Facile low-temperature synthesis and application of La_0.85Sr_0.15Co_0.85Fe_0.15O_3-δ as superior cathode for LT-SOFCs using C-TAB as surfactant

ABSTRACT

Nanocomposite based on LSCF (La_0.85Sr_0.15Co_0.85Fe_0.15O_3-δ) was prepared by a simple chemical precipitation method for application in low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFC) as a cathode by using basic materials (Rare earth and Transition metal related compounds), sodium hydroxide [as precipitator material] and CTAB [as surfactant]. DTA/TGA of the precursor compound indicated the completion of reaction at about 300 °C. The formation of well-crystalline single-phase perovskite structure with rhombohedral geometry was revealed by the XRD and La-O bond is assigned in the sample revealed by FTIR. SEM analysis unveiled that the sample comprises spherical shaped and homogeneous with an average grain size of about 90 nm. EDAX reveals the elemental composition of the sample. Impedance measurements have been made in voltage −1.3 volts and the frequency range – 42 Hz to 5 KHz. Better conductivity value is attained that may make this system appropriate for application as cathode for Low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs).

KEYWORDS:

• Rare earth-based cathode
• perovskite structure
• C-TAB
• LT-SOFC

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

D Radhika

D Radhika is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Jain-Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India. She has published more than 12 research articles in reputed journals. She has the total citations: 53, h-index: 04 and i10-index: 03. She has participated in more than 30 international and national conferences. Her field of research includes solid oxide fuel cells, nanocomposite materials for energy, environmental and biological applications.

Karthik Kannan

Dr. Karthik Kannan is currently working as a Research Assistant at Qatar University, Doha, Qatar. He has published more than 45 research articles in reputed journals. He has total citations: 389, h- index: 13, i-10 index: 14. He has participated in more than 25 international and national conferences. His field of research includes fuel cells, sensors, crystal growth, semiconductors nanostructured materials, and thin films for energy, environmental and biological applications. He is an active reviewer for various reputed Scopus indexed international journals.

A.S Neseraj

A.S Neseraj is currently working as a professor and admissions officer at the Department of Chemistry, Karunya Institute of Technology and Sciences, Coimbatore, India. He is working in the field of nanoparticles for application in electrochemical power sources since 1996. He has published more than 52 research articles in reputed journals. He has total citations: 432, h- index: 12, i-10 index: 13.

R Namitha

R Namitha is currently working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemistry, Jain-Deemed to be University, Bangalore, India. She has published more than 8 research articles in reputed journals. She has participated in more than 15 international and national conferences. Her field of research includes carbon nanotubes, nanomaterials for energy, environmental applications.