Cathode Materials Development for Proton Conducting SOFCs
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Abstract
Thin film electrolyte and new cathode catalysts were developed to improve the performance of proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Electrolyte BaCe0.7Zr0.1Y0.2O3-δ; (BCZY) and cathode materials La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ; (LSCF) and Sr0.7Ce0.3MnO3-δ; (SCM) were synthesized using the citrate-nitrate combustion method, and characterized using XRD. Thin film electrolyte was successfully prepared using a spin coating technique. Two cathode catalysts were developed: a composite cathode comprising Ag-modified LSCF+BCZY, and SCM. Chemical compatibility between LSCF and BCZY and chemical stability of LSCF in CO2-containing atmosphere were demonstrated. The electrochemical performance of the composite cathode was dependent on Ag content in the composite cathode, peaking at a power density of 563 mW.cm-2 at 700 °C for Ni+BCZY|BCZY|10 wt% Ag-(LSCF+BCZY) thin film button cell. The performance of SCM was dependent on the cathode firing temperature. The highest peak power density, 378 mW.cm-2, was obtained at 700 °C for Ni+BCZY|BCZY|SCM single cell with SCM fired at 1100 °C.