Synthesis and characterization of doped LaCrO3 perovskite prepared by EDTA–citrate complexing method

The La0.85Sr0.15Cr0.95Ni0.02Co0.02O3 (LSC) interconnect materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were synthesized by EDTA–citrate complexing method. Thermal decomposition behavior of the gel, phase formation and morphology of LSC powders were characterized by thermogravimetry/differential thermal (DSC/TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. It appeared that lower pH value (pH 4.9) of the precursor solution resulted in a transient liquid phase, SrCrO4, in the calcined LSC powder. The sintering characteristics, electrical conductivity and thermal expansion properties of sintered bars were investigated. La0.85Sr0.15Cr0.95Ni0.02Co0.02O3 prepared in the condition of pH 4.9 showed an electrical conductivity of 15.6 S cm−1 at 800 °C and a thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of 10.8 × 10−6 K−1 (20–900 °C), which is suitable for use as interconnect materials for SOFCs.