Characterization and electrochemical performances of Pr2CuO4 as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

•Pr2CuO4 cathode material is studied for applications in SOFCs.•Cathode material gave the lowest polarization resistance of 0.56 Ω cm2 at 700 °C.•The rate limiting step for oxygen reduction reaction is the charge transfer process.

K2NiF4-type structure oxide Pr2CuO4 is synthesized and evaluated as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrode forms good contact with the electrolyte after sintering at 950 °C for 4 h in air. The lowest polarization resistance (Rp) (0.56 Ω cm2 at 700 °C in air) and cathodic overpotential values are achieved when the material is sintered at 950 °C on CGO electrolyte. Two main oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes are identified. The rate limiting step for ORR is the charge transfer process. The excellent electrochemical performance indicates that Pr2CuO4 can be a promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs.

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