Electrochemical performance of double perovskite structured cathodes for intermediate temperature SOFCs

The intermediate operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) have achieved considerable importance in the area of power fabrication. This is because to improve materials compatibility, their long-term stability and cost saving potential. However, to conserve rational cell performance at reduced-temperature regime, cathode performance should be obtained without negotiating the internal resistance and the electrode kinetics of the cell. Recently, double perovskite structure cathodes have been studied with great attention as a potential material for IT-SOFCs. In this study, double-perovskite structured cathodes of $GdBaCoCuO_{5+\delta}$, $GdBaCo_{2/3}Cu_{2/3}Fe_{2/3}O_{5+\delta}$ compositions and $(1-x)GdBaCo_2O_{5+\delta}+xCe_{0.9}Gd_{0.1}O_{1.95}$ (x = 10, 20, 30 and 40 wt.%) composites were evaluated as the cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells(IT-SOFCs). Electrical conductivity of the cathodes were measured by DC 4-probe method, and the thermal expansion coefficient of each sample was measured up to $900^{\circ}C$ by a dilatometer study. Area specific resistances(ASR) of the $GdBaCo_{2/3}Cu_{2/3}Fe_{2/3}O_{5+\delta}$ cathode and 70 wt.% $GdBaCo_2O5+\delta$ + 30wt.% Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 composite cathode on CGO electrolyte substrate were analyzed using AC 3-probe impedance study. The obtained results demonstrate that double perovskite-based compositions are promising cathode materials for IT-SOFCs.