Cathode powders are materials that can be used in various electrochemical applications, such as solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), gas sensors, and more. Due to their unique properties and performance characteristics, Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (LSM20-HP), Lanthanum Strontium Cobaltite (LSC), and Praseodymium Cerium Oxide (PCO) are beneficial materials. Knowing each compound’s distinct characteristics is important for understanding its best applications and advantages.
LSM20-HP: High Performance and Stability
Lanthanum Strontium Manganite (LSM20-HP) is a high-performance grade cathode material developed for specific applications. LSM20-HP is primarily used as a cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with zirconia-based electrolytes at operating temperatures of 750 °C and higher. It is well-characterized and offers high performance, with a higher surface area, finer average particle size, and a narrower particle size distribution compared to other materials.
FCM’s LSM20-HP premium powder is designed to provide high performance and fully characterized materials with unparalleled quality and batch-to-batch reproducibility, making it a top choice for SOFC applications.
LSC: Versatility and Conductivity
Lanthanum Strontium Cobaltite (LSC) is a highly conductive perovskite material that is often used as a contact paste in SOFC systems. It creates the bond between the cathode of the cell and the current collector (often a metal mesh or plate). LSC has a low sintering temperature, so it is best used in SOFCs running at less than about 750°C. Another design consideration for using LSC is its high thermal expansion coefficient, which leads to expansion mismatches at higher operating temperatures. LSC can be easily fabricated into ink for painting or screen printing.
PCO: Types of Praseodymium-Based Cathode Powders
One type of praseodymium-based cathode powder is Praseodymium-Cerium Oxide (PCO), a solid solution of praseodymium and cerium oxides. PCO exhibits surprisingly high levels of oxygen nonstoichiometry, even under oxidizing conditions, resulting in mixed ionic electronic conductivity. PCO also shows rapid oxygen exchange kinetics, comparable to those of other high-performance SOFC cathode materials.
Our Approach to Fabricating Cathode Powders
FCM offers multiple powders with excellent oxygen ion conductivity for your SOFC cathode needs. These include LSM, an industry-proven standard, as well as LSCF and LSC, which can be used for lower temperature applications. Composite powders such as LSCF/GDC and LSM/YSZ are also available for use in multilayer cathodes. These composite materials extend the triple-phase boundary length to increase electrochemical performance. LSM20-HP, LSC, and PNO have their unique advantages and best applications. The choice between these three materials depends on the specific requirements of the application.
fuelcellmaterials (FCM) cathode powders are produced in an ISO-certified facility with tight controls on critical features such as stoichiometry, surface area, and particle-size distribution.
Why Work With FCM
FCM offers many different formulations and surface-area ranges to meet our customers’ needs. Lesser amounts of powders and inks are available for researchers from our in-stock inventory for immediate delivery. In addition, FCM works with our commercial customers to provide larger production quantities. If special formulations are needed, please feel free to contact us. We will use our almost 30 years of experience with SOFCs and materials to ensure your needs are met.
FCM offers many different formulations and surface area ranges to meet our customers’ needs. More information can be found on our Cathode Powders Page. Small amounts of SOEC electrolyte powders and inks are available for researchers from our in-stock inventory for immediate delivery. In addition, FCM works with our commercial customers to provide larger production quantities. If special formulations are needed, please contact us or use our custom materials form. We will use our almost 30 years of experience with SOFCs and materials to ensure your needs are met.