Nanostructured pr1-xsrxfe1-ycoyo3(0<x,y<1) perovskite type materials for sofc applications

Zusammenfassung

The reduction of fuel cell operating temperatures has led to a great deal of interest in new materials capable of providing high electrochemical performance at these lower temperatures. Nanomaterials have emerged as new materials which present promising properties to overcome some of the limitations of these devices.In this work, the electrochemical performance of a novel perovskite-type phase has been studied for its application as an SOFC cathode. Firstly, the suitability for application of the bulk perovskite phase has been assessed. The phase has then been synthesized in a range of zero- to three-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanopores, nanoparticles, nanotubes or thin films, allowing comparison and evaluation of their properties with respect to the bulk phase.Several synthetic routes, such as sol-gel, freeze-drying and other template assisted routes, have been employed to synthesize the nanomaterials. In addition, deposition techniques such as chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and pulsed lased deposition (PLD) have been utilized. The samples have been characterized by a range of techniques allowing determination of structural, morphological, electrical, electrochemical, toxicological and surface chemistry properties.This work allows the development of a comprehensive understanding of the advantages and limitations of these materials and structures for their desired application. Knowledge of their limitations, in particular, allows further research to be highly targeted, potentially facilitating the utilization and implementation of highly effective nano-structured materials.