Properties of BSCF-SDC Composite Cathode Powder for Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell

Abstract

Barium strontium cobalt ferrite (BSCF) demonstrates properties, such as ionic conductivity, superconductivity, ferroelectricity, and magnetic resistance. Thus, BSCF has been reported as an impressive and effective cathode material in terms of high conductivity, excellent oxygen transport, catalytic activity and a potential candidate for a low-temperature solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC). In this study, the nanocomposite cathode BSCF–samarium-doped ceria (SDC) was developed for LT-SOFC, and the behavior of the nanoceramic powders was examined. The BSCF–SDC composite cathode powders were mixed through the high-energy ball-milling process at 550 rpm for 2 h. The powders were then calcined at 900 °C and 950 °C for 2 h. The composite cathode powders were characterized based on morphology and grain size by using field emission scanning electron microscope and ImageJ software. The element analysis, chemical bonding, and thermal properties of each sample were studied using X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive spectroscopy respectively. Based on the result obtain, secondary phase has triggered after through milling process and gradually increase when the calcination temperature has increase. It also found that the size of particles become easily agglomerated and bigger at increased of calcination temperature. For particles distribution all major element in composite cathode has uniformly and homogeneous. Results of this study confirm that selecting a suitable calcination temperature is important in eliminating secondary phases in the BSCF–SDC composite cathode and enhancing its properties.