The effect of reduction atmosphere on the LaGaO3-based solid oxide fuel cell

Chemical stability of La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O3 (LSGM) as an electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was investigated. At low oxygen-partial pressure (0.003 atm), the LSGM electrolyte partly decomposed due to the development of high overpotentials, and thus the induced reduction atmosphere near cathode. The morphology of LSGM grain near cathode changed due to the formation of new phases. The main decomposition phases were La2O3, La(OH)3 and LaSrGaO4. The polarization conductance increased due to the microstructural change in LSM and thus the increase in the specific area of the LSM electrode.