Microstructure and Properties of Suspension Plasma Sprayed SrTiO₃-Based Anodes for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Lanthanum-doped strontium titanate (LST) and samarium-doped ceria (SDC) are promising materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). In this study, LST-SDC composite anodes are produced by suspension plasma spraying and the effects of annealing are assessed. XRD results show that the coatings and powders have the same phase structure. The coatings have a fine porous structure which is beneficial for gas permeability and long three-phase boundaries that facilitate anode reactions. A single cell based on the LST-SDC composite anode was found to perform well at 650-800°C. The results show that annealing improves interface bonding between particles in the anode and at the interface between the anode and electrolyte.