A novel cathode material BaCe0.4Sm0.2Co0.4O3−δ for proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell

A novel cathode material BaCe0.4Sm0.2Co0.4O3−δ composed of two phases BaCe1−x(Sm/Co)xO3−δ and BaCo1-x(Sm/Ce)xO3−δ was prepared in situ via the citric–nitrate route and its performance as cathode material for proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC-H) was characterized. BaCe0.4Sm0.2Co0.4O3−δ exhibited simultaneous protonic, electronic, and oxygen ionic conduction in air, leading to a good electrode performance. The polarization resistance of the novel cathode material in symmetrical cell was 0.36 Ω cm2 with Pt as the current collector at 700 °C in wet air. The electrode performance can be further improved through microstructure optimization. It also showed good thermal expansion compatibility with BaCe0.8Sm0.2O3−δ electrolyte over a 100 h duration test. BaCe0.4Sm0.2Co0.4O3−δ is a promising cathode material for SOFC-H.

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► A novel cathode BaCe0.4Sm0.2Co0.4O3-δ composed of two phases was prepared in situ.
► The performance of BCSC was comparable with that of some reported composite cathode.
► BCSC exhibited protonic, electronic and oxygen ionic conduction in air.
► BCSC showed good thermal expansion match with the BaCe0.8Sm0.2O3-δ electrolyte.
► BCSC can be potential cathode for proton conducting solid oxide fuel cell.