Development of Nanocomposite LSCF Perovskite-Based Cathode Material for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells /

Abstract

Lanthanum strontium cobalt ferrite (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-𝛿, LSCF), due to its mixed ionic and electronic conductivity, is an important cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). In this study, LSCF-GDC nanocomposite cathode for IT-SOFC applications is developed. The LSCF and GDC nanopowders were prepared via solution combustion synthesis method. The nanocomposite cathode material was prepared by mixing LSCF and GDC in 50:50 wt%. The LSCF-GDC nanocomposite cathodes were prepared and sintered at 1100 oC employing rapid microwave heating. To assess the effects of microwave sintering, LSCF-GDC samples were sintered with conventional resistance heating and compared with the microwave sintered samples. To evaluate the electrical performance of the LSCF-GDC cathode, AC conductivity measurements were performed at temperatures of 300oC to 600oC. Microwave sintered cathode showed a higher electrical conductivity of 0.016 S/cm at 600oC as compared to the conventionally sintered cathode, which was 0.013 S/cm.