Chemical synthesis of LSGM powders for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte

Synthesis of LSGM (La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-delta), LSFM (La0.9Sr0.1Fe0.8Mg0.2O3-delta), and LSCM (La0.9Sr0.1Cr0.8Mg0.2O3-delta) powders were achieved via organic precursor method. Different organic "carrier" molecules were used for powder synthesis. Citric acid, tartaric acid, Pechini precursors, polyvinyl alcohol, and ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid were selected as organic carriers for their ability to stabilize the metal ions. Each organic carrier material exhibited a different degree of effectiveness in the synthesis of the mixed oxide powders. One of the main factors affecting the phase purity appears to be the interaction of the functional groups with the constituent cations. The effectiveness of the organic carrier with varying number and type of functional groups is evaluated and discussed in terms of the phase distribution in the powders after the calcination step.