Initial Characterisation of Cerium Doped Neodymium Cuprates for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Applications

Abstract

Electrically conducting ceramics are of great interest for high temperature applications such as current collectors and contacts in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). This paper presents the initial characterisation of the high temperature electrical properties of cerium doped neodymium copper oxide (Nd2-xCexCuO4+δ) (NCCO) with respect to Ce content, temperature and oxygen partial pressure for possible SOFC applications. Initial results have shown conductivities in air up to 110Scm-1 at 900{degree sign}C and 60Scm-1 at 800{degree sign}C, with the highest conductivity to date at x = 0.20. With reducing pO2 the conductivity initially rises before dropping significantly. Specimens sintered at 950 {degree sign}C exhibited significant improvement in conductivity with time at temperature suggesting continued in-situ microstructural development. NCCO therefore presents itself as a possible candidate for use as a cathode contact material, sintering to a strong, highly conductive layer at stack operating conditions.