Structural and electrical characterisation of nanostructure electrodes for SOFCs

• This paper reports the effects of sintering temperature on structure, particle size and conductivity of electrodes (Sn0.2Zn0.8Fe0.2O & Sn0.8Zn0.2Fe0.2O). The electrode material was prepared by the chemical method combining a solid state reaction. Structural analyses were performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The particle size of the material obtained using Scherrer's formula was 50-60 nm and the nanostructure's surface was studied using electrochemical characterisations tools. Electrical conductivity was determined using the 4-probe DC method, which was compared with the 4-probe AC method. These results suggest a promising substitute for the conventional electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is known that a sintering temperature above 1000 degrees C causes an increase in density and a reduction of porosity. Therefore, we optimised the sintering temperature at 1000 degrees C and obtained electrical conductivity of about 5 S Thus, this electrode could play a vital role in the development of high performance SOFCs at intermediate temperatures.

Ämnesord

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Energiteknik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Energy Engineering (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

AC/DC techniques

Intermediate temperature

Nanocomposite

Conductivity

Alternative energy resources

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