Preparation and electrical properties of Ca-doped La(2)NiO(4+δ) cathode materials for IT-SOFC

Ca-doped La(2)NiO(4+δ) is synthesized via the nitrate-citrate route. The effects of Ca substitution for La on the sinterability, lattice structure and electrical properties of La(2)NiO(4+δ) are investigated. Ca-doping is unfavorable for the densification process of La(2-x)Ca(x)NiO(4+δ) materials. The introduction of Ca leads to the elongation of the La-O(2) bond length, which provides more space for the migration of oxygen ion in La(2)O(2) rock salt layers. The substitution of Ca increases remarkably the electronic conductivity of La(2-x)Ca(x)NiO(4+δ). With increasing Ca-doping level, both the excess oxygen concentration and the activation energy of oxygen ion migration decrease, resulting in an optimization where a highest ionic conductivity is presented. Ca-doping is charge compensated by the oxidation of Ni(2+) to Ni(3+) and the desorption of excess oxygen. The substitution of Ca enhances the structural stability of La(2)NiO(4+δ) material at high temperatures and renders the material a good thermal cycleability. La(1.7)Ca(0.3)NiO(4+δ) exhibits an excellent chemical compatibility with CGO electrolyte. La(2-x)Ca(x)NiO(4+δ) is a promising cathode alternative for solid oxide fuel cells.