Ag/LSM Composite Paste for SOFC/SOEC, 100 g/bottle, CSOFECCPAgLSM
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In the specialized field of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) and Electrolysis Cell (SOEC) stack assembly, Ag/LSM (Silver/Lanthanum Strontium Manganite) composite paste is a high-conductivity material primarily used as a contact layer or current collector. While pure Silver (Ag) has the highest electrical conductivity of any metal, it suffers from poor adhesion to ceramics and high oxygen permeability. Mixing it with LSM creates a composite that maintains high conductivity while improving the mechanical and thermal stability of the electrical interface.
The Ag/LSM paste is typically applied between the cathode (air electrode) and the metallic interconnect (e.g., Crofer 22 APU). (1) Silver (Ag) Phase: Provides the primary path for electrons. Silver is unique because it remains metallic and highly conductive in oxidizing atmospheres (air) at 600-800 °C, unlike most other metals that would form resistive oxide scales. (2) LSM Phase: Acts as a "ceramic anchor." LSM bonds well to both the YSZ-based cell and the silver. It also helps match the Thermal Expansion Coefficient (TEC) of the paste to the rest of the cell, preventing the silver from "beading up" or delaminating. (3) Oxygen Management: In SOEC mode (electrolysis), oxygen is generated at high pressure. The LSM helps stabilize the interface, preventing the silver from being "lifted" or forming pores due to oxygen gas evolution.
It shows multiple advantages compared to pure Ag paste. (1) Reduced Silver Evaporation: Pure Silver is volatile at 800 °C and can migrate (vapors) into the cathode, potentially poisoning the active sites. The LSM matrix helps "trap" the silver and reduce its vapor pressure. (2) Inhibition of Grain Growth: Pure Silver tends to coarsen (grains grow larger) over time, which reduces its contact area. The ceramic LSM particles act as "pinning agents," keeping the silver microstructure stable for thousands of hours. (3) Improved Adhesion: Pure Silver does not wet ceramic surfaces well. The LSM provides a chemical bridge that ensures the contact layer doesn't peel off during thermal cycling.
| Part Number |
CSOFECCPAgLSM (C-SOFEC-CP-AgLSM) |
| Active Material |
Ag/LSM (85 wt% Ag + 15wt% LSM) Solid state content: 65 wt% |
| Package Grade |
100 g/bottle (other grades, such as 500 g, and 1000 g or larger can be supplied upon request) |
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