Production of perovskite deposits for fuel cells by plasma process Original Research Article

Synthesis and deposit of perovskite La1−xSrxMnO3±δ used as cathode materials in solid oxide fuel cells are achieved in one step in a low pressure RF plasma reactor equipped with a convergent nozzle. The role of annealing on the crystallisation of the deposits is considered. Electron diffraction analysis showed that the sample belongs to rhombohedral system. Impedance measurements showed the role of plasma parameters on the electrical conductivity of deposits. Oxygen and hydroxyl radicals produced by plasma are found to be the major reactive species that lead to the transformation of nitrate precursors into perovskites in this process.