A-site deficient Ba1−xCo0.7Fe0.2Ni0.1O3−δ cathode for intermediate temperature SOFC

A-site cation-deficient Ba1−xCo0.7Fe0.2Nb0.1O3−δ (B1−xCFN, x = 0.00–0.15) oxides are synthesized and evaluated as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The reactivity between B1−xCFN and gadolinia doped ceria (GDC) is observed at different temperature, and no second phase is detected under 1050 °C. The increasing in A-site cation deficiency results in a steady decrease in cathode polarization resistance. Among the various B1−xCFN oxides test, GDC based anode supported cells with B0.9CFN cathode possess the smallest interfacial polarization resistance (Rp). The Rp is as low as 0.283 and 0.046 Ω cm2 at 500 and 600 °C, respectively. The anode supported cell with B0.9CFN provides maximum power densities of 1062 and 1139 mW cm−2 at 600 and 650 °C, respectively. The results suggest that B0.9CFN is a great potential cathode material for IT-SOFCs.