Preparation and performance of Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1 − yCuyO3 − δ as cathode material of IT-SOFCs

The Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1 − yCuyO3 − δ (y = 0.05–0.4) were synthesized by a sol–gel method. Crystal structure, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of these samples as cathode material for IT-SOFCs have been investigated. X-ray diffraction indicated that the samples with y ≤ 0.2 were single phase orthorhombic perovskite structure, but in the case of y ≥ 0.3, traces of a second phase were observed. The electrical conductivity decreased gradually with increasing Cu addition. Compared with Pr0.7Sr0.3CoO3 − δ, all prepared Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1 − yCuyO3 − δ compositions with y = 0.05–0.3 show lower overpotential and the sample with y = 0.1 exhibits the lowest overpotential. With Pr0.7Sr0.3Co0.9Cu0.1O3 − δ cathode and porous NiO/Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 anode, the single cell based on SDC electrolyte was obtained by a dry pressing process. Maximum power density of the cell was 481 mW cm− 2 at 750 °C.