Description
Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are devices that allow direct conversion of chemical to electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction in a cleaner and more efficient way than conventional processes (eg. gas turbines). They are characterized by the use of a solid oxide material as the electrolyte. Yttria-stabilised zirconia
(YSZ) has traditionally been used in SOFCs electrolytes at temperatures in the range of 850-1000 °C. Recent research is being focused on the development of new materials with increased ionic conductivity at intermediate temperatures (500-800ºC) as alternative materials to YSZ. Rare earth silicates with an apatite-type structure,
such as doped lanthanum oxides of general formula La10(MO4)6O2, where M = Ge, Co, Si, Al, or P, are among these materials. The major limitation associated with the manufacture of these materials is their poor sinterability, which requires high sintering temperatures (1600ºC).
; Santos, Mário J. G. 
