Forming Ni-Fe and Co-Fe Bimetallic Structures on SrTiO3-Based SOFC Anode Candidates

The aim of this work was to verify the possibility of forming Ni-Fe and Co-Fe alloys via topotactic ion exchange exsolution in Fe-infiltrated (La,Sr,Ce)0.9(Ni,Ti)O3-δ or (La,Sr,Ce)0.9(Co,Ti)O3-δ ceramics. For this purpose, samples were synthesized using the Pechini method and then infiltrated with an iron nitrate solution. The reduction process in dry H2 forced the topotactic ion exchange exsolution, leading to the formation of additional round-shape structures on the surfaces of grains. EDS scans and XRD analysis confirmed the formation of bimetallic alloys, which suggests that these materials have great potential for further use as anode materials for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs).