Synthesis and Characterization of a Spinel Type Cr-Free Ceramic Interconnect Material for SOFCs

Abstract

A MnCo2O4 powder was synthesized via a glycine nitrate process (GNP) from manganese and cobalt nitrates. Single phase spinel was obtained by calcining an ash at 800oC and almost fully densified MnCo2O4 was fabricated at 1100oC. It was found that the sintering at higher temperature than 1100oC leads to the decomposition of the MnCo2O4. The MnCo2O4 showed compatible thermal expansion coefficient and good electrical conductivity. However, the phase stability under the reducing environments was proved to be poor.