Search Results (15)

This study investigates the sintering behaviour and properties of WC-based composites in which WC was mixed with W5vol%Ni in concentrations of 10vol% and 20vol%. Colloidal processing in water and spark plasma sintering were employed to disperse the WC particles and facilitate sintering. The addition of W5vol%Ni improved the sintering process, as evident from a lower onset temperature of shrinkage determined through dilatometric studies. All samples exhibited the formation of tungsten monocarbide (W₂C), with a more pronounced presence in the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite. Sintering reached its maximum rate at 1550 °C and was completed at 1600 °C, resulting in a final density exceeding 99.8%. X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the detection of WC and W₂C phases after sintering. The observed WC content was higher than expected, which may be attributed to carbon diffusion during the process. Macro-scale mechanical characterisations revealed that the WC/10(W5vol%Ni) composite exhibited a hardness of 18.9 GPa, while the WC/20(W5vol%Ni) composite demonstrated a hardness of 18.3 GPa. Increasing the W5vol%Ni binder content caused a decrease in mechanical properties due to the formation of W₂C phases. This study provides valuable insights into the sintering behavior and properties of WC/W5vol%Ni composites, offering potential applications in extreme environments. Full article

Membranes based on complex solid oxides with oxygen-ionic conductivity are widely used in high-temperature electrochemical devices such as fuel cells, electrolyzers, sensors, gas purifiers, etc. The performance of these devices depends on the oxygen-ionic conductivity value of the membrane. Highly conductive complex oxides with the overall composition of (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O₃ have regained the attention of researchers in recent years due to the progress in the development of electrochemical devices with symmetrical electrodes. In this research, we studied how the introduction of iron cations into the gallium sublattice in (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O₃ affects the fundamental properties of the oxides and the electrochemical performance of cells based on (La,Sr)(Ga,Fe,Mg)O₃. It was found that the introduction of iron leads to an increase in the electrical conductivity and thermal expansion in an oxidizing atmosphere, while no such behavior was observed in a wet hydrogen atmosphere. The introduction of iron into a (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O₃ electrolyte leads to an increase in the electrochemical activity of Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O_6−δ electrodes in contact with the electrolyte. Fuel cell studies have shown that, in the case of a 550 µm-thick Fe-doped (La,Sr)(Ga,Mg)O₃ supporting electrolyte (Fe content 10 mol.%) and symmetrical Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O_6−δ electrodes, the cell exhibits a power density of more than 600 mW/cm² at 800 °C. Full article

Cu-content La_1−xSr_xNi_1−yCu_yO_3−δ perovskites with A-site strontium doping have been tuned as cobalt-free cathode materials for high-performance anode-supported SOFCs, working at an intermediate-temperature range. All obtained oxides belong to the R-3c trigonal system, and phase transitions from the R-3c space group to a Pm-3m simple perovskite have been observed by HT-XRD studies. The substitution of lanthanum with strontium lowers the phase transition temperature, while increasing the thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) and oxygen non-stoichiometry δ of the studied materials. The thermal expansion is anisotropic, and TEC values are similar to commonly used solid electrolytes (e.g., 14.1 × 10⁻⁶ K⁻¹ for La_0.95Sr_0.05Ni_0.5Cu_0.5O_3−δ). The oxygen content of investigated compounds has been determined as a function of temperature. All studied materials are chemically compatible with GDC-10 but react with LSGM and 8YSZ electrolytes. The anode-supported SOFC with a La_0.95Sr_0.05Ni_0.5Cu_0.5O_3−δ cathode presents an excellent power density of 445 mW·cm⁻² at 650 °C in humidified H₂. The results indicate that La_1−xSr_xNi_1−yCu_yO_3−δ perovskites with strontium doping at the A-site can be qualified as promising cathode candidates for anode-supported SOFCs, yielding promising electrochemical performance in the intermediate-temperature range. Full article

This review is devoted to the application of Sr₂FeMoO_6−δ (SFM) and Sr₂F_1.5Mo_0.5O_6−δ (SF_1.5M) in La_1−xSr_xGa_1−yMg_yO_3−δ (LSGM)-based SOFCs. We consider the most relevant physical properties (crystal structure, thermodynamic stability, iron and molybdenum valence states, oxygen vacancy formation and oxygen non-stoichiometry, electrical conductivity), A- and B-site ion substitution, and the performance of SF_1+xM SOFCs (polarization resistance, operation with hydrogen, operation with hydrocarbons and methanol). Their properties can be tailored to a particular application by the substitution of different metal cations into their lattices. SF_1+xM materials are excellent catalysts in hydrocarbon oxidation and can prevent carbon deposition due to the ability to exchange lattice oxygen with the gaseous phase. Moreover, they are sulfur tolerant. This opens the way to direct hydrocarbon-fueled SOFCs, eliminating the need for external fuel reforming and sulfur removal components. Such SOFCs can be greatly simplified and operate with much higher overall efficiency, thus contributing to the solution to the lack of energy problem in our modern world. Full article

Solid oxide cells (SOCs) are attracting much more attention as promising energy conversion and storage devices. One of the challenges of optimizing of solid-oxide cells’ performance is that there are not enough triple-phase boundaries (TPB) in the electrode bulk. To enhance the reaction area for SOCs, Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O_6-δ nanofibers are synthesized by electrospinning with metal nitrate precursors and used for SOC electrodes operated in both humidified air and a hydrogen atmosphere. SFMO nanofibers display a highly porous and crystallized perovskite structure and continuous pathways by XRD analysis and SEM observation. The average diameter of the SFMO nanofibers after sintering is about 100 nm. The La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3-δ(LSGM) electrolyte-supported symmetrical cell with the SFMO nanofiber electrode exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance in humidified air and an H₂ atmosphere. Moreover, a distribution of the relaxation time method is used to analyze the impedance spectra, and the polarization peaks observed are assigned to correspond different electrochemical processes. The results indicate that the SFMO nanofiber with an improved nanostructure can be the potential material for the SOC electrode. Full article

Large variations in the polarization resistance of La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3-δ (LSCF) cathodes are reported in the literature, which are usually related to different preparation methods, sintering temperatures, and resulting microstructures. However, the influence of the electrolyte on the electrochemical activity and the rate-limiting steps of LSCF remains unclear. In this work, LSCF nanostructured electrodes with identical microstructure are prepared by spray-pyrolysis deposition onto different electrolytes: Zr_0.84Y_0.16O_1.92 (YSZ), Ce_0.9Gd_0.1O_1.95 (CGO), La_0.9Sr_0.1Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_2.85 (LSGM), and Bi_1.5Y_0.5O_3-δ (BYO). The ionic conductivity of the electrolyte has a great influence on the electrochemical performance of LSCF due to the improved oxide ion transport at the electrode/electrolyte interface, as well as the extended ionic conduction paths for the electrochemical reactions on the electrode surface. In this way, the polarization resistance of LSCF decreases as the ionic conductivity of the electrolyte increases in the following order: YSZ > LSGM > CGO > BYO, with values ranging from 0.21 Ω cm² for YSZ to 0.058 Ω cm² for BYO at 700 °C. In addition, we demonstrate by distribution of relaxation times and equivalent circuit models that the same rate-limiting steps for the ORR occur regardless of the electrolyte. Furthermore, the influence of the current collector material on the electrochemical performance of LSCF electrodes is also analyzed. Full article

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are efficient electrochemical devices that allow for the direct conversion of fuels (their chemical energy) into electricity. Although conventional SOFCs based on YSZ electrolytes are widely used from laboratory to commercial scales, the development of alternative ion-conducting electrolytes is of great importance for improving SOFC performance at reduced operation temperatures. The review summarizes the basic information on two representative families of oxygen-conducting electrolytes: doped lanthanum aluminates (LaAlO₃) and lanthanum gallates (LaGaO₃). Their preparation features, chemical stability, thermal behaviour and transport properties are thoroughly analyzed in terms of their connection with the target functional parameters of related SOFCs. The data presented here will serve as a starting point for further studies of La-based perovskites, including in the fields of solid state ionics, electrochemistry and applied energy. Full article

The chemical design of new functional materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is of great interest as a means for overcoming the disadvantages of traditional materials. Redox stability, carbon deposition and sulfur poisoning of the anodes are positioned as the main processes that result in the degradation of SOFC performance. In this regard, double perovskite molybdates are possible alternatives to conventional Ni-based cermets. The present review provides the fundamental properties of four members: Sr₂NiMoO_6-δ, Sr₂MgMoO_6-δ, Sr₂FeMoO_6-δ and Sr₂Fe_1.5Mo_0.5O_6-δ. These properties vary greatly depending on the type and concentration of the 3d-element occupying the B-position of A₂BB’O₆. The main emphasis is devoted to: (i) the synthesis features of undoped double molybdates, (ii) their electrical conductivity and thermal behaviors in both oxidizing and reducing atmospheres, as well as (iii) their chemical compatibility with respect to other functional SOFC materials and components of gas atmospheres. The information provided can serve as the basis for the design of efficient fuel electrodes prepared from complex oxides with layered structures. Full article

Exsolved perovskites can be obtained from lanthanum ferrites, such as La_0.6Sr_0.4Fe_0.8Co_0.2O₃, as result of Ni doping and thermal treatments. Ni can be simply added to the perovskite by an incipient wetness method. Thermal treatments that favor the exsolution process include calcination in air (e.g., 500 °C) and subsequent reduction in diluted H₂ at 800 °C. These processes allow producing a two-phase material consisting of a Ruddlesden–Popper-type structure and a solid oxide solution e.g., α-Fe_100-y-zCo_yNi_zO_x oxide. The formed electrocatalyst shows sufficient electronic conductivity under reducing environment at the Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode. Outstanding catalytic properties are observed for the direct oxidation of dry fuels in SOFCs, including H₂, methane, syngas, methanol, glycerol, and propane. This anode electrocatalyst can be combined with a full density electrolyte based on Gadolinia-doped ceria or with La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O₃ (LSGM) or BaCe_0.9Y_0.1O_3-δ (BYCO) to form a complete perovskite structure-based cell. Moreover, the exsolved perovskite can be used as a coating layer or catalytic pre-layer of a conventional Ni-YSZ anode. Beside the excellent catalytic activity, this material also shows proper durability and tolerance to sulfur poisoning. Research challenges and future directions are discussed. A new approach combining an exsolved perovskite and an NiCu alloy to further enhance the fuel flexibility of the composite catalyst is also considered. In this review, the preparation methods, physicochemical characteristics, and surface properties of exsoluted fine nanoparticles encapsulated on the metal-depleted perovskite, electrochemical properties for the direct oxidation of dry fuels, and related electrooxidation mechanisms are examined and discussed. Full article

In this work, a mechanochemical process using high-energy milling conditions was employed to synthesize La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.8Mg_0.2O_3-δ (LSGM) powders from the corresponding stoichiometric amounts of La₂O₃, SrO, Ga₂O₃, and MgO in a short time. After 60 min of milling, the desired final product was obtained without the need for any subsequent annealing treatment. A half solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) was then developed using LSGM as an electrolyte and La_0.8Sr_0.2MnO₃ (LSM) as an electrode, both obtained by mechanochemistry. The characterization by X-ray diffraction of as-prepared powders showed that LSGM and LSM present a perovskite structure and pseudo-cubic symmetry. The thermal and chemical stability between the electrolyte (LSGM) and the electrode (LSM) were analyzed by dynamic X-ray diffraction as a function of temperature. The electrolyte (LSGM) is thermally stable up to 800 and from 900 °C, where the secondary phases of LaSrGa₃O₇ and LaSrGaO₄ appear. The best sintering temperature for the electrolyte is 1400 °C, since at this temperature, LaSrGaO₄ disappears and the percentage of LaSrGa₃O₇ is minimized_. The electrolyte is chemically compatible with the electrode up to 800 °C. The powder sample of the electrolyte (LSGM) at 1400 °C observed by HRTEM indicates that the cubic symmetry Pm-3m is preserved. The SOFC was constructed using the brush-painting technique; the electrode–electrolyte interface characterized by SEM presented good adhesion at 800 °C. The electrical properties of the electrolyte and the half-cell were analyzed by complex impedance spectroscopy. It was found that LSGM is a good candidate to be used as an electrolyte in SOFC, with an Ea value of 0.9 eV, and the LSM sample is a good candidate to be used as cathode. Full article

We have designed and prepared a novel cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on SrCo_0.95Ru_0.05O_3−δ perovskite. We have partially replaced Sr by Ba in Sr_0.9Ba_0.1Co_0.95Ru_0.05O_3−δ (SBCRO) in order to expand the unit-cell size, thereby improving the ionic diffusion of O²⁻ through the crystal lattice. The characterization of this new oxide has been studied at room temperature by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments. At room temperature, SBCRO perovskite crystallizes in the P4/mmm tetragonal space group, as observed from NDP data. The maximum conductivity value of 18.6 S cm⁻¹ is observed at 850 °C. Polarization resistance measurements on LSGM electrolyte demonstrate an improvement in conductivity with respect to the parent Sr-only perovskite cathode. A good chemical compatibility and an adequate thermal expansion coefficient make this oxide auspicious for using it as a cathode in SOFC. Full article

This paper proposes a new high-precision rotor position measurement (RPM) method for permanent magnet spherical motors (PMSMs). In the proposed method, a LED light spot generation module (LSGM) was installed at the top of the rotor shaft. In the LSGM, three LEDs were arranged in a straight line with different distances between them, which were formed as three optical feature points (OFPs). The images of the three OFPs acquired by a high-speed camera were used to calculate the rotor position of PMSMs in the world coordinate frame. An experimental platform was built to verify the effectiveness of the proposed RPM method. Full article

In the aim to stabilize novel three-dimensional perovskite oxides based upon SrCoO_3−δ, we have designed and prepared SrCo_1−xRe_xO_3−δ phases (x = 0.05 and 0.10), successfully avoiding the competitive hexagonal 2H polytypes. Their performance as cathode materials in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC) has been investigated. The characterization of these oxides included X-ray (XRD) and in situ temperature-dependent neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments for x = 0.10. At room temperature, SrCo_1−xRe_xO_3−δ perovskites are defined in the P4/mmm space group, which corresponds to a subtle tetragonal perovskite superstructure with unit-cell parameters a = b ≈ a_o, c = 2a_o (a_o = 3.861 and 3.868 Å, for x = 0.05 and 0.10, respectively). The crystal structure evolves above 380 °C to a simple cubic perovskite unit cell, as observed from in-situ NPD data. The electrical conductivity gave maximum values of 43.5 S·cm⁻¹ and 51.6 S·cm⁻¹ for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. The area specific resistance (ASR) polarization resistance determined in symmetrical cells is as low as 0.087 Ω·cm² and 0.065 Ω·cm² for x = 0.05 and x = 0.10, respectively, at 850 °C. In single test cells these materials generated a maximum power of around 0.6 W/cm² at 850 °C with pure H₂ as a fuel, in an electrolyte-supported configuration with La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.83Mg_0.17O_3−δ (LSGM) as the electrolyte. Therefore, we propose the SrCo_1−xRe_xO_3−δ (x = 0.10 and 0.05) perovskite oxides as promising candidates for cathodes in IT-SOFC. Full article

SrMo_1−xM_xO_3−δ (M = Fe and Cr, x = 0.1 and 0.2) oxides have been recently described as excellent anode materials for solid oxide fuel cells at intermediate temperatures (IT-SOFC) with LSGM as the electrolyte. In this work, we have improved their properties by doping with aliovalent Mg ions at the B-site of the parent SrMoO₃ perovskite. SrMo_1−xMg_xO_3−δ (x = 0.1, 0.2) oxides have been prepared, characterized and tested as anode materials in single solid-oxide fuel cells, yielding output powers near 900 mW/cm⁻² at 850 °C using pure H₂ as fuel. We have studied its crystal structure with an “in situ” neutron power diffraction (NPD) experiment at temperatures as high as 800 °C, emulating the working conditions of an SOFC. Adequately high oxygen deficiencies, observed by NPD, together with elevated disk-shaped anisotropic displacement factors suggest a high ionic conductivity at the working temperatures. Furthermore, thermal expansion measurements, chemical compatibility with the LSGM electrolyte, electronic conductivity and reversibility upon cycling in oxidizing-reducing atmospheres have been carried out to find out the correlation between the excellent performance as an anode and the structural features. Full article

SrCoO_3−δ outperforms as cathode material in solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFC) when the three-dimensional (3C-type) perovskite structure is stabilized by the inclusion of highly-charged transition-metal ions at the octahedral positions. In a previous work we studied the Nb incorporation at the Co positions in the SrCo_1−xNb_xO_3−δ system, in which the stabilization of a tetragonal P4/mmm perovskite superstructure was described for the x = 0.05 composition. In the present study we extend this investigation to the x = 0.10–0.15 range, also observing the formation of the tetragonal P4/mmm structure instead of the unwanted hexagonal phase corresponding to the 2H polytype. We also investigated the effect of Nb⁵⁺ doping on the thermal, electrical, and electrochemical properties of SrCo_1−xNb_xO_3−δ (x = 0.1 and 0.15) perovskite oxides performing as cathodes in SOFC. In comparison with the undoped hexagonal SrCoO_3−δ phase, the resulting compounds present high thermal stability and an increase of the electrical conductivity. The single-cell tests for these compositions (x = 0.10 and 0.15) with La_0.8Sr_0.2Ga_0.83Mg_0.17O_3−δ (LSGM) as electrolyte and SrMo_0.8Fe_0.2CoO_3−δ as anode gave maximum power densities of 693 and 550 mW∙cm⁻² at 850 °C respectively, using pure H₂ as fuel and air as oxidant. Full article