Strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (La1−xSrxMnO3) is a commonly used cathode in solid oxide fuel cells. In this study, La0.80Sr0.20MnO3 powder was prepared by the modified Pechini's method using gelatin as the polymerizing agent. The polymeric resin obtained was characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and the powder calcined at 900 oC for 4 h has been characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and infrared spectroscopy. The La0.80Sr0.20MnO3 phase exhibited rhombohedral symmetry. The infrared reflectance spectrum was dominated by a conduction mechanism besides the signature of less pronounced phonon features, characteristics of the crystal lattice. The present results indicated that the gelatin has been an efficient directional element to be used in La0.80Sr0.20MnO3 synthesis, and it is a low cost material, non toxic and makes the polymeric precursor synthesis less complicated.

Keywords: Strontium-doped lanthanum manganite, modified Pechini's method, gelatin.