Low-temperature fabrication of nano-structured porous (La,Sr)(Co,Fe)O3−δ cathodes by aerosol deposition

Nano-structured porous ∼20 μm thick LSCF films were fabricated at room temperature for use as cathodes in low temperature operating solid oxide fuel cells. Fabrication was by the aerosol deposition of ceramic-polymer composite powder. Various amounts of pore forming polyvinylidene fluoride polymer powder were mixed with LSCF ceramic powder as the starting powder for aerosol deposition. Increasing polymer content increased the porosity of films and decreased their adhesion strength. Anode-supported-type cells were created with LSGM electrolyte and nano-structured LSCF cathodes. The cells' power density was maximized at 0.79 and 1.11 W/cm2 at 650 and 750 °C, respectively, when the starting composite powder contained 5 wt.% polymer.