Synthesis and properties of La0.05Ba0.95Ti1 −xMyO3 (M = Mn, Ce) as anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

•Pure, Mn, and/or Ce-doped La/Ba titanates (LBT) were studied as SOFC anode materials.•Structural analyses confirm their cubic perovskite structure in air or diluted H2.•Mn substitution does not improve the electrical or electrochemical properties of LBT.•Catalytic performance for CH4 steam reforming was highly promoted by Ce substitution.•Ce-doped LBT presents interest as SOFC anode operating with methane.

Stoichiometric and sub-stoichiometric lanthanum barium titanates (LBT) of perovskite structure type, substituted or not with Mn and/or Ce at the Ti-site, were prepared by sol–gel route with heat treatment in air. All the compounds display a cubic Pm-3m symmetry, which remains stable in reducing atmosphere. Whereas Mn substitution highly promotes the reducibility of the material, the electrical and electrochemical performance of Mn-doped compounds is decreased with respect to non-doped sub-stoichiometric LBT. In contrast, the electrical conductivity and resistance polarization of Ce-substituted LBT are close to those of non-doped LBT and Ce-substituted LBT appears especially efficient in improving the catalytic properties for methane steam reforming and avoiding carbon formation.