Microstructural characterization of La0.4Sr0.6Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ films deposited by dip coating

The dip-coating method has been successfully used for depositing porous electrodes of La0.4Sr0.6Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (LSCF) films. Perovskite oxide cobaltites powders have been prepared by an acetic acid-based gel route. Then, cathode films were deposited onto ceramic substrates of the usual electrolyte Cerium Gadolinium Oxide (CGO) by dip coating. The structure and morphology of the powders and films were characterized by X-ray, diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) respectively, to study the correlation between microstructure and deposition parameters. Optimum parameters for obtaining continuous, homogeneous and crack free LSCF films were determined.