Fabrication and performance of membrane solid oxide fuel cells with La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ impregnated anodes

La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ (LSCrM)-impregnated anodes have been fabricated by infiltrating 70% porous yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) matrixes with an LSCrM solution. In these anodes, LSCrM is a primary electronic conducive phase while the well-sintered YSZ provides an ionic-conducting pathway throughout the electrode. The maximum power densities of a single cell with YSZ + 35 wt.% LSCrM composite anode reach 567 and 561 mW cm−2 at 850 °C in dry H2 and CH4, respectively. Further, Ag and Ni are added via nitrate impregnating method for improving electronic conductivity and catalytic activity. With the addition of 6 wt.% Ni and 2 wt.% Ag to the YSZ + 32 wt.% LSCrM composite anode, the maximum power densities at 850 °C increase to 1302 mW cm−2 in dry H2 and 769 mW cm−2 in dry CH4. No carbon deposition is detected in the tested anodes, even with the presence of Ni.