Nanostructured BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3- Cathodes with Di erent Microstructural Architectures

Abstract

Lowering the operating temperature of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) is crucial to make this technology commercially viable. In this context, the electrode e ciency at low temperatures could be greatly enhanced by microstructural design at the nanoscale. This work describes alternative microstructural approaches to improve the electrochemical e ciency of the BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3- (BCFZY) cathode. Di erent electrodes architectures are prepared in a single step by a cost-e ective and scalable spray-pyrolysis deposition method. The microstructure and electrochemical e ciency are compared with those fabricated from ceramic powders and screen-printing technique. A complete structural, morphological and electrochemical characterization of the electrodes is carried out. Reduced values of area specific resistance are achieved for the nanostructured cathodes, i.e., 0.067 W cm2 at 600 C, compared to 0.520 W cm2 for the same cathode obtained by screen-printing. An anode supported cell with nanostructured BCFZY cathode generates a peak power density of 1W cm􀀀2 at 600 C.