Stability and performance of nano-structured cathodes prepared by impregnation methods

• Main Author: Vu, Edmund Van Tien
• Other Authors: Jiang San Ping
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering::Energy conservation
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/39816
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are devices that convert the chemical energy of a fuel directly into electricity by electrochemical reactions. Lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) is a most commonly used cathodes of high-temperature SOFCs. Operating at intermediate or lower temperatures will lead to a significant increase of the electrode polarization resistance as a result of LSM low ionic conductivity and high activation energy. However, the incorporation of nano gadolinia-doped ceria (GDC) particles via impregnation leads to significant enhancement in the electrochemical performance of LSM at reduced temperatures, because GDC has high ionic conductivity and surface exchange rate. On the other hand, stability issue is also raised due to the easy growth of nano particles.