Nano-structured (La, Sr)(Co, Fe)O3 + YSZ composite cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

A nano-structured La0.8Sr0.2Co0.5Fe0.5O3 + Y2O3 doped ZrO2 (LSCF + YSZ) composite cathode was prepared by impregnation of a LSCF-containing solution into porous YSZ structure presintered on the YSZ electrolyte. The result shows that the LSCF phase was formed at 700 °C, forming a nano-structured, effective and functional LSCF + YSZ composite cathode that not only produces high triple phase boundaries for the O2 reduction reaction, but also provides a structurally stable interface between the LSCF and YSZ. The electrode polarization resistance for the O2 reduction reaction is from 0.539 to 0.047 Ω cm2 between 600 and 750 °C, indicating the promising potential the LSCF + YSZ as a high performance cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells.