Synthesis and properties of La0.05Ba0.95Ti1 −xMyO3 (M = Mn, Ce) as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

• Pure, Mn, and/or Ce-doped La/Ba titanates (LBT) were studied as SOFC anode materials.
• Structural analyses confirm their cubic perovskite structure in air or diluted H2.
• Mn substitution does not improve the electrical or electrochemical properties of LBT.
• Catalytic performance for CH4 steam reforming was highly promoted by Ce substitution.
• Ce-doped LBT presents interest as SOFC anode operating with methane.

Stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric lanthanum barium titanates (LBT) of perovskite structure type, substituted or not with Mn and/or Ce at the Ti-site, were prepared by sol–gel route with heat treatment in air. All the compounds display a cubic Pm-3m symmetry, which remains stable in reducing atmosphere. Whereas Mn substitution highly promotes the reducibility of the material, the electrical and electrochemical performance of Mn-doped compounds is decreased with respect to non-doped sub-stoichiometric LBT. In contrast, the electrical conductivity and resistance polarization of Ce-substituted LBT are close to those of non-doped LBT and Ce-substituted LBT appears especially efficient in improving the catalytic properties for methane steam reforming and avoiding carbon formation.