Impregnated Nd2NiO4+δ- scandia stabilized zirconia composite cathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Here we developed a novel Nd2NiO4+δ (NNO) impregnated SSZ composite cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The area specific polarization resistance of the composite cathode for oxygen reduction can be as low as 0.04 Ω cm2 at 800 °C. The anode supported SOFC with the structure of Ni-YSZ anode, SSZ electrolyte and impregnated NNO-SSZ composite cathode was prepared by the tape casting, co-firing and impregnation method. The resulting fuel cell exhibits maximum power densities of 1.26 and 0.73 W cm−2 at 800 and 700 °C, respectively when operated in hydrogen and air. Additionally, the electrical conductivity of the NNO cathode and the chemical compatibility with the electrolyte material were also studied.