Effects of the Synthesis on the Electrochemical Characteristics of a Novel Lanthanum Manganite-Based Cathode Material

Abstract A way to increase the performance of fuel cells is to optimize the cathode microstructure in order to increase the three-phase interface and reduce the polarization resistance. The synthesis of cathode materials determines particle sizes and shapes, which parameters, in turn, determine the electrochemical characteristics of the particles. This work is the first study designed to elucidate how the synthesis of lanthanum scandate manganite-based materials influences the phase formation, microstructure, and electrochemical characteristics of the prepared electrode layer. The manufactured materials were qualified by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The properties of La0.9Sr0.1Sc0.4Мn0.6O3 – δ materials with different synthesis histories were studied by impedance spectroscopy in contact with a lanthanum scandate-based proton-conducting electrolyte. The citrate-nitrate method is shown to be optimal for preparing these cathodes, facilitating the formation of electrochemically active cathode microstructure.