Evaluating Methods for Infiltration of LSCF Cathodes With Mixed Electric/Ionic Conductors for Improved Oxygen Exchange Available to Purchase

Infiltration methods for improving lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (LSCF) cathode performance through catalyst surface modification were evaluated at the U.S. Department of Energy, National Energy Technology Laboratory. Infiltration of mixed conductors into LSCF cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells promises a low cost method of improving oxygen exchange and performance in these materials at lower temperatures. LSCF cathodes on Nickel-Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (Ni-YSZ) anode supported cells were infiltrated with strontium-doped lanthanum zirconate (LSZ) pyrochlores using two methods. An aqueous solution of nitrate salts was vacuum infiltrated into the cathodes of anode supported button cells, and the cells were heated to form the pyrochlore phase in-situ. This was compared to the efficacy of infiltrating a suspension of pyrochlore nanoparticles. Different dispersants were used to prepare the nanoparticle suspensions at varying concentrations and pH levels, and the results are compared.