Synthesis and characterisation of materials for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are one of the most promising future devices for energy production. New materials with better performance will be of crucial importance for their future development and commercialisation. This work summarises the basic operation principles of SOFCs and their material requirements. Samples of formula Gd0.7Sr0.3Mn0.8M0.2O3 (M = Cr, Ni) are used to show the research pathway followed for synthesis and characterisation of new materials as potential cathodes of SOFCs. Synthesis by sol-gel method and properties such as crystal structure, electrical conductivity and chemical compatibility with yttrium stabilised zirconia (8YSZ) electrolyte are discussed.