Analysis of impact of sintering temperature on microstructure of LSCF-SDC composite cathodes using nano-CT

Yong Guan; Xin Pan; Gang Liu; Zhiting Liang; Shan Chen; Xiaobo Zhang; Ying Xiong; Yangchao Tian; Changrong Xia

doi:10.1117/12.2026149

26 September 2013 Analysis of impact of sintering temperature on microstructure of LSCF-SDC composite cathodes using nano-CT

Yong Guan, Xin Pan, Gang Liu, Zhiting Liang, Shan Chen, Xiaobo Zhang, Ying Xiong, Yangchao Tian, Changrong Xia

Author Affiliations +

Proceedings Volume 8851, X-Ray Nanoimaging: Instruments and Methods; 885112 (2013) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026149
Event: SPIE Optical Engineering + Applications, 2013, San Diego, California, United States

Abstract

Composites of La_0.4Sr_0.6Co_0.8Fe_0.2O_3−d (LSCF) with samarium doped ceria (SDC) have been extensively used as cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to lower its operation temperature. The ability to visualize three-dimensional (3D) microstructural changes in LSCF-SDC composite cathodes can help elucidate the impact of microstructure on cathode performance. This study reports that we utilize the nano-computed tomography (nano-CT) technique to image the 3D microstructures of La_0.4Sr_0.6Co_0.2Fe_0.8O₃ (LSCF) - Ce_0.8Sm_0.2O_1.9 (SDC) composite cathodes which were sintering at 800, 1000, and 1200°C, respectively, for 2 h based on the Fe K-absorption edge. Using the reconstructions of LSFC-SDC composite cathodes submitted to different temperatures, the key microstructural properties, such as volume fraction of each phase, connected volume fraction, surface area, triple-phase boundary length, and pore size were measured. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure of LSFC-SDC cathodes was discussed and compared with theoretical simulation. With increasing sintering temperature in the range from 800 to 1200°C LSFC-SDC composite cathode microstructure was found that the volume fraction and grain size of LSCF material increased, while the volume fraction of SDC decreased. Furthermore, the triple-phase boundary length per volume increased as the sintering temperature increasing. This study had revealed that the nano-CT can provide a powerful tool to investigate the 3D microstructure of energy materials and optimize its preparation condition to gain better functional performance.

Citation Download Citation

Yong Guan, Xin Pan, Gang Liu, Zhiting Liang, Shan Chen, Xiaobo Zhang, Ying Xiong, Yangchao Tian, and Changrong Xia "Analysis of impact of sintering temperature on microstructure of LSCF-SDC composite cathodes using nano-CT", Proc. SPIE 8851, X-Ray Nanoimaging: Instruments and Methods, 885112 (26 September 2013); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.2026149

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available