Combustion synthesis of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3−x and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−x nanopowders for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Nanopowders of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3−x (SSC) and La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−x (LSC) compositions, which are being investigated as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC), were synthesized by a solution–combustion method using metal nitrates and glycine as fuel. Development of crystalline phases in the as-synthesized powders after heat treatments at various temperatures was monitored by X-ray diffraction (XRD). Perovskite phase in LSC formed more readily than in SSC. Single-phase perovskites were obtained after heat treatment of the combustion synthesized LSC and SSC powders at 1000 and 1200 °C, respectively. The as-synthesized powders had an average particle size of~ 12 nm as determined from X-ray line broadening analysis using the Scherrer equation. Average grain size of the powders increased with increase in calcination temperature. Morphological analysis of the powders calcined at various temperatures was done by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).