Strontium doped lanthanum manganite cathode stability in 0-10% carbon dioxide containing air has been studied in the temperature range of 1023-1123 K with cathodic biases of 0 V and 0.5 V. The current density of the LSM cathode remains stable after an initial decrease. Surface analyses of the pre-test and post-test LSM cathodes using Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and attenuated total reflectance-Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) techniques suggest that the formation of SrCO3 at the LSM surface leads to initial performance degradation. Our observations also indicate that CO 2 does not affect the current density after an initial LSM activation in air. Overall, the LSM performance degradation in CO2-containing air is less severe than in humidified air. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
