Synthesis and characterization of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3 films for solid oxide fuel cell cathodes

• La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3 (LSCF) powder, ceramic and films have been studied.
• The conductivity of our bulk LSCF is superior to 200 S/cm from 400 °C to 750 °C.
• Half cells with and without a dense thin film of LSCF were elaborated.
• LSCF interlayer film decreases by 27% the Area Specific Resistance of the cathode.

LSCF (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.8Fe0.2O3) thick and thin films were synthesized by using a Pechini method for Solid Oxide Fuel Cell cathode realization to make symmetrical half-cells. A dense LSCF thin film was deposited by spin coating between porous thick LSCF cathode film and gadolinium-doped ceria electrolyte in ceramic form. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy characterizations were carried out on these materials to observe the microstructure and measure the thicknesses of the films. DC measurements on LSCF pellets showed that the conductivity of the material is optimized as higher than 100 S/cm at temperatures above 400 °C. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy measurements at 700 °C have shown that, thanks to the interlayer thin LSCF film, the Area Specific Resistance of the cathode has decreased by 27%.