Silver-perovskite composite SOFC cathodes processed via mechanofusion

Atomized silver spheres (approximate to 20-50 lint diameter) were coated with I mu m thick layers of (La0.6Sr0.4)(0.98)Co0.2Fe0.8O3 or SMO.5Sro.5CO03 via a mechanofusion dry processing method. The materials were subsequently assessed as solid oxide fuel cell cathodes on anode-supported YSZ electrolytes at 650-750 degrees C. The materials were subject to significant electrochemical conditioning during initial cell operation, and factors, such as temperature and operating voltage, affecting the conditioning rate are discussed. Post-conditioned power densities (at 0.7 V) were typically 550-650, 400-450 and 300-350 mW cm(-2) at 750, 700 and 650 degrees C, respectively. Though power degradation rates of approximate to 7.5 and 4.5 % (per 1000 h) were observed at 750 and 700 degrees C, respectively, no degradation was detected over almost 2000h of testing at 650 degrees C. (C) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.