On the chemical interaction of nanoscale lanthanum doped strontium titanates with common scandium and yttrium stabilized electrolyte materials

Chemical interactions between common electrolyte materials and various La doped strontium titanates (LST), which are redox-stable candidates for SOFCs anodes, were thoroughly investigated. The reactions of nanosized reagents were studied by SEM/EDX microscopy and XRD with subsequent Rietveld refinement. It was found that all A-site deficient LSTs promoted a reaction with Sc and Y stabilized zirconia, whilst stoichiometric LST was chemically stable. Detected structural and microstructural changes were solely assigned to high mobility of Ti. Diffusion of Ti into the zirconia structure promoted formation of tetragonal structures with p42/nmc-type space groups. The results indicate that the reduction of oxygen partial pressure during sintering and application of Sc-containing electrolyte material are successful strategies to hinder or even avoid reactivity.

► We tested reaction of nanoscale LST powders with common electrolyte materials.
► A-site deficient titanates were found to undergo a reaction.
► All the reactions are restricted solely to the mobility of titanium ions.
► The reaction is significantly hindered under reducing forming gas and for Sc doped zirconia.
► Tested powders were chemically stable with doped cerium oxides.