LSC-Based Composites with Optimal Composition and Microstructure as Current Collecting Materials for Microtubular SOFCs

A series of LSC/CeO2 composites were prepared as potential air side current collecting materials for micro-tubular SOFCs and their properties were examined and discussed in relation with the composition, microstructure and porosity. The results revealed that the composite specimen with 35 vol.% CeO2 and an open porosity of 73% gave a electrical conductivity of 130 S/cm at 600 ºC, which was 1.4 times as that of the LSCF with a porosity of 61%, and a thermal expansion coefficient of 12.2×10-6 1/ºC between room temperature and 600 {degree sign}C, which was almost the same as that of the LSCF cathode. The composite specimen also demonstrated good stability during a long-term test, suggesting the possibility that they serve as air side current collectors in the micro-tubular SOFCs.