Physicochemical Compatibility Research Articles

Efficient Loading into and Controlled Release of Lipophilic Compound from Liposomes by Using Cyclodextrin as Novel Trapping Agent.

Lipid bilayer vesicles, liposomes are representative drug delivery carriers. High encapsulation efficiency and release control of drugs are essential for clinical application of liposomes. For efficient drug loading into liposomes, remote loading method using driving force like transmembrane gradients of pH and ions are utilized. Ions are called as "trapping agents," which are also critical for the controlled release of drugs loaded into liposomes inside. It is difficult to apply ions as trapping agents to various drugs because of limited physicochemical compatibility between drugs and ions. Cyclodextrins (CDs) with hydrophobic cavity can make inclusion complexes with various hydrophobic compounds. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential of CDs as a novel trapping agent using sulfobutylether-β-cyclodextrin (SBE-β-CD) and ibuprofen (IB), a weak acid hydrophobic drug. Encapsulation efficiency of IB in liposomes with pH gradient was approximately 27%, and it was enhanced by intraliposomal SBE-β-CD inclusion in addition to pH gradient, which was SBE-β-CD concentration-dependent. In liposomes with pH gradient, a large fraction of IB was released in a short time. This early-stage rapid IB release was significantly suppressed by the inclusion of SBE-β-CD inside liposomes. Thus, novel remote loading technology by intraliposomal SBE-β-CD enabled the efficient encapsulation of the hydrophobic drug into the aqueous phase of liposomes as well as their controlled release. This technology should be applied to various drugs that can be included into CDs in order to enhance their therapeutic benefits.

Development of inhaled moxifloxacin-metformin formulation as an alternative for pulmonary tuberculosis treatment

Resistant M. tuberculosis strains threaten pulmonary tuberculosis (P-TB) control since they limit drug options. Drug repositioning and new development strategies are urgently required to overcome resistance. Studies have already shown the beneficial role of the oral antidiabetic metformin as an anti-tuberculosis adjuvant drug. This work aimed to develop an inhalatory dry powder co-formulation of metformin and moxifloxacin to figure out a future option for P-TB treatment. Pre-formulation evaluations indicated the physicochemical compatibility of constituents, demonstrating powder crystallinity and acceptable drug content. Eight moxifloxacin-metformin dry powder formulations were produced by spray drying, and solid-state characterizations showed partial amorphization, ascribed to moxifloxacin. Four formulations containing L-leucine exhibited micromeritic and in vitro deposition profiles indicating pulmonary delivery suitability, like spherical and corrugated particle surface, geometric diameters < 5 μm, high emitted doses (>85 %), and mass median aerodynamic diameters between 1–5 μm. The use of a second spray dryer model further optimized the aerodynamic properties and yield of the best formulation, demonstrating the influence of the equipment used on the product obtained. Moreover, the final formulation showed high in vitro cell tolerability and characteristics in permeability studies indicative of good drug retention in the lungs.

Towards practical Li–S batteries through the combination of a nanostructured graphene composite cathode and a novel sparingly solvating electrolyte

Lithium-sulfur batteries (LSBs) have emerged as promising alternatives to replace Li-ion technology in lightweight applications, but they still face some important challenges that hinder their commercialization. To overcome them, several optimization strategies focusing on each battery component have been investigated. In this work, we have explored the symbiotic combination of an optimized high-sulfur loading graphene-containing cathode with a novel sparingly solvating electrolyte (SSE) consisting of 1,3-dioxolane (DOL) as solvent and 1H,1H,5H-octafluoropentyl-1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl ether (OCTO) as diluent, at an E/S ratio of 7 μL mg−1. The impact of graphene incorporation into the cathode formulation and the physicochemical compatibility between cathode and electrolyte have been evaluated and compared to those obtained for the benchmarking DME/DOL electrolyte. Using the DOL/OCTO SSE enhanced wettability over our graphene-containing electrodes and hampered significant polysulfide dissolution. Most importantly, the electrochemistry of this system showed very promising values at coin cell level, achieving areal discharge capacities of 5.3 mAh cm−2 at C/10, enduring beyond 100 cycles with 65 % capacity retention. The transferability of the system to prototype cells was successfully demonstrated by assembling a monolayer pouch cell which reached initial capacities of 55 mAh and lasted more than 60 cycles, paving the way for real deployment and commercialization of this energy storage technology.

Physicochemical Compatibility of Ceftolozane-Tazobactam with Parenteral Nutrition.

Ceftolozane-tazobactam (CT) is used for the treatment of complicated infections and for multidrug-resistant strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing enterobacteria. In certain cases, simultaneous administration of CT and parenteral nutrition (PN) may be required, but compatibility of Y-site co-administration is unknown. The aim of this study was to analyse the physicochemical compatibility of CT Y-site administered with PN. We evaluated a protocolized PN approach for critical patients in our center. We studied both bolus infusion (2 g ceftolozane/1 g tazobactam in 1 h) and continuous infusion (CI) (6 g ceftolozane/3 g tazobactam) strategies. Samples were visually observed against light, microscopically inspected, and pH was analysed using a pH meter. The mean lipid droplet diameter (MDD) was determined via dynamic light scattering. CT concentration was quantified using HPLC-HRMS. No alterations were observed through visual or microscopic inspection. Changes in pH were ≤0.2, and changes in osmolarity were less than 5%. MDD remained below 500 nm (284.5 ± 2.1 for bolus CT and 286.8 ± 7.5 for CI CT). CT concentrations at t = 0 h and t = 24 h remained within prespecified parameters in both infusion strategies. CT is physiochemically compatible with PN during simulated Y-site administration at the tested concentration and infusion rates.

Tailor-made vincristine-liposomes for tumor targeting

To ensure selective targeting based on membrane fluidity and physico-chemical compatibility between the biological membrane of the target cell and the lipid membrane of the liposomes carriers. Lipid-based carriers as liposomes with varying membrane fluidities were designed for delivering vincristine, an anti-tumor compound derived from Madagascar's periwinkle. Liposomes, loaded with vincristine, were tested on prostate, colon, and breast cancer cell lines alongside non-tumor controls. Results showed that vincristine-loaded liposomes with fluid membranes significantly decreased the viability of cancer cell lines compared to controls. Confocal microscopy revealed the intracellular release of vincristine, evidenced by disrupted mitosis-specific labeling of actin filaments in metastatic prostate cell lines. This highlights the crucial role of membrane fluidity in the development of lipid-based drug carriers, offering a promising and cost-effective option for targeting cancer cells as an alternative to conventional strategies.

Physicochemical compatibility of caffeine citrate and caffeine base injections with parenteral medications used in neonatal intensive care settings

PurposeTo investigate the physicochemical compatibility of caffeine citrate and caffeine base injections with 43 secondary intravenous (IV) drugs used in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) settings.MethodsCaffeine citrate (20 mg/mL or 10 mg/mL) or caffeine base injection (10 mg/mL) were mixed in a volume ratio of 1:1 with the secondary drug solution to simulate Y-site co-administration procedures in NICUs. Physical compatibility was evaluated based on visual observation for 2 h, against a black and white background and under polarised light, for changes in colour, precipitation, haze and evolution of gas. Chemical compatibility was determined from caffeine concentration measurements, using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography assay.ResultsSix of the 43 secondary drugs tested (aciclovir, amphotericin (liposomal), furosemide, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine) were physically incompatible with caffeine citrate undiluted injection (20 mg/mL), at their high-end, clinically relevant concentrations for NICU settings. However, when tested at lower concentrations, hydrocortisone (1 mg/mL) was physicochemically compatible, whereas furosemide (0.2 mg/mL) was physically incompatible with caffeine citrate. The six drugs which showed physical incompatibility with caffeine citrate 20 mg/mL injection were also physically incompatible with caffeine citrate 10 mg/mL solution. All 43 secondary drugs tested were physicochemically compatible with caffeine base injection.ConclusionsMost secondary test drugs, except aciclovir, amphotericin (liposomal), furosemide, hydrocortisone, ibuprofen and ibuprofen lysine, were physicochemically compatible with caffeine citrate injection. Caffeine base injection was physicochemically compatible with all 43 test drugs tested.

The Physicochemical Compatibility of Sildenafil Injection with Parenteral Medications Used in Neonatal Intensive Care Settings.

Sildenafil is used to treat pulmonary hypertension in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) settings. As multiple intravenous (IV) medications are co-administered in NICU settings, we sought to investigate the physicochemical compatibility of sildenafil with a range of IV drugs. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL or 60 mcg/mL was mixed 1:1 with the secondary drug solution to simulate Y-site co-administration procedures. Physical compatibility was evaluated by visual observation against a black and white background and under polarized light for two hours for changes in colour, precipitation, haze and evolution of gas. Chemical compatibility was determined from sildenafil concentrations, using a validated, stability-indicating high-performance liquid chromatography assay. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was physicochemically compatible with 29 of the 45 drugs tested at 'high-end' clinical concentrations and physically incompatible with 16 drugs and six '2-in-1' parenteral nutrition solutions. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL was compatible with lower, clinically relevant concentrations of calcium gluconate, heparin and hydrocortisone. Aciclovir, amoxicillin, ampicillin, ibuprofen lysine, indometacin, phenobarbitone and rifampicin were incompatible with sildenafil 600 mcg/mL, however these IV medications were compatible with sildenafil 60 mcg/mL. Sildenafil 600 mcg/mL and 60 mcg/mL were incompatible with amphotericin, flucloxacillin, furosemide, ibuprofen, meropenem and sodium bicarbonate. Sildenafil compatibility with commonly used syringe filters was also investigated. Sildenafil solution was compatible with nylon syringe filters, however, absorption/adsorption loss occurred with polyethersulfone and cellulose ester filters.

Physicochemical Stability and Compatibility of Mixtures of Ropivacaine with Dexamethasone or Betamethasone for Epidural Steroid Injections: An In Vitro Study

BACKGROUND: Epidural steroid injections are widely used to treat spinal and radiating pain. However, crystal formation has recently been reported in mixtures of ropivacaine and nonparticulate steroids, commonly used in epidural steroid injections. OBJECTIVES: Our study assessed the physicochemical stability of mixtures of different nonparticulate steroids and ropivacaine and aimed to propose a safe regimen for epidural steroid injections. STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro protocol was used to examine the physicochemical stability of epidural steroid injection mixtures most commonly used at our institution. SETTING: In vitro laboratory study. METHODS: Twelve solutions were prepared by mixing 0.75% or 0.2% ropivacaine with dexamethasone or betamethasone at volume ratios of 1:1, 2:1, and 3:1 in propylene syringes at 24°C. The physical properties of the mixtures were observed with the naked eye and under a microscope, and their pH was measured. The concentration of each drug in the mixture was evaluated using high-performance liquid chromatography. RESULTS: None of the ropivacaine and dexamethasone mixtures showed macroscopic or microscopic crystal formation after 2 hours, and there were no significant changes in pH. The concentrations of the 2 drugs remained stable for up to 2 hours. In contrast, at least 10 mu-m crystals were observed microscopically and macroscopically in all mixtures of ropivacaine and betamethasone; the ropivacaine concentration was reduced by &gt; 10% after one hour. LIMITATIONS: Confirming the stability of drugs in vitro does not ensure that their pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics remain unaltered in vivo. CONCLUSION: The combination of ropivacaine and betamethasone should be avoided because of their physicochemical instability. Combinations of ropivacaine and dexamethasone should be administered cautiously because they are more physicochemically stable than combinations of ropivacaine and betamethasone. KEY WORDS: Betamethasone, crystal formation, dexamethasone, drug stability, epidural injection, high-performance liquid chromatography, pH, physicochemical stability, spinal pain

Enhancing Solid-Phase Extraction of Tamoxifen and Its Metabolites from Human Plasma Using MOF-Integrated Polyacrylonitrile Composites: A Study on CuBTC and ZIF-8 Efficacy.

This study investigates electrospun fibers of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), particularly CuBTC and ZIF-8, in polyacrylonitrile (PAN) for the solid-phase extraction (SPE) of Tamoxifen (TAM) and its metabolites (NDTAM, ENDO, and 4OHT) from human blood plasma. The focus is on the isolation, pre-concentration, and extraction of the analytes, aiming to provide a more accessible and affordable breast cancer patient-monitoring technology. The unique physicochemical properties of MOFs, such as high porosity and surface area, combined with PAN's stability and low density, are leveraged to improve SPE efficiency. The study meticulously examines the interactions of these MOFs with the analytes under various conditions, including elution solvents and protein precipitators. Results reveal that ZIF-8/PAN composites outperform CuBTC/PAN and PAN alone, especially when methanol is used as the protein precipitator. This superior performance is attributed to the physicochemical compatibility between the analytes' properties, like solubility and polarity, and the MOFs' structural features, including pore flexibility, active site availability, surface polarity, and surface area. The findings underscore MOFs' potential in SPE applications and provide valuable insights into the selectivity and sensitivity of different MOFs towards specific analytes, advancing more efficient targeted extraction methods in biomedical analysis.

Sustainable Routed Mxene-Based Aminolyzed PU/PCL Film for Increased Oxidative Stress and a pH-Sensitive Drug Delivery System for Anticancer Therapy.

A remarkable challenge in the anticancer drug delivery system is developing an implantable system that can improve the chemotherapeutic effect. Polyurethane is an excellent implantable substrate, with flaws in hydrophobicity. We modified polyurethane via the chemical aminolysis technique to enhance the wettability and protein interaction. The created pores can release the rutin complex incorporated in the polyurethane matrix. In this work, the hybrid polymer matrix consists of Mxene synthesized via a sustainable and simple method by introducing a toxic-free MAX phase and etchants. The incorporation of Mxene and PCL can enhance physicochemical and biological compatibility. Sustainable Mxene increases oxidative stress, cell death, and antibacterial activity, which also resulted in the Mxene@APU/PCL film. Meanwhile, the drug release with respect to pH sensitivity was demonstrated in which Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed the highest release at pH 5.2; this indicates that the prepared Mxene and aminolyzed polyurethane can function according to the biological system and release the drug from the polymer matrix on slow degradation and swellability. The Mxene and Mxene@APU/PCL films showed 93.2% drug release with oxidative stress on THP-1 cells, which causes rupturing and apoptosis of cancerous cells. The Mxene@APU/PCL film can show great potential in future implantable anticancer drug delivery systems.

Pre-formulation study of Bisoprolol as fast Dissolve Sublingual Tablet

Fast dissolving drug delivery systems offer a solution for patients having difficulty in swallowing tablets. In this study, an attempt had been made to perform pre-formulation studies of bisoprolol as fast dissolve sublingual tablet, an antihypertensive by direct compression methods using sodium-starch-glycolate, croscarmellose-sodium, &amp; crospovidone as superdisintegrant agent. The basic purpose of the pre-formulation activity is to provide a basis for the formulation approaches, to maximize the chances of success in formulating an acceptable product, optimizing drug product quality and performance. Preformulating activity including drug melting point; analytical wavelength (λ max) detections, drug-excipients physical &amp; chemical compatibility by FT-IR, and Calibration curve of Bisoprolol were studied. It was discovered that the melting point was 100°C, and the UV spectral analysis revealed that the maximum value of λ was between 224 and 273 nm. The physicochemical compatibility studies results indicate that there was no interaction between bisoprolol and the excipients. Strong linear relationship obtained from calibration curve. Based on results, fast dissolving sublingual tablets of Bisoprolol can be prepared successfully by direct compression.

Insights into the formulation properties, biocompatibility, and permeability of poorly water-soluble methoxyflavones with PEG400 and propylene glycol.

Herein, thermal and non-thermal techniques were used to elucidate the putative physical and chemical interactions between poorly water-soluble Kaempferia methoxyflavones and PEG400/propylene glycol. Additionally, the biocompatibility of methoxyflavone-glycol solutions was evaluated using Caco-2 cells whereas the absorptive transport was investigated by measuring the apparent permeability coefficient (P app) of the methoxyflavones and transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) of the Caco-2 cell monolayer. Data from differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) spectroscopic analysis revealed physico-chemical compatibility between the three methoxyflavones and PEG400/propylene glycol. Furthermore, PEG400 and propylene glycol solutions of the methoxyflavones were shown to be compatible with Caco-2 cells at pharmacologically effective concentrations. In vitro transport studies across the Caco-2 cell monolayer revealed high P app values of 24.07 × 10-6 to 19.63 × 10-6 cm s-1 for PEG400 solutions of the methoxyflavones. The TEER values of the Caco-2 cell monolayers indicated that the increased drug transport was partly due to increased tight junction openings, but without compromising the epithelial barrier integrity. The good pharmaceutical and biocompatibility profiles, as well as improved transport of the methoxyflavones in PEG400 and propylene glycol solutions, are suggestive of the worthiness of this approach for further consideration pertaining to the development of these drugs into oral liquid dosage forms.

Physicochemical compatibility of pentoxifylline injection with high-concentration parenteral medications.

Physicochemical compatibility of pentoxifylline injection with high-concentration parenteral medications.

Physicochemical and immunological effects of adjuvant formulations with snake venom antigens for immunization of horses for antivenom production

Enhancement of antivenom immune responses in horses through adjuvant technology improves antivenom production efficiency, but substantial local reactogenicity associated with some traditional veterinary adjuvants limits their usability. To explore modern adjuvant systems suitable for generating antivenom responses in horses, we first assessed their physicochemical compatibility with Bothrops asper snake venom. Liposome and nanoparticle aluminum adjuvants exhibited changes in particle size and phospholipid content after mixing with venom, whereas squalene emulsion-based adjuvants remained stable. Next, we evaluated serum antibody response magnitude and neutralization capacity in horses immunized with adjuvant-containing Echis ocellatus, Bitis arietans, Naja nigricollis, and Dendroaspis polylepis venom preparations. Whereas all tested adjuvants elicited significant neutralization capacity against the viperid venoms, the greatest antibody responses were generated by a squalene-in-water emulsion, thus representing a promising novel alternative for antivenom production.

Physicochemical properties and compatibility of sodium alginate and fucoidan solutions

The interaction between linear sodium alginate and branched fucoidan were investigated using viscosity and tensiometric measurements. It was shown that water-soluble interpolymer complex is formed. The alginate-fucoidan complexation is due to the formation of a cooperative system of hydrogen bonds between the ionogenic and hidroxyl groups of sodium alginate and fucoidan and hydrophobic interactions. The intensity of the polysaccharide-polysaccharide interaction increases with an increase in the content of fucoidan in the blend. It was established that alginate and fucoidan are weak surfactants of the associative type. The surface activity of fucoidan was 34.6 mN∙m2/mol, and for alginate was 20.7 mN∙m2/mol. The resulting alginate-fucoidan interpolymer complex exhibits high surface activity and indicates a synergistic effect of combining two polysaccharides. The values of the activation energy of the viscous flow process were 7.0 kJ∙mol−1, 16.2 for kJ∙mol−1 and 33.9 kJ∙mol−1for alginate, fucoidan and their blend, respectively. These studies provide a methodological basis for determining the conditions for preparation of homogeneous film materials with a certain complex of physico-chemical and mechanical properties.

Association of growth-regulating insecticides and limonoid-based formulations: physicochemical compatibility and toxicity against Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

The objective of this study was to evaluate the physicochemical compatibility of mixtures of synthetic and botanical limonoid-based insecticides, as well as the toxicity of these associations, in the management of Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) under laboratory and field conditions. For this, the associations of 4 commercial botanical insecticides based on neem registered in Brazil (Azamax, Agroneem, Azact CE, and Fitoneem) were tested with synthetic insecticides from the group of growth regulators (IGRs [triflumuron, lufenuron, methoxyfenozide and tebufenozide]). When mixed, all combinations caused a significant reduction in the pH of the mixture and a significant increase in electrical conductivity. However, all tested combinations showed similar stability behavior to the negative control (distilled water), which demonstrated their physicochemical compatibility. Furthermore, in laboratory and field bioassays, mixtures of IRGs with limonoid-based formulations provided satisfactory effects in the management of S. frugiperda. However, binary mixtures of insecticide Intrepid 240 SC with Azamax or Azact CE (at LC25 previously estimated) showed the highest toxicities on S. frugiperda larvae in laboratory bioassays and damage reduction caused by S. frugiperda in a 2-yr field experiments. Therefore, mixtures of IGRs with limonoid-based botanical insecticides are promising alternatives for the management of S. frugiperda and important component of integrated pest management and insect resistance management programs.

Compatibility and aerosol characteristics of beclomethasone mixed with N-acetylcysteine

Mixing different kind inhalation medications for simultaneous inhalation is widely used in the treatment of chronic respiratory diseases, and it can minimize the administration time and improve patient adherence. To our knowledge, it is unclear whether beclomethasone (BDP, Clenil®) can bemixed with acetylcysteine (NAC, Fluimucil®), because the in vitro physico-chemical compatibility and aerosol characteristics of the mixture are unknown. In this study, we investigated physical compatibility, including the appearance, pH, osmotic pressure and chemical stability, as well as aerosol characteristics, including particle size corresponding to 10%/50%/90% of the cumulative percentage of total particle volume (X10/X50/X90), volume median droplet diameter (VMD), mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), fine particle fraction (FPF), fine particle dose (FPD) and geometric standard deviation (GSD), delivery rate, and total delivery of the above solutions. After mixing, there were no significant changes in visual appearance, pH, osmolality and drug content of the mixtures at room temperature for 12 h. The FDP of BDP in the mixture decreased by 16.49%, whereas the NAC increased by 10.85%. The delivery rates of BDP and NAC in the mixture decreased by 66.05% and 45.54%, and total delivery increased by 13.20% and 25.29%, respectively. However, the MMAD, FPF, particle size and GSD of the mixture were almost unchanged. We demonstrated that these admixtures are physico-chemically compatible but that coadministration of beclomethasone with acetylcysteine can markedly affect output and aerosol characteristics.

Design, Development and Evaluation of Eucalyptol Transdermal Patch for Anti-Diabetic Activity

For almost two hundred years, diabetes mellitus has been a major health problem worldwide. While there has been progress in our knowledge of its pathophysiology and treatment, the therapeutic choices available today are woefully inadequate. The goal of transdermal medication delivery systems is to provide therapeutically effective doses of a medicine via the skin. The medicine is released at a steady, regulated pace thanks to the design of these devices. As a result, it is well suited for the management of long-term conditions like diabetes. Thus, the risks and inconvenient nature of the oral and parenteral routes are avoided. The purpose of this study is to develop and test eucalyptol transdermal patches for the treatment of diabetes. Drug distribution from different polymer-based transdermal patches might be enhanced by using oleic acid as a penetration enhancer. Matrix-style transdermal patches, composed of PVP K30, HPMC K100, and solvent, were created utilizing solvent casting procedures. By using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, researchers were able to examine the drug's and polymers' physicochemical compatibility. No evidence of physical or chemical incompatibility between the medication and the polymers was found. The patches also underwent a battery of physical tests in addition to the in-vivo research. The patches with the polymers, that is, PVP K30, HPMC K100, and oleic acid as the penetration enhancer, were regarded the best formulations for the transdermal distribution of eucalyptol based on the findings obtained from the physical assessment, ex vivo investigations, and in-vivo studies.

Formulation and Characterization of Transdermal Patches for Controlled Delivery of Cyproheptadine

The purpose of this research was to develop a matrix-type transdermal therapeutic system containing drug Cyproheptadine with different ratios of polymeric systems by the Solvent evaporation technique by using Dibutyl phthalate to the polymer weight, incorporated as plasticizer. Dimethylsulphoxide were used to enhance the transdermal permeation of Cyproheptadine. The physicochemical compatibility of the drug and the polymers studied by infrared spectroscopy suggested absence of any incompatibility. Formulated transdermal patches were physically evaluated with regard to thickness, weight variation, drug content, flatness, tensile strength and folding endurance. In-vitro drug studies of formulations were performed by using Franz diffusion cells. The results followed the release profile of Cyproheptadine followed mixed peppas release kinetics. However, the release profile of the optimized formulation F3 (98.51% at 12hr) indicated that the permeation of the drug from the patches was governed by a diffusion mechanism.

Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (LSCF) perovskites by Sol-Gel Method for Potential Application in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC)

Fuel cells are one of the most efficient and effective solutions to environmental problems and high energy demand. They are devices which change chemical energy into electrochemical energy, allowing much higher efficiency than conventional thermomechanical conversion methods. Lanthanum Strontium Cobalt Ferrite (LSCF) perovskites have been widely studied for application as cathodes in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC) due to their high electrical conductivity, high thermal and chemical stability, low difference in thermal expansion coefficient, and physico-chemical compatibility with the other cells components. The aim of this work was to synthesize perovskitas type La0.7Sr0.3Co0.5Fe0.5O3 by sol-gel method and evaluate the potential for application as a cathode for fuel cell. The results obtained by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) indicate that the sol-gel method calcined at 900ºC obtained an amount of the perovskite phase above 95%. The Field Emission Gun-Scanning Electron Microscope (FEG-SEM) images of LSCF film produced with 4 layers showed a better quality. Thus, the results obtained by XRD and FEG-SEM, indicate that the sol-gel method calcined at 900ºC has a potential application as cathode in solid oxide fuel cells.