Nano-structured cathodes based on La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3− δ for solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

Lanthanum-based iron- and cobalt-containing perovskite is a promising cathode material because of its electrocatalytic activity at a relatively low operating temperature in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), i.e., 700–800 °C. To enhance the electrocatalytic reduction of oxidants on La 0.6Sr 0.4Co 0.2Fe 0.8O 3− δ (LSCF), nanocrystalline LSCF materials are successfully fabricated using a complexing method with chelants and inorganic nano dispersants. When inorganic dispersants are added to the synthesis process, the surface area of the LSCF powder increases from 18 to 88 m 2 g −1, which results in higher electrocatalytic activity of the cathode. The performance of a unit cell of a SOFC with nanocrystalline LSCF powders synthesized with nano dispersants is increased by 60%, from 0.7 to 1.2 W cm −2.