Synthesis of nickel nanoparticles supported on hollow samaria-doped ceria particles via the solution-spray plasma technique: Anode catalysts for SOFCs

Aiming at SOFC anode applications, we have synthesized nanometer-sized nickel catalysts supported on hollow spherical particles of samaria-doped ceria (Ni/SDC) by spraying a mixed solution of nickel, samarium, and cerium nitrates into an atmospheric pressure plasma. The as-prepared particles consisted of SDC (average diameter dSDC = ca. 0.8 µm) and uniformly dispersed nanometer-sized NiO particles. When reduced in H2 at 800 °C or 1000 °C, Ni nanoparticles (average diameter dNi = 34 nm) were found to be embedded uniformly into the SDC surface.