The Electrophoretic Deposition of Lanthanum Manganite Powders for a Cathode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cell in Planar and Tubular Configurations

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to obtain porous, high-quality cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells in both planar and tubular shapes. To accomplish this, cathodic electrophoretic deposition of the LaMnO3 powder (synthesized by the modified sol-gel method proposed by Pechini) was performed. The optimal sintering temperatures were 1200 degrees C and 1300 degrees C for the tubular and planar configurations, respectively. Single-phase deposits with about 40% porosity were obtained in both configurations. The cathode quality was confirmed by depositing an electrolyte layer of YSZ. After the cosintering of both layers, an extremely dense electrolyte layer was obtained, and the cathode layer retained its high porosity.