Synthesis and characterization of cobalt-free Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ perovskite oxide cathode nanofibers

The cobalt-free perovskite-oxide, Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ (BSFC) is a very important cathode material for intermediate-temperature proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells. Ba0.5Sr0.5Fe0.8Cu0.2O3−δ nanofibers were synthesized for the first time by a sol–gel electrospinning. Process wherein a combination of polyvinylpyrrolidone and acetic acid was used as the spinning aid and barium, strontium, iron and copper nitrates were used as precursors for the synthesis of BSFC nanofibers. X-ray diffraction studies on products prepared at different calcination temperatures revealed a cubic perovskite structure at 900 °C. The temperature of calcination has a direct effect on the crystallization and surface morphology of the nanofibers. High porosity, and surface area, in addition to an electrical conductivity of 69.54 S cm−1 at 600 °C demonstrate the capability of BSFC nanofibers to serve as effective cathode materials for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

► Cobalt-free, perovskite oxide nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning.
► Electrospinning was chosen due to the simplicity, and cost effective.
► BSFC nanofibers have higher surface area and conductivity in compare the BSFC nanoparticles.
► High porosity of BSFC nanofibers is the other advantages.
► Such a paper proves that there is a lot of possibility to make new trustable cathode in SOFC.