Cr-poisoning under open-circuit condition in LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ-based nano composite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by infiltration process

LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ (LNF) powders were synthesized by the glycine-nitrate process and LNF-gadolinium-doped ceria (GDC) nanocomposite cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were fabricated by infiltration from LNF porous backbones. Electrochemical properties and Cr-poisoning behavior of LNF-GDC cathodes were studied. Single phase perovskite LNF could be obtained at the glycine to nitrate molar ratio of 1:1. The polarization resistance of the LNF-GDC nanocomposite cathode was significantly decreased in comparison with the LNF. This phenomenon was associated with enhanced catalytic activity and enlarged triple-phase boundary (TPB) length by GDC nano particles. In addition, the nanocomposite cathode showed good Cr tolerance under open circuit condition. The LNF-GDC nanocomposite cathodes were expected for use as a potential cathode in intermediate- temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC).