Abstract
This paper reports the effects of sintering temperature on structure, particle size and conductivity of electrodes (Sn0.2Zn0.8Fe0.2O & Sn0.8Zn0.2Fe0.2O). The electrode material was prepared by the chemical method combining a solid state reaction. Structural analyses were performed using X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The particle size of the material obtained using Scherrer's formula was 50-60 nm and the nanostructure's surface was studied using electrochemical characterisations tools. Electrical conductivity was determined using the 4-probe DC method, which was compared with the 4-probe AC method. These results suggest a promising substitute for the conventional electrodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). It is known that a sintering temperature above 1000 degrees C causes an increase in density and a reduction of porosity. Therefore, we optimised the sintering temperature at 1000 degrees C and obtained electrical conductivity of about 5 S Thus, this electrode could play a vital role in the development of high performance SOFCs at intermediate temperatures. Copyright (C) 2013, Hydrogen Energy Publications, LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.