Abstract: A novel method to produce ALD films disposed on powders is disclosed. Examples include the formation of a cobalt doped zirconia (CDZ), hafnia, and cobalt doped hafnia (CDH) films on lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF) powder for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes. The coated powders are sintered into porous cathodes that have utility for preventing the migration of cations in the powder to the surface of the sintered cathode and/or other performance enhancing attributes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described to coat small and large quantities of solid particles using atomic layer deposition, with increased material utilization and decreased cycle times. The resulting higher coating efficiency ALD process is achieved by a controlled pressure differential acting across a rotating porous vessel that contains a plurality of solid particles. The apparatus is comprised of two coaxial cylindrical porous vessels with a means for one to rotate, and a two stage rotary feedthrough with a specialized hollowed out shaft, which enables both rotation of the vessel and reactant, purge, and product gas transport across a particle bed that undergoes mixing.

Abstract: A novel method to modify the surface of lanthanum and strontium containing cathode powders before or after sintering by depositing layers of gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) and/or samarium doped ceria or similar materials via atomic layer deposition on the powders. The surface modified powders are sintered into porous cathodes that have utility enhancing the electrochemical performance of the cathodes, particularly for use in solid oxide fuel cells. Similar enhancements are observed for surface treatment of sintered cathodes.

Abstract: A novel method to produce ALD films disposed on powders is disclosed. Examples include the formation of a cobalt doped zirconia (CDZ), hafnia, and cobalt doped hafnia (CDH) films on lanthanum strontium cobalt iron oxide (LSCF) powder for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes. The coated powders are sintered into porous cathodes that have utility for preventing the migration of cations in the powder to the surface of the sintered cathode and/or other performance enhancing attributes.

Abstract: An apparatus and method is described to coat small and large quantities of solid particles using atomic layer deposition, with increased material utilization and decreased cycle times. The resulting higher coating efficiency ALD process is achieved by a controlled pressure differential acting across a rotating porous vessel that contains a plurality of solid particles. The apparatus is comprised of two coaxial cylindrical porous vessels with a means for one to rotate, and a two stage rotary feedthrough with a specialized hollowed out shaft, which enables both rotation of the vessel and reactant, purge, and product gas transport across a particle bed that undergoes mixing.

Abstract: A novel method to modify the surface of lanthanum and strontium containing cathode powders before or after sintering by depositing layers of gadolinium doped ceria (GDC) and/or samarium doped ceria or similar materials via atomic layer deposition on the powders. The surface modified powders are sintered into porous cathodes that have utility enhancing the electrochemical performance of the cathodes, particularly for use in solid oxide fuel cells. Similar enhancements are observed for surface treatment of sintered cathodes.