Processing of LaCrO{sub 3} for solid oxide fuel cell applications

The University of Missouri-Rolla is performing a 5 year research program with two primary objectives: (1) developing LaCrO{sub 3}-based interconnect powders which densify when in contact with anode and cathode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), and (2) developing high performance cathodes, anodes and interfaces for use in planar SOFC`s. With regard to the processing and sintering of LaCrO{sub 3}, the specific objectives of this research program are to: (1) develop a non-liquid phase sintered LaCrO{sub 3}-based material sinterable in air; (2) improve and control the properties requisite of LaCrO{sub 3} utilizing a B-site acceptor dopant; (3) optimize and control the processing conditions associated with LaCrO{sub 3}; and (4) incorporate materials developed in this program into planar cells and measure their performance. With regard to developing high performance materials for use in planar SOFC`s, the specific objectives of this research program over the last year have been to: (1) fabricate single cells with controlled microstructures for operation at 1,000 C; (2) gain a better understanding of the mechanisms involved in improving cell performance via electrochemical and impedance techniques; and (3) developing processing {leftrightarrow} microstructure {leftrightarrow} property relations of electrodes and their corresponding interfacial reactions. This report is divided into two primary sections: (1) LaCrO{sub 3} sintering studies and (2) SOFC performance studies. Results from these studies are presented in the following sections