One-step synthesis and microstructure of CuO-SDC composites

An in situ one step synthesis route based on the polymeric precursor method was used to produce dual phase CuO-samaria doped ceria (SDC) nanocomposite powders. This chemical route allowed to obtain composite powders with reduced particle size and uniform distribution of Cu, Ce and Sm elements. The particulate material was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) combined with Rietveld refinement. CuO-SDC sintered in air between 950 to 1050 °C and subsequently reduced to Cu-SDC cermets were further characterized by XRD and scanning electron microscopy. The open porosity was measured using the Archimedes' principle. Suitable microstructures for both charge transfer and mass transport processes (30 to 45% porosity) were attained in Cu-SDC cermets previously fired at 1000 to 1050 °C. Overall results indicated that CuO-SDC composites and Cu-SDC cermets with potential application as anodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) can be obtained by microstructural design. An anode supported half-cell was prepared by co-pressing and co-firing gadolinia doped ceria (CGO) and the herein synthesized CuO-SDC nanocomposite powder. (author)