Preparation and characterization of nano-tube and nano-rod structured La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ/Zr0.92Y0.08O2 composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells

In this work, La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ/Zr0.92Y0.08O2 (LSM/YSZ) composite nano-tubes are co-synthesized by a pore wetting technique as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A fast-firing method is introduced to improve the contact between the composite cathode and the YSZ electrolyte, as well as to retain the original nano-tube structure. The morphology and structure studies indicate that the LSM/YSZ composite cathodes which undergo a 1100 °C heat treatment present nano-tube and nano-rod structure (with heating and cooling rates of 200 and 100 °C min−1). Area specific resistance (ASR) of the composite cathodes is characterized by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The as-prepared nanostructured composite cathode shows low ASR values, which is mainly due to small grain size, homogeneous particle distribution and fine pore structure of the material.

Research highlights
► Nano-tube and nano-rod structured LSM/YSZ composite cathodes are prepared.
► Fast firing is introduced to maintain the nanostructure of the LSM/YSZ cathodes.
► The nanotube structured LSM/YSZ composite cathode shows low ASR.