Development and testing of impregnated La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 anode microstructures for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

The A-site deficient perovskite: La0.20Sr0.25Ca0.45TiO3 (LSCTA-) is a mixed ionic and electronic conductor (MIEC) which shows promising performance as a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode ‘backbone’ material, when impregnated with metallic and oxide-ion conducting electrocatalysts. Here, we present data on the complete ceramic processing and optimisation of the LSCTA- ‘backbone’ microstructure, in order to improve current distribution throughout the anode. Through control of ink rheology, screen printing parameters and sintering protocol an advantageous LSCTA- microstructural architecture was developed, exhibiting an ‘effective’ conductivity of 21 S cm-1. Incorporation of this LSCTA- anode microstructure into SOFC and impregnation with Ce0.80Gd0.20O1.9 and either Ni, Ru, Rh, Pt or Pd resulted in promising initial performances during fuel cell testing in a fuel stream of 97% H2:3% H2O. Area Specific Resistances of 0.41 Ω cm2 and 0.39 Ω cm2 were achieved with anodes containing Rh/CGO and Pd/CGO, respectively.