High-performance La0.5(Ba0.75Ca0.25)0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3-δ cathode for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

La-0.5(Ba0.75Ca0.25)(0.5)Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta, a simple perovskite cathode material with high electrical conductivity (940 S cm(-1) at 600 degrees C) and impressive surface catalytic activity, was prepared and used in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. As its thermal expansion coefficient is higher than that of the electrolyte material BaZr0.1Ce 0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta, they were combined and used as a composite cathode. The crystal structure, chemical compatibility, electrical conductivity, cell performance, and the oxygen reduction reaction of the cathode material were explored, and we found that the single fuel cell developed with the composite cathode achieved excellent electrochemical performance, with both a low polarization resistance and high peak power density (0.044 Omega cm(2) and 1102 mW cm(-2 )at 750 degrees C, respectively). Outstanding stability was also achieved, as indicated by a long-term 100-h test. Additionally, the rate-limiting steps of the oxygen reduction reaction were the oxygen adsorption, dissociation, and diffusion processes. (C) 2020 Hydrogen Energy Publications LLC. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

The perovskite cathode material La-0.5(Ba0.75Ca0.25)(0.5)Co0.8Fe0.2O3-delta, with high electrical conductivity and catalytic activity, was used in proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. When combined with the electrolyte BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1O3-delta, it showed excellent electrochemical performance, low polarization resistance, and high peak power density. The oxygen reduction reaction was found to be limited by oxygen adsorption, dissociation, and diffusion processes.