A new cobalt-free composite cathode Pr0.6Sr0.4Cu0.2Fe0.8O3−δ-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ for proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells

• PSCF-SDC composite was firstly evaluated as cathode for H-SOFC.
• The optimum sintering temperature of PSCF-SDC was 800 °C.
• PSCF-SDC cathode is promising for H-SOFC at intermediate temperature.

Pr0.6Sr0.4Cu0.2Fe0.8O3−δ-Ce0.8Sm0.2O2−δ (PSCF-SDC) (70:30 wt.%), a new cobalt-free composite cathode, is investigated for BaZr0.3Ce0.5Y0.2O3−δ-based proton-conducting solid oxide fuel cells (H-SOFCs). The influence of firing temperature on cathode microstructure and electrochemical performance of fuel cells is researched and analyzed. These results show that the optimum sintering temperature of PSCF-SDC composite cathode is 800 °C. The low polarization resistance of 0.14 Ω cm2 and the maximum power density of 456 mW cm−2 are achieved at 650 °C. Cell performance is further enhanced when the BaZr0.3Ce0.5Y0.2O3−δ electrolyte is replaced by BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3−δ with higher proton conductivity; resulting in an improved maximum power density of 556 mW cm−2 at 650 °C.