Perovskite-related intergrowth cathode materials with thin YSZ electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The electrochemical performances of solid oxide fuel cells with thin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes and YSZ/Ni anodes were studied with two intergrowth oxides cathodes (Sr2.7La0.3Fe1.4Co0.6O7−δ and LaSr3Fe1.5Co1.5O10−δ) and the results compared to a related perovskite cathode (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.5Fe0.5O3−δ). It was found that cells produced with LaSr3Fe1.5Co1.5O10−δ exhibited peak power densities close to 0.75 W cm−2, despite the relatively modest electrical conductivity of this compound. In contrast, cells produced with Sr2.7La0.3Fe1.4Co0.6O7−δ and La0.6Sr0.4Co0.5Fe0.5O3−δ cathodes both exhibited peak power densities of less than 0.4 W cm−2. The greater performance for the cells produced with LaSr3Fe1.5Co1.5O10−δ may be attributed to a higher catalytic activity for this compound or to an improved adhesion of the cathode to the interlayer/electrolyte.