Nanostructured LSM/YSZ composite cathodes for IT-SOFC: A comprehensive microstructural study by electrostatic spray deposition

The deposition of a composite electrode, which is consisting of a mixture of a solid electrolyte (8YSZ) and an electrocatalytic material (LSM) on YSZ substrate was studied by electrostatic spray deposition (ESD), a very successful technique to vary the surface morphology. The influence of two variable parameters such as YSZ content, nozzle to substrate distance, and their combinations were investigated on the films morphology. The surface morphology was also strongly influenced by the deposition temperature. Processes involved in the porous film formation are discussed. Nanostructured films based on pure LSM and YSZ phases with no traces of secondary phases were successfully deposited.