Abstract
We have designed and prepared a novel cathode material for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) based on SrCo0.95Ru0.05O3−δ perovskite. We have partially replaced Sr by Ba in Sr0.9Ba0.1Co0.95Ru0.05O3−δ (SBCRO) in order to expand the unit-cell size, thereby improving the ionic diffusion of O2− through the crystal lattice. The characterization of this new oxide has been studied at room temperature by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and neutron powder diffraction (NPD) experiments. At room temperature, SBCRO perovskite crystallizes in the P4/mmm tetragonal space group, as observed from NDP data. The maximum conductivity value of 18.6 S cm−1 is observed at 850 °C. Polarization resistance measurements on LSGM electrolyte demonstrate an improvement in conductivity with respect to the parent Sr-only perovskite cathode. A good chemical compatibility and an adequate thermal expansion coefficient make this oxide auspicious for using it as a cathode in SOFC.
Highlights
The implementation of the hydrogen economy requires the combination of renewable energies used for the production of hydrogen, and the utilization of this gas in fuel cells to recover the electrical energy and water as a byproduct
This is considerably expanded with respect to that corresponding to the parent compound of 3.858(1) Å [14], as expected for the much bigger size of Ba2+ (1.61 Å) with respect to Sr2+ (1.44 Å)
We have shown with an neutron powder diffraction (NPD) study that this compound is stabilized in a tetragonal perovskite structure at RT, defined in the P4/mmm group, with an expanded unit-cell volume with respect to the parent compound
Summary
The implementation of the hydrogen economy requires the combination of renewable energies used for the production of hydrogen, and the utilization of this gas in fuel cells to recover the electrical energy and water as a byproduct. Fuel cells are called to replace combustion engines, showing great potential as energy conversion devices; they are able to transform the chemical energy of hydrogen directly into electrical energy with high efficiency and cleanness [1,2,3]. Due to the high operating temperatures (800–1000 ◦ C), the enhanced reaction kinetics translates high efficiency in energy conversion, eliminating the problems that arise from the use of liquid electrolytes. As a drawback, these high operating temperatures mean a demanding stress for the different components, electrodes, solid electrolytes and interconnectors. The use of MIEC materials reduces mechanical and chemical
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