Synthesis of nanocrystalline lanthanum manganite with tailored particulate size and morphology using a novel spray pyrolysis technique for application as the functional solid oxide fuel cell cathode

► Spray pyrolysed nanocrystalline LSM possess tailored particulate size and morphology. ► Precalcined LSM nanoparticles used as seeding agent for in-situ particle growth. ► Tailored morphology of functional cathode results in lowest polarization (0.4 Ω-cm2). ► Functional cathode enhances cell performance appreciably (3.2 A cm−2, 0.7 V & 800 °C). ► Functional cathode also reduces cell ASR down to 0.109 Ω-cm2 at 800 °C.