Fabrication of aligned porous LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 perovskite by water based freeze casting

A novel porous cathode of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 perovskite with aligned porosities was engineered for solid oxide fuel cells. LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 was produced through metal nitrate and acid citric combustion method and calcined at different temperatures. The synthesized LNF at 600 degrees C shows specific surface area (S-BET) of 24.4 m(2)g (1) and an average pore size of 12.2 nm. The chemical composition and structure of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3 synthesized at temperature 600-1400 degrees C, were analyzed by XRD, XPS and HRTEM. SEM observations of freeze cast nano-sized LNF showed the vertically aligned hexagonal walls. These walls contain a great value of fine pores which accelerate the gas transportation. (C) 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.