High-performance low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells using thin proton-conducting electrolyte with novel cathode

We have fabricated BaCe0.8Gd0.2O3−δ (BCGO) thin films with thickness in the range of 5–10 μm over substrates composed of Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (CGO)-NiO using a colloidal spray deposition method. A perovskite-type BaZr0.2Co0.4Fe0.4O3−δ (BZCFO) was employed as a novel cathode material. The performances of solid oxide fuel cells were investigated from 450 °C to 600 °C. The fuel cell with the BCGO film of 9 μm in thickness showed maximum power outputs of 237, 192, 136 and 89 mW cm−2 at 600, 550, 500 and 450 °C, respectively. The impedance measurements at open circuit conditions showed the polarization resistances of the electrode were about 0.25 and 1.00 Ω cm2 at 600 and 500 °C, respectively. The low interfacial resistances indicated that the BZCFO was a promising cathode material for low-temperature proton-conducing solid oxide fuel cells.

► We have fabricated BaCe0.8Gd0.2O3 films using a colloidal spray deposition method.
► A perovskite-type BaZr0.2Co0.4Fe0.4O3−δ was employed as a novel cathode material.
► The cell shows much lower interfacial polarization resistance at low temperatures.