The synthesis and characterization of the Sm0.5Sr0.5Co1−xCuxO3−δ cathode by the glycine–nitrate process

In this study, a new oxygen-deficient cathode material, Sm0.5Sr0.5Co1−xCuxO3−δ (SSCCu) was developed. It is expected to enhance the efficiency of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The structure, conductivity and electrochemical performance of SSCCu were examined as a function of copper content. The structure of Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.9Cu0.1O3−δ and Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3−δ samples was a single orthorhombic perovskite phase. Second phase SrCoO2.8, however, formed in the Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.7Cu0.3O3−δ and Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.6Cu0.4O3−δ samples. The conductivity of the Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.7Cu0.3O3−δ cathode was higher than that of other samples. However, the Sm0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Cu0.2O3−δ electrode exhibited the lowest overpotential of 25 mV at 400 mA cm−2 and the lowest area special resistance of 0.2 Ω cm2 at 700 °C.