Wiwut Tanthapanichakoon

Review of Recent Research on Nanoparticle Production in Thailand

Powder technology has already extended its scope of interest to nanoparticles with novel properties and functionalities. Since the establishment of the National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC) in 2003, research activities in nanotechnology have shot up remarkably, including the production of nanoparticles via physical, chemical and biological methods. This article reviews and introduces recent works on nanoparticle production in Thailand, especially NANOTEC and her nation-wide network of Centers of Excellence. The categories of nanoparticles of interest extend from metal and zinc oxide nanoparticles to carbon nanoparticles and titanate nanostructures. However, thin films and nanofilms lie beyond the scope of this review.

Microstructural Control of LSM/YSZ Composite Cathode for Lower Temperature Operation of SOFC

La0.8Sr0.3MnO3(LSM)/Y2O3 stabilized ZrO2(YSZ) composite powders were mechanically prepared. By changing the mechanical device or processing time, three composite powders with different size distributions were obtained. Then the powders were formed into cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The microstructures of the cathodes were carefully characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Losses by internal resistance (IR) and by polarization between the electrolyte and cathode were measured with the current interruption technique. The cathode fabricated by using the powder with the narrowest particle size distribution showed fine grains, uniform porous structure and good contact with the electrolyte layer, thereby resulting in low IR and polarization losses. In contrast, the cathode fabricated from the powder with the broadest particle size distribution contained a large mass of coarse particles and had less uniform structure in the grains and pores, thereby resulting in relatively high IR and polarization losses.