Synthesis of BaFe1‐xNixCuxO3‐δ new ceramic composition as solid oxide fuel cell cathode by microwave‐assisted solid‐state reaction

Abstract

AbstractIn this research, new ceramic BaFe0.8Ni0.1Cu0.1O3‐δ powder was synthesized by solid‐state reaction method in conventional and microwave furnaces. Then, characterization, structure, and morphology of the resulting powders were studied. For characterization of synthetic powders, X‐ray diffraction, powder density gas pycnometer method, particle size analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and energy‐dispersive spectroscopy were performed. The results showed that the BaFe0.8Ni0.1Cu0.1O3‐δ powder synthesized in microwave furnace at 1,000 °C without soaking time and in conventional furnace at the same temperature with 12‐hr soaking time. In addition, the X‐ray diffraction results demonstrated that the main peak is shifted to lower angles by substitution iron ions with nickel and copper ions. Furthermore, the crystal structures of powders were hexagonal and tetragonal, and their density were 5.88 and 5.43 g/cm3, respectively, in conventional and microwave furnaces. Finally, the morphology and particle size of the synthesized powders were the same in both furnaces.