Co2MnO4 spinel-palladium co-infiltrated La0.7Ca0.3Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ cathodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The effect of co-infiltration of Co2MnO4 (CM) spinel oxides and Pd on the electrochemical activity and microstructure stability of La0.7Ca0.3Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ (LCCM) cathodes for the O2 reduction reaction of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) has been investigated in detail. The microstructure, thermal stability, electrochemical activity and stability of the Co2MnO4–Pd/PdO powders and Co2MnO4–Pd/PdO co-impregnated LCCM cathode were measured using thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicate that the addition of spinel oxides effectively inhibits the growth and coalescence of the Pd/PdO nanoparticles and stabilizes the microstructure of the Pd/PdO at high temperatures. The best electrochemical activity and stability of LCCM cathodes were obtained on the cathode co-infiltrated with 50 wt% PdO/50 wt% Co2MnO4. The enhancement is due to the significantly improved stability of the microstructure as a result of the inhibited grain growth and agglomeration of Pd/PdO nanoparticles by the co-infiltrated Co2MnO4 spinel phase.

► Co-infiltrated Co2MnO4 spinels significantly inhibit the grain growth and agglomeration of Pd/PdO nanoaprticles.
► Co-infiltration of Pd with Co2MnO4 spinels enhances the electrochemical activity and stability.
► Co-infiltrated Co2MnO4–Pd (50/50) nanoparticles produce best results.