Control of Co content and SOFC cathode performance in Y1−ySr2+yCu3−xCoxO7+δ

• SOFC cathode performance of YSr2Cu3−xCoxO7+δ is improved by increasing the Co content to x = 1.30.
• high temperature structure characterised by powder neutron diffraction.
• compatible with doped ceria electrolytes at 900 °C.

The electrochemical performance of the layered perovskite YSr2Cu3−xCoxO7+δ, a potential solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathode, is improved by increasing the Co content from x = 1.00 to a maximum of x = 1.30. Single phase samples with x > 1.00 are obtained by tuning the Y/Sr ratio, yielding the composition Y1−ySr2+yCu3−xCoxO7+δ (where y ≤ 0.05). The high temperature structure of Y0.95Sr2.05Cu1.7Co1.3O7+δ at 740 °C is characterised by powder neutron diffraction and the potential of this Co-enriched material as a SOFC cathode is investigated by combining AC impedance spectroscopy, four-probe DC conductivity and powder XRD measurements to determine its electrochemical properties along with its thermal stability and compatibility with a range of commercially available electrolytes. The material is shown to be compatible with doped ceria electrolytes at 900 °C.

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