Synthesis and characterization La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 nanotubes for cathode of solid-oxide fuel cells

J. SACANELL; M.G. BELLINO; D.G. LAMAS; A.G. LEYVA

PHYSICA B - CONDENSED MATTER

Elsevier

Año: 2007 vol. 398 p. 341 - 343

0921-4526

Perovskite-type mixed oxides, such as La1-xSrxCo1-yFeyO3 compounds, are at the present time one of the most widely used materials for cathode of intermediate temperature solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). A significant increase of the specific area of the cathode can be achieved by preparing structures on the nanometric scale. In this work, nanocrystalline tubular structures of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 were synthesized by denitration, using polycarbonate porous templates, microwave irradiation and a further calcination at 800 °C. The shape and size of the tubes are determined by the characteristics of the template pores. The final thermal treatment is needed to obtain the desired perosvkite-type crystal structure. The resulting products were studied by means of X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy techniques.