Electrical properties of Fe-doped SrTiO3 with B-site-deficient for SOFC anodes

Sr(Ti0.6Fe0.4)1-xO3-δ precursors were prepared through the sol–gel method. The samples sintered in air at 1350 °C for 300 min were characterized in terms of conductivity, bulk density, microstructure and phase analysis via AC impedance, scanning electron microscope (SEM), Archimedes’ method and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The total electrical conductivity of Sr(Ti0.6Fe0.4)1-xO3-δ samples can be remarkably improved by B-site-deficient level (x). When x = 0.07, the total electrical conductivity reaches a maximum of 0.3445 S/cm at 800 °C. The microstructure of the sample becomes more porous as the B-site-deficient level increases. The relative density of samples is becoming lower with B-site-deficient level increases. Diffraction peaks without impurities appear in the X-ray diffraction pattern, indicating the formation of a single perovskite structure. In addition, the Sr(Ti0.6Fe0.4)1-xO3-δ/YSZ samples show a great chemical stability and compatibility.