Enhancement of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Performance by La[sub 0.6]Sr[sub 0.4]Co[sub 0.2]Fe[sub 0.8]O[sub 3−δ] Double-Layer Cathode

Abstract

NiO- Sm0.2 Ce0.8 O1.9 (SDC) SDC La0.6Sr0.4Co 0.2 Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF) cells with either a single-layer or a double-layer cathode were fabricated and tested. The single-layer LSCF cathode was made by stencil printing, while the double-layer cathode was prepared by depositing a thin porous layer on the SDC electrolyte using electrostatic spray deposition (ESD) before stencil printing. The cells were tested with moist hydrogen as fuel and air as oxidant. The maximum power density increased from 0.81 to 0.91 W cm-2 at 650°C and 1.04-1.18 W cm-2 at 700°C when the ESD-LSCF layer was introduced. The interfacial area specific resistances (ASRs) of electrodes for both cells were also measured under open-circuit condition. In comparison to that in the single-layer cathode cell, the electrode ASRs were reduced to half with the addition of the ESD-LSCF cathode layer. © 2008 The Electrochemical Society.