Solution processed La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-Bi1.44Y0.56O3 composite thin films with self-assembled nanolayered structures

Abstract

To lower solid oxide fuel cell operating temperatures down to <= 700 degrees C, we fabricated La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-Bi1.44Y0.56O3 (LSM-YDB) cathode films from a single-pot mixture of polymeric LSM and YDB precursors, which yielded nanocomposite-structured films with long triple phase boundary lengths. Alternating nanolayers of LSM and YDB phases were revealed by STEM-EDS analysis. The microstructure forming at 600 degrees C contained YDB nanoparticles in the LSM phase and LSM nanoparticles in the YDB phase, ensuring 3-D interconnectivity for each phase and a percolation pathway. An area specific polarization resistance of 0.55 cm(2) was measured at 600 degrees C.