Influence of crystallinity and particle size on the electrochemical properties of spray pyrolyzed Nd2NiO4+δ powders

• Published in: Electrochimica acta 2013-01, Vol.87, p.330-335
• Main Authors: Mesguich, D., Bassat, J.-M., Aymonier, C., Brüll, A., Dessemond, L., Djurado, E.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Cathode; Cathodes; Cathodic polarization; Chemical Sciences; Chemistry; Crystallinity; Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy; Electrochemistry; Electrolytic cells; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; General and physical chemistry; Material chemistry; Mixed ionic and electronic conductor; Morphology; Nanostructure; Nickelates; Particle size; Solid oxide fuel cell; Solid oxide fuel cells; Ultrasonic spray pyrolysis
• ISSN: 0013-4686; 1873-3859
• DOI: 10.1016/j.electacta.2012.07.134

This paper is dedicated to the study of the relationship between the Nd2NiO4+δ powder micro-structural properties (especially particle size and crystallinity) and electrochemical properties when the oxide is used as SOFC cathode deposited on 8YSZ electrolyte coated with thin doped ceria. Nano-structured particles of Nd2NiO4+δ with controlled crystallinity, size and morphology have been synthesized using ultrasonic spray pyrolysis (USP). The series and polarization resistances measured on symmetrical half cells Nd2NiO4+δ/YDC/8YSZ/YDC/Nd2NiO4+δ are both found to be dependent on the cathode microstructure and present a similar evolution with temperature. The best results are obtained for highly crystalline cathode powders combined with a small particle size.