Fabrication of Thin Electrodic Films by Solution Aerosol Thermolysis (SAT)

Abstract

We present here results of the application and parameter optimization of the technique of solution spray pyrolysis for the fabrication of electrodic films of the type Cu-CeO 2 and La 0.75 Sr 0.25 MnO 3 (LSM) on dense pellets of the solid electrolyte yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ). The first type of electrode combines the properties of a good electronic conductor (Cu) and an efficient catalyst while the second constitutes a typical perovskite exhibiting mixed (i.e. ionic and electronic) conductivity. Both types of electrodes find wide use in ceramic fuel cells, gas sensors and catalytic processes.

Fabrication of Thin Functional Films by Solution Aerosol Thermolysis (SAT)

“…The experimental apparatus used for the spray pyrolysis deposition experiments has been described in detail in previous communications 12,13 and is shown in Figure 1. The system basically consists of a syringe pump which controls the solution flow rate during spraying and an air compressor (vol.50L) with manometer and flow controller which controls the air flow rate.…”

“…In a recent publication, 12 we have used the technique of SAT for fabricating films of cermets of the type Cu-CeO 2 , Cu-La 0.75 Sr 0.25 Cr 0.5 Mn 0.5 O 3-δ (Cu-LSCM) and the single phase perovskite La 0.75 Sr 0.25 MnO 3 (LSM) onto dense and porous YSZ substrates, identifying the substrate deposition temperature and precursor solution concentration as being the most significant factors that affect film morphology, adhesion and thickness. Moreover, Krestou et al 13 identified an effect of the type of precursor salt in addition to the above parameters. In the present communication, we extend these findings on the same type of functional materials focusing on the deposition temperature effect for LSM and CuO-CeO 2 films.…”