Electrical characterization and water sensitivity of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ as a possible solid oxide fuel cell electrode

Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-delta (SFMO) powders were synthesized by combustion synthesis. Porous samples were formed by uniaxial pressing of powder compacts and sintering in air. Electrical conductivity was measured by a four-point DC technique over a temperature range from 200 degrees C to 800 degrees C in air and in hydrogen. Crystal structures were investigated by X-ray diffractometry. Stability of powder samples was investigated in H2O-containing atmospheres. It was observed that Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-delta was stable at 800 degrees C in water-containing atmospheres. However, it reacts with water at low temperatures. Reaction of Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-delta (SFMO) with water at low temperatures is a potential shortcoming of this material for application in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to concerns regarding degradation of the electrodes at low temperatures during cycling. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.