Activation of LSM-based SOFC Cathodes - Dependence of Mechanism on Polarization Time

Abstract

La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ (LSM) film electrodes of thickness 100-700 nm were deposited onto yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) and cerium gadolinium oxide (CGO) electrolyte pellets by ultrasonic spray pyrolysis. The activation behavior upon initial application of cathodic polarization was studied with respect to the magnitude of applied potential and current, duration of applied potential, and surface doping with Sr, La and Mn oxides or La0.6Sr0.4FeO3 (LSF) nanoparticles. We provide evidence for two separate activation phenomena - a surface dominated process during short-term application, and bulk pore formation during long-term application of cathodic current.

Identifying the Origin of the Limiting Process in a Double Perovskite PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+δ Thin-Film Electrode for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

“…The XRD spectra of the PBSCF thin film resembled the XRD spectra of the same material reported by Choi et al No impurity peak from a likely reaction between PBSCF and GDC was detected. In our earlier study, Haider and McIntosh had demonstrated success in depositing pure-phase thin-film electrodes of simple perovskite (La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 (LSM) and LSCF) materials using the same method. ,, …”

“…In our earlier study, Haider and McIntosh had demonstrated success in depositing purephase thin-film electrodes of simple perovskite (La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 (LSM) and LSCF) materials using the same method. 8,9,40 Figure 2a shows the surface microstructure of the film, as observed in a scanning electron microscope. At the surface, the grain size was averaged to ∼300 nm, measured across the cross-sectional diameter of the grain.…”