat‐treated during an in situ synchrotron X‐ray diffraction measurement, and multiple phase transitions are detected, some of them being irreversible. A novel and abundant orthorhombic intermediary phase is observed when the heat treatment is performed on the amorphous sample. The ionic conductivity of both amorphous and semicrystalline samples undergoes significant enhancement after heat treatment, reaching 0.09 and 0.16 × 10−3 S cm−1, respectively. This research sheds light on the thermal dynamics of Na3PS4 polymorphs, providing valuable insights into their crystallization processes, especially in the amorphous‐to‐cubic transition. The discovered intermediate phases underscore the potential for further advancements in sodium‐based solid‐state battery technologies.
  • A High-Performance Solid-State Na–CO2 Battery with Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride-co-Hexafluoropropylene)−Na3.2Zr1.9Mg0.1Si2PO12 Electrolyte
    Liang Lu, Chunwen Sun, Jian Hao, Zelin Wang, Sergio F. Mayer, et al.
    Energy and Environmental Materials, 2023
    The recovery and utilization of carbon dioxide (CO2) is the key to achieve the targets of peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality. The Na‐CO2 battery made with cheap alkali metal sodium and greenhouse gas CO2 is an effective strategy to consume CO2 and store clean renewable energy. However, the liquid electrolyte volatilization in the open battery system and inevitable dendrite growth restrict the application of Na‐CO2 batteries. In this work, magnesium‐doped Na3Zr2Si2PO12 (NZSP) was studied as a solid electrolyte for solid‐state Na‐CO2 batteries. The ionic conductivity of Na3.2Zr1.9Mg0.1Si2PO12 reaches 1.16 mS cm−1 at room temperature by replacing Zr ions in Na3Zr2Si2PO12 with Mg ions, and the structural changes are analyzed by neutron powder diffraction. The composite electrolyte consisting of highly conductive Na3.2Zr1.9Mg0.1Si2PO12 and high processability poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HFP) is utilized for the first time to assemble a solid‐state Na‐CO2 battery. The cell shows a full discharge capacity of 7720 mAh g−1 at 200 mA g−1. The middle gap voltage is lower than 2 V after 120 cycles at 200 mA g−1 and at a cut‐off capacity of 500 mAh g−1. This work demonstrates a promising strategy to design high‐performance solid‐state Na‐CO2 batteries.
  • Nitridation effect on lithium iron phosphate cathode for rechargeable batteries
    Sergio Federico Mayer, Cristina de la Calle, María Teresa Fernández-Díaz, José Manuel Amarilla, José Antonio Alonso
    Rsc Advances, 2022
    A better-performing oxynitride with LFP olivine structure as an appealing intercalation cathode for lithium-ion batteries.
  • Synergy of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques to unveil the crystal structure of antimonic acid
    S. F. Mayer, J. E. Rodrigues, I. Sobrados, J. Gainza, M. T. Fernández-Díaz, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 2021
    The elusive crystal structure of the so-called ‘antimonic acid’ has been investigated by means of robust and state-of-the-art techniques. The synergic results of solid-state magic-angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and a combined Rietveld refinement from synchrotron X-ray and neutron powder diffraction data reveal that this compound contains two types of protons, in a pyrochlore-type structure of stoichiometric formula (H3O)1.20(7)H0.77(9)Sb2O6. Some protons belong to heavily delocalized H3O+ subunits, while some H+ are directly bonded to the oxygen atoms of the covalent framework of the pyrochlore structure, with O–H distances close to 1 Å. A proton diffusion mechanism is proposed relying on percolation pathways determined by bond-valence energy landscape analysis. X-ray absorption spectroscopy results corroborate the structural data around Sb5+ ions at short-range order. Thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry endorsed the conclusions on the water content within antimonic acid. Additional 0.7 water molecules per formula were assessed as moisture water by thermal analysis.
  • A comprehensive examination of the local- and long-range structure of Sb6O13 pyrochlore oxide
    S. F. Mayer, J. E. Rodrigues, C. Marini, M. T. Fernández-Díaz, H. Falcón, et al.
    Scientific Reports, 2020
    The crystal structure of the Sb6O13 oxide, exhibiting a defect pyrochlore crystal structure with atomic vacancies, has been studied using a complete set of state-of-the-art techniques. The degree of antimony disproportionation in Sb3+ and Sb5+ valence states has been directly determined around 36% and 64%, respectively, using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES). These findings are in excellent agreement with our Rietveld analysis of synchrotron X-ray (SXRD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) results. Moreover, the highly distorted Sb3+ coordination due to its lone electron pair has been critically revisited. The bonding distances and coordination of Sb3+ and Sb5+ species closely agree with an extensive dynamic and crystallographic determination using the Extended X-ray Absorption Fine Structure (EXAFS) technique. Most importantly, the specific local disorder of the two distinctive Sb ions has been crosschecked monitoring their unusual Debye–Waller factors.
  • Structure-properties relationship in the hydronium-containing pyrochlores (H3O)1+: PSb1+ pTe1- pO6with catalytic activity in the fructose dehydration reaction
    Sergio Federico Mayer, Horacio Falcón, María Teresa Fernández-Díaz, José Miguel Campos-Martín, José Antonio Alonso
    Dalton Transactions, 2020
    NPD refinement for an accurate description of the pyrochlore family with progressive H3O+ lability, and its kinetics for fructose to HMF conversion.
  • Dehydration of fructose to HMF in presence of (H3O)xSbxTe(2-x)O6 (x = 1, 1.1, 1.25) in H2O-MIBK
    Sergio F. Mayer, H. Falcón, R. Dipaola, P. Ribota, L. Moyano, et al.
    Molecular Catalysis, 2020
  • The crystal structure of defect KBB’O6 pyrochlores (B,B’: Nb,W,Sb,Te) revisited from neutron diffraction data
    Sergio F. Mayer, Horacio Falcón, María Teresa Fernández-Díaz, José Antonio Alonso
    Crystals, 2018
    Three defect pyrochlores KNbWO6·xH2O, KNbTeO6 and KSbWO6 were synthesized by solid state reaction at 750 °C, from stoichiometric mixtures of K2C2O4, Sb2O3, Nb2O5, WO3 and 20% excess TeO2. A neutron powder diffraction (NPD) data analysis allowed unveiling some structural features. They are all defined in the cubic F d 3 ¯ m space group symmetry, with α = 10.5068(1) Å, 10.2466(1) Å and 10.2377(1) Å, respectively. Difference Fourier synthesis for KNbWO6·xH2O clearly showed the presence of crystallization water, with extra O’ oxygen and H+ atoms that were located from NPD data. These O’ oxygen atoms are placed at 32e Wyckoff sites, conforming a K2O’ sublattice interpenetrated with the covalent framework constituted by (Nb,W)O6 octahedra. The H+ ions coordinate the O’ atoms at partially occupied 96g Wyckoff sites while K+ ions shift also along 32e sites, but closer to the 16c special site (0,0,0). By contrast, extra H2O molecules are absent in the other two pyrochlores: in KNbTeO6 and KSbWO6 K+ ions are shifted along 32e (x,x,x) sites further away from the origin than for the previous material, and the higher covalency of the octahedral network determines more compact structures, with shorter B–O distances and narrower B–O–B angles in the proposed AB2O6 defect pyrochlore structure.
  • Potassium disorder in the defect pyrochlore KSbTeO6: A neutron diffraction study
    José Alonso, Sergio Mayer, Horacio Falcón, Xabier Turrillas, María Fernández-Díaz
    Crystals, 2017

RECENT SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • High Pressure Densification Investigation of Li 3 PS 4 and Li 6 PS 5 Cl Solid Electrolytes using Combine X‐Ray Diffraction, X‐Ray Absorption Tomography and Ionic …
    O Thompson, O Korjus, A Fauchier‐Magnan, C Albin, SF Mayer, E Suard, ...
    Advanced Functional Materials, e75195 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • WS segregation in W-doped Na PS sodium solid electrolyte
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, E Suard, L Lecarme, C Villevieille, JB Ducros
    76th Annual ISE Meeting-76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of … , 2025
    2025
  • Optimizing the synthesis of Na PnS (Pn = P, Sb) sodium solid electrolytes
    S Mayer, L Lecarme, C Villevieille, JB Ducros
    76th Annual ISE Meeting-76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of … , 2025
    2025
  • Understanding Interphases and Interfaces of Battery Materials at the Nanoscale
    SF Mayer, B Mercier‐Guyon, C Doublet, A Fauchier‐Magnan, ...
    Small 21 (34), 2504379 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 5
  • Exploring the Temperature‐Dependent Structural Evolution of Mechanically Synthesized Na 3 PS 4 Solid Electrolyte through In Situ X‐Ray Diffraction
    SF Mayer, M Mirolo, AA Iles Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, ...
    Small Structures 5 (11), 2400225 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Neutrons as key technique for a better understanding of lithium and post-lithium batteries
    O Korjus, C Renais, S Mayer, P Perrenot, E Suard, C Villevieille
    JCNS Workshop 2024 , 2024
    2024
  • Structure evolution of sodium thiophosphate electrolytes as function of the temperature
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, AAI Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, JB Ducros, ...
    75th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry , 2024
    2024
  • In depth investigation of amorphous and crystalline Na PS structural evolution upon in situ temperature X-ray diffraction
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, AAI Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, JB Ducros, ...
    International Operando Battery Days , 2024
    2024
  • Na-sulfide based Solid Electrolytes for battery applications
    AAI Velez, M Mirolo, S Mayer
    Battery 2030+ Annual Conference , 2024
    2024
  • Deshidratación de fructosa hacia productos de interés industrial empleando el pirocloro ácido antimónico (H3O) 2Sb2O6· nH2O
    E Diguilio, S Mayer, H Falcón
    Tecnología y Ciencia, 37-46 , 2024
    2024
  • Neutrons as key technique for a better understanding of lithium and postlithium batteries¶
    C Renais, M Reuter, O Korjus, S Mayer, A Fauchier-Magnan, E Suard, ...
    Journées de la diffusion neutronique 2023 , 2023
    2023
  • Structural and Electrochemical Characterization of Thioantimoniate Sodium Solid Electrolyte
    SF Mayer, JB Ducros, L Lecarme, C Villevieille
    74th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry , 2023
    2023
  • Structural and electrochemical characterization of sodium solid electrolyte
    SF Mayer, AA Iles, M Mirolo, JB Ducros, L Lecarme, E Suard, C Villevieille
    Lithium Battery Discussions , 2023
    2023
  • Synthesis and characterization of Na3PS4 and Na 2.85 P 0.85 W 0.15 S 4 as solid electrolytes
    AA Iles, M Mirolo, SF Mayer
    Symposium UGA-ESRF , 2023
    2023
  • A High‐Performance Solid‐State Na–CO 2 Battery with Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐co‐Hexafluoropropylene)−Na 3.2 Zr 1.9 Mg 0.1 Si 2 PO 12 Electrolyte
    L Lu, C Sun, J Hao, Z Wang, SF Mayer, MT Fernández‐Díaz, JA Alonso, ...
    Energy & Environmental Materials 6 (3), e12364 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 38
  • Materials for energy: neutron diffraction structural characterisation and structure-properties correlation
    SF Mayer, JA Alonso
    Materials for Sustainable Development Conference MAT-SUS 2022 , 2022
    2022
  • Synthesis and structural and electrochemical characterization of sodium based thiophosphates electrolytes for all solid state batteries
    SF Mayer, JB Ducros, F Fauth, L Lecarme, C Villevieille
    User Meeting 22 , 2022
    2022
  • Nitridation effect on lithium iron phosphate cathode for rechargeable batteries
    SF Mayer, C de la Calle, MT Fernández-Díaz, JM Amarilla, JA Alonso
    RSC advances 12 (6), 3696-3707 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 7
  • Synergy of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques to unveil the crystal structure of antimonic acid
    SF Mayer, JE Rodrigues, I Sobrados, J Gainza, MT Fernández-Díaz, ...
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 17763 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 12
  • Unveiling the crystal structure of ‘antimonic acid’: short-and long-range perspectives
    SF Mayer, JE Rodrigues, I Sobrados, J Gainza, MT Fernández-Díaz, ...
    2021

MOST CITED SCHOLAR PUBLICATIONS

  • A High‐Performance Solid‐State Na–CO 2 Battery with Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride‐co‐Hexafluoropropylene)−Na 3.2 Zr 1.9 Mg 0.1 Si 2 PO 12 Electrolyte
    L Lu, C Sun, J Hao, Z Wang, SF Mayer, MT Fernández‐Díaz, JA Alonso, ...
    Energy & Environmental Materials 6 (3), e12364 , 2023
    2023
    Citations: 38
  • Dehydration of fructose to HMF in presence of (H3O) xSbxTe (2-x) O6 (x= 1, 1.1, 1.25) in H2O-MIBK
    SF Mayer, H Falcon, R Dipaola, P Ribota, L Moyano, S Morales-delaRosa, ...
    Molecular Catalysis 481, 110276 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 33
  • A comprehensive examination of the local- and long-range structure of Sb 6 O 13 pyrochlore oxide
    SF Mayer, JE Rodrigues, C Marini, MT Fernández-Díaz, H Falcón, ...
    Scientific Reports 10 (1), 16956 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 14
  • The Crystal Structure of Defect KBB’O 6 Pyrochlores (B,B’: Nb,W,Sb,Te) Revisited from Neutron Diffraction Data
    SF Mayer, H Falcón, MT Fernández-Díaz, JA Alonso
    Crystals 8 (10), 368 , 2018
    2018
    Citations: 13
  • Synergy of diffraction and spectroscopic techniques to unveil the crystal structure of antimonic acid
    SF Mayer, JE Rodrigues, I Sobrados, J Gainza, MT Fernández-Díaz, ...
    Scientific Reports 11 (1), 17763 , 2021
    2021
    Citations: 12
  • Potassium Disorder in the Defect Pyrochlore KSbTeO 6 : A Neutron Diffraction Study
    JA Alonso, S Mayer, H Falcón, X Turrillas, MT Fernández-Díaz
    Crystals 7 (1), 24 , 2017
    2017
    Citations: 10
  • Nitridation effect on lithium iron phosphate cathode for rechargeable batteries
    SF Mayer, C de la Calle, MT Fernández-Díaz, JM Amarilla, JA Alonso
    RSC advances 12 (6), 3696-3707 , 2022
    2022
    Citations: 7
  • Understanding Interphases and Interfaces of Battery Materials at the Nanoscale
    SF Mayer, B Mercier‐Guyon, C Doublet, A Fauchier‐Magnan, ...
    Small 21 (34), 2504379 , 2025
    2025
    Citations: 5
  • Structure–properties relationship in the hydronium-containing pyrochlores (H 3 O) 1+ p Sb 1+ p Te 1− p O 6 with catalytic activity in the fructose dehydration reaction
    SF Mayer, H Falcón, MT Fernández-Díaz, JM Campos-Martín, JA Alonso
    Dalton Transactions 49 (33), 11657-11667 , 2020
    2020
    Citations: 4
  • High Pressure Densification Investigation of Li 3 PS 4 and Li 6 PS 5 Cl Solid Electrolytes using Combine X‐Ray Diffraction, X‐Ray Absorption Tomography and Ionic …
    O Thompson, O Korjus, A Fauchier‐Magnan, C Albin, SF Mayer, E Suard, ...
    Advanced Functional Materials, e75195 , 2026
    2026
    Citations: 1
  • Exploring the Temperature‐Dependent Structural Evolution of Mechanically Synthesized Na 3 PS 4 Solid Electrolyte through In Situ X‐Ray Diffraction
    SF Mayer, M Mirolo, AA Iles Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, ...
    Small Structures 5 (11), 2400225 , 2024
    2024
    Citations: 1
  • Revisión Estructural por SXRD y NPD del Óxido Sb3O6, 5
    SF Mayer, H Falcon, MT Fernández Díaz, JA Alonso
    Asociación Argentina de Cristalografía , 2019
    2019
    Citations: 1
  • Functionality of a mixture of three gums from species located in Venezuela in the ice cream preparation.
    F Rincn, M Martínez, GL Pinto, S Mayer
    2003
    Citations: 1
  • WS segregation in W-doped Na PS sodium solid electrolyte
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, E Suard, L Lecarme, C Villevieille, JB Ducros
    76th Annual ISE Meeting-76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of … , 2025
    2025
  • Optimizing the synthesis of Na PnS (Pn = P, Sb) sodium solid electrolytes
    S Mayer, L Lecarme, C Villevieille, JB Ducros
    76th Annual ISE Meeting-76th Annual Meeting of the International Society of … , 2025
    2025
  • Neutrons as key technique for a better understanding of lithium and post-lithium batteries
    O Korjus, C Renais, S Mayer, P Perrenot, E Suard, C Villevieille
    JCNS Workshop 2024 , 2024
    2024
  • Structure evolution of sodium thiophosphate electrolytes as function of the temperature
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, AAI Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, JB Ducros, ...
    75th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry , 2024
    2024
  • In depth investigation of amorphous and crystalline Na PS structural evolution upon in situ temperature X-ray diffraction
    S Mayer, M Mirolo, AAI Velez, O Korjus, E Suard, L Lecarme, JB Ducros, ...
    International Operando Battery Days , 2024
    2024
  • Na-sulfide based Solid Electrolytes for battery applications
    AAI Velez, M Mirolo, S Mayer
    Battery 2030+ Annual Conference , 2024
    2024
  • Deshidratación de fructosa hacia productos de interés industrial empleando el pirocloro ácido antimónico (H3O) 2Sb2O6· nH2O
    E Diguilio, S Mayer, H Falcón
    Tecnología y Ciencia, 37-46 , 2024
    2024