Synthesis and Characterization of PdO-NiO-SDC Nano-powder by Glycine-Nitrate Combustion Synthesis for Anode of IT-SOFC

Ni-samaria doped ceria (SDC) is reported as potential anode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The performances of SOFCs are mostly dependent on anodic microstructure which is related to anode preparation processes. In the present study, PdO-NiO-SDC nano-composite powder is synthesized by single step glycine nitrate combustion process (GNP) for the first time. The powder is prepared by using different glycine to nitrate ratio and respective properties are studied using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). XRD study showed the formation of cubic NiO, SDC and PdO phases upto 600 °C and Ni-Pd solid solutions above 800 °C. Crystallite size and porosity of the PdO-NiO-SDC powders are found to increase with increase in glycine to fuel ratio. The porosity of sintered pellets is found to be 40-45% which is sufficient for anode of SOFC. The conductivity of the pellet sintered at 1200 °C is 99 and 72 S/cm at 450 °C and 800 °C, respectively. The electrical conductivity is observed to be increased with the increase in sintering temperature. Thus ultra fine, composite PdO-NiO-SDC powders with high surface area, better porosity and conductivity is synthesized successfully by simple, low cost, energy efficient single step glycine nitrate method for its possible application as an anode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) such as metal supported SOFCs.