Optimization of LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The study on pure LNF cathode shows that the material sintered at 1100 °C exhibits optimal performance. In order to improve the electrochemical performance, CGO powder is added to prepare the LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3−δ-Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-α (LNF-CGO) composite cathode. Electrochemical performance and characteristics of the LNF-CGO composite cathode, which is used for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells, are investigated. Effect of the CGO content on the electrochemical performance of the composite cathode, especially the polarization resistance, is investigated. The optimized specific area resistance is only 0.37 Ω cm2 when the CGO content is 29.4 vol.% (30 wt.%). The resistance of Cr poisoning was also investigated during a long term (200 h) measurement; the result indicated that the composite cathode also showed high resistance of Cr poisoning.