Synthesis and characterization of LaNi(1-x)CrxO(3-d) for use in fuel cells

Reference	Presenter	Authors (Institution)	Abstract
06-093	Janaina Semanech Borcezi	Chinelatto, A.L.(Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa); Borcezi, J.S.(Universidade estadual de Ponta Grossa); Grzebielucka, E.C.(Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa); Chinelatto, A.S.(Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa);	The current generation of energy based on fossil fuels has led to a worsening of the greenhouse effect. In this context, several clean and renewable energy sources have been studied. Among these sources the fuel cell has been highlighted because they are devices that convert chemical energy directly into electrical energy. Among the various types of fuel cells the solid oxide fuel cell has the highest power generation, however, high operating temperatures lead to high production and operation costs. In these cells the challenge is to find materials that allow the lowering of operating temperatures. In this sense, the objective of this work was to study the synthesis and characterization of LaNi (1-x) CrxO3-d (with x from 0 to 0.7) for use in fuel cell cathodes. All compositions were synthesized using the modified Pechini method. Calcination was performed in the air at 900 °C for 4 hours. After obtaining the powder, they were characterized by X-ray diffraction and Scanning Electron Microscopy. The specimens were pressed and sintered at temperatures between 1300 °C and 1600 °C for 4h. The characterization of the specimens was performed by X-ray diffraction with Rietiveld method, scanning electron microscopy with EDS, apparent porosity and apparent density measurements, and Impedance Spectroscopy. The refinement results of the X-ray diffraction spectra showed only one phase formed in all of the compositions studied. The increase in Cr amount led to an increase in porosity. The spectroscopy measurements showed that the compositions presented an electronic conductivity, and the composition with x = 0.5 obtained the highest values of conductivity, showing potential to be used as a cathode of fuel cells.
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