Intermediate temperature SOFC anode component based on A-site deficient La-doped SrTiO3

Surface modified A-site deficient lanthanum-doped SrTiO₃ (La_0.2Sr_0.7TiO₃) was evaluated as a potential anode component material for intermediate temperatures SOFCs. The reduction of the material has been investigated and results of thermal expansion and conductivity dependence of the oxygen partial pressures are presented revealing a strong dependence of the material's thermal and electrical properties on temperature and atmosphere and the fact that reduction may become more facile as the extent of reduction increases. Button fuel cells were produced by tape casting and impregnation, comprising YSZ electrolyte, a porous, conductive backbone of La_0.2Sr_0.7TiO₃ anode impregnated via solutions with Gd-doped ceria and copper and thin films of La _0.6Sr_0.4CoO₃ cathode produced in-situ in the fuel cell test experiment. Fuel cells tests using pure, humidified H₂ as fuel demonstrated that remarkable power densities in excess of 0.5 W/cm ² at 750°C can be achieved using these cells with suitable pre-reduction of the titanate material.