Synthesis of La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 thin films supported on Fe–Cr alloy by sol–gel/dip-coating process: Evaluation of deposition parameters

• La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 films were deposited by sol–gel/dip-coating on SS439 substrate.
• Deposition parameters were evaluated on structure and morphology of deposited films.
• The ratio of precursor concentrations and annealing temperature were studied.
• Films deposited with gel viscosity of 50 mPa·s and one layer are more homogeneous.

LSM (lanthanum strontium manganite) thin films were deposited by sol–gel/dip coating on metallic substrate (SS439 — Cr 16.6%) aiming the application in solid oxide fuel cells. The gels were prepared with different ratios of organic/metal salt concentration and viscosities. LSM films were deposited on alloy substrate with varying number of layers (1, 2 and 3) and annealed at temperatures of 600–1000 °C. The films were characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy to study the influence of the deposition parameters on the structure and morphology of the films. The LSM films deposited with lower viscosity exhibited better adhesion to the substrate with good homogeneity. The sample prepared with gel viscosity of 50 mPa·s and one deposited layer presented pure crystalline phase, crack-free surface and a more homogeneous coating.