Conductivity and sintering property of LaNi1 − xFexO3 ceramics prepared by Pechini method

Preparation of LaNi1 − xFexO3, which is one of the candidate materials of solid oxide fuel cell cathode, current collecting layer and interconnect coating was examined with Pechini method and solid state reaction method. Single phase LaNi1 − xFexO3 with large Ni content has successfully been prepared by low temperature sintering as 750 °C with Pechini method, whereas large amount of raw materials has remained with solid state reaction method by sintering at the same temperature. It can be ascribed to more homogenous cation distribution in raw powder material prior to sintering with Pechini method. It has also been revealed that LaNi1 − xFexO3 with x lower than 0.3 is thermodynamically unstable in air above 1000 °C. LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 showed superior property as cathode material with high electrical conductivity, thermodynamic stability and appropriate sintering property.

► Single phase LaNi1 − xFexO3 with large Ni content can be prepared with Pechini method.
► Stability of specimen with large Ni content was low due to the reduction of Ni3+.
► Electrical conductivity increases with increasing Ni content in 1.0 ≧ x ≧ 0.4.
► LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 is the most promising for SOFCs' cathode among LaNi1 − xFexO3.