Synthesis of La₄Ni₃O₁₀ Cathode Material (SOFC) by SOL-GEL Process

Abstract

The goal in this study is to synthesize a Ruddleden-Poper La-Ni phase (La₄Ni₃O₁₀) using a polymeric route. This material exhibits mixed ionic and electronic conduction (MIEC) properties and can be used as cathode material in the manufacture of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC). . In addition, an easy and inexpensive synthesis method is presented The polymeric precursors are prepared following the Castillo method using optimized the complexation ratios (HMTA/metallic salts) from 1 to 6. The obtained powders are characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in order to determine the processing conditions for formation of the crystalline phase. Experiments performed using complexation ratios of 5 and 6 do not show coagulation. However, the solution prepared using a complexation ratio of 5, is transformed into a gel after few days. Gels produced from solutions prepared with complexation ratios from 2 to 5 were heated at 800, 900 and 1000°C to obtain solid materials. These powders are characterized by TGS, DSC and XRD and it is found that the temperature needed to obtain crystalline La₄Ni₃O₁₀ was 1000ºC.