LNC (Lanthanum Nickel Cobaltite) Electrode Powder for SOFC/SOEC, 100 g/bottle, CSOFECEPLNC

In both Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) and Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells (SOEC), LNC (Lanthanum Nickel Cobaltite)—typically formulated as LaNi0.6Co0.4O3-x, is a high-performance perovskite material primarily used to maximize current collection and improve electrical contact. While LSCF is the workhorse for intermediate-temperature cathodes, LNC is the go-to material for researchers and stack manufacturers who need the highest possible electronic conductivity coupled with superior thermal stability.

The presence of Nickel at the B-site of the perovskite structure helps stabilize the material's thermal expansion. This makes LNC much less likely to delaminate or crack during the rapid thermal cycling often required in portable or automotive SOFC/SOEC applications.

The primary applications fields are: (1) Cathode Contact Paste: In a professional SOFC stack, the "contact resistance" between the air electrode (cathode) and the metallic interconnect can be a major source of power loss. LNC powder is formulated into a paste and applied as a thin layer between the LSCF/LSM cathode and the stainless steel interconnect. It acts as an electronic "bridge," ensuring that electrons flow smoothly out of the cell with minimal resistance. (2) Multilayer Cathodes: In high-performance cells, LNC is often used as the outermost layer of a multilayer cathode. As for functional layer: Usually LSCF/GDC (for high catalytic activity). As for current collection layer: A thick layer of LNC to ensure the current is collected efficiently across the entire surface area of the cell. (3) Low-Temperature PEC and SOEC: Because LNC remains highly conductive even at lower temperatures (400°C–600°C), it is used in Intermediate and Low-Temperature (IT/LT) cells. In SOEC mode, LNC’s stability helps resist the high oxygen partial pressures that can cause other cobalt-rich materials to degrade.

References:

1. N. Duan, et al., Multi-functionalities enabled fivefold applications of LaCo0.6Ni0.4O3−δ in intermediate temperature symmetrical solid oxide fuel/electrolysis cells, Nano Energy, 2020, 77, 105207.
2. Q. Ma, et al., Performances of Solid Oxide Cells with La0.97Ni0.5Co0.5O3−δ as Air-Electrodes, J. Electrochem. Soc., 2020, 167, 084522.