A new route to synthesize La1-xSrxMnO3

Self-Propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) was used to produce complex oxides (La1-xSrxMnO3 with x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2), which are used as the cathode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Thermodynamic predictions and experiments show that La1-xSrxMnO3 can be prepared via SHS under moderate conditions from a mixture of La2O3 + SrO2 + Mn, using either gaseous oxygen or solid NaClO4 as the oxidant. Partial melting at the high combustion temperature increased product homogeneity. The electrical conductivity of the product was 180 S.cm(-1) at 1000 degrees C in air, matching that of sample made by other synthesis processes. SHS enables a more economical production of La-1-xSr(x)MnO(3) than existing commercial processes. (C) 2000 Kluwer Academic Publishers.