Novel layered perovskite oxide PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ as a potential cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

A novel layered perovskite oxide PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) is employed as a potential cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Thermal expansion and electrochemical performance on samarium-doped ceria (SDC) electrolyte are evaluated. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) of PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) is close to that of SDC electrolyte and electrical conductivity of PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) reaches the general required value of cathode material. Symmetrical electrochemical cell with the configuration of PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO)/SDC/PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) applied for the impedance studies, the area specific resistance of PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) cathode is as low as 0.047 Ω cm 2 at 700 °C. A maximum power density of 791 mW cm −2 is obtained at 700 °C for the single cell consisting of PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO)/SDC/NiO–SDC. Preliminary results indicate that PrBaCuCoO 5+ δ (PBCCO) is especially promising as a cathode for IT-SOFCs.