A new route to synthesize La1−xSrxMnO3

Self-Propagating High-temperature Synthesis (SHS) was used to producecomplex oxides (La1−xSr x MnO3 with x = 0, 0.1 and 0.2), which are used as the cathode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Thermodynamic predications and experiments show that La1−xSr x MnO3 can be prepared via SHS under moderate conditions from a mixture of La2O3 + SrO2 + Mn, using either gaseous oxygen or solid NaClO4 as the oxidant. Partial melting at the high combustion temperature increased product homogeneity. The electrical conductivity of the product was 180 S·cm−1 at 1000°C in air, matching that of sample made by other synthesis processes. SHS enables a more economical production of La1−xSr x MnO3 than existing commercial processes.