Properties and electrochemical performance of La _0.75Sr _0.25Cr _0.5Mn _0.5O _3-δ-La _0.2Ce _0.8O _2-δ composite anodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Highly crystalline composite anodes composed of La _0.75Sr _0.25Cr _0.5Mn _0.5O _3-δ-La _0.2Ce _0.8O _2-δ (LSCM-LDC) have been synthesized using a simple modified sol-gel method. LSCM is known for its superior redox stability. LDC acts both as an agent that blocks grain growth in LSCM, and reduces the area-specific resistance of the electrode, thereby enhancing the overall electrochemical performance of single cells. However, the carbon deposition rate of LSCM-LDC composite anodes increases with increasing LDC content. The optimal anode composition is 50 wt.% LSCM-50 wt.% LDC. This composite has a polarization resistance of 0.081 Ω cm ² and 0.130 Ω cm ² in H ₂ and CH ₄, respectively, measured at 800 °C.