Y{sub}2O{sub}3-STABILIZED ZrO{sub}2 AEROGELS PREPARED FROM AN EPOXIDE ASSISTED SOL-GEL SYNTHESIS FOR USE IN SOFC COMPOSITE CATHODES

摘要

The effect of Y{sub}2O{sub}3-stabilized ZrO{sub}2 (YSZ) particle size on composite YSZ -(La{sub}(0.85)Sr{sub}(0.15)){sub}(0.98)MnO{sub}3 (LSM) cathode microstructure and performance was examined. Two nanocrystalline YSZ powders were compared with different particle size and surface areas; a commercial powder with ～100 nm particles and 11 m{sup}2/g surface area and a synthesized YSZ powder with ～10 nm particles and 124 m{sup}2/g surface area. The LSM phase of the composite was the same in both systems. Anode supported single cells were fabricated and the electrochemical performances measured. The cathode microstructures for the high surface area YSZ composites were examined as a function of sintering temperature and compared to the lower surface area YSZ composite cathode sintered at 1150℃. The larger surface area YSZ was prepared using a novel epoxide initiated sol-gel synthesis, followed by aerogel processing. The aerogels were characterized with TEM, SEM, BET surface area analysis, and powder XRD.