Enhancement on densification and crystallization of conducting La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ perovskite anode derived from hydrothermal process

La_1-xSr _x VO₃ (LSV)-based perovskite anodes are chemically and electrochemically stable under SOFC operating conditions. The main objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility of obtaining La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ nanopowder from a novel hydrothermal method at relative low-temperature (∼200 °C). The particle size of hydrothermally-processed La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ powder was as fine as 50 nm based on transmission electron microscopy observation. As a result, the better crystallization and densification was demonstrated from La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ nanopowders synthesized via a hydrothermal route in comparison with a solid-state reaction (SSR) method. La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ nanopowder shows a perovskite-type structure after heat-treated at 800 °C for 5 h in a reducing atmosphere (20% H₂, 80% Ar). The hydrothermally treated La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ showed high density of 96% that is better than the SSR process (86%). La_0.7Sr_0.3VO₃ synthesized by the hydrothermal process shows metallic conducting behavior. Its conductivity reached 193 s cm^-1 at 800 °C which is adequate for SOFC application.