Development and investigation of perovskite (ABO₃)-type oxides for power generation

Critical problems of the present approach of electrolytes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) for commercialization are discussed. Major progress is expecteA fi'om the development of materials based on the "SEA (Single Element Arrangement)" concept. The galvanic cell consists in this case basically of a single chemically homogeneous compound, which functions as electrodes at high and low activity and as electrolyte at intermediate activities of the electroactive component. In view of the large structural flexibility of the chemical nature of the constituents, we explored perovskite (ABO₃)-type compounds to be used as SEAs for SOFCs. Results of studies on Prsubstituted LSGM and Fe-substituted SrSnO₃ perovskite-type oxides are presented. For instance, SrSn_1-xFe _xO_3-δ with x = 0.1 exhibits p and n-type electronic conduction at the cathode and anode sides of the SOFC, respectively, while oxide ion conduction prevails at intermediate oxygen partial pressures. The SEA concept is also applicable for other devices in the field of Ionics.