Use of sucrose in the synthesis of cathodes used in fuel cells

Resumo

Perovskite powders with composition La1-xSrxMnO3 (x=0.1) were obtained via combustion synthesis using sucrose as fuel. In the X-ray diffraction patterns it was observed that in order to obtain a single phase material calcination in 750ºC for 3 hours was necessary. BET analysis detected a specific surface area of 45 m²/g, which means an increase when compared with other fuels. SEM micrographs revealed a very spongy aspect with great porosity in the agglomerates and TEM micrographs showed micro and nano bubble shaped particles in the as-obtained manganite. The powder compacted and sintered at 125 MPa and 1050ºC for 2 hours, respectively, presented a 31% open porosity and the SEM micrographs showed a fine interconnected porosity.