Prediction of infiltrated solid oxide fuel cell cathode polarization resistance

The polarization resistance of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF)-infiltrated Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 cathodes was quantitatively explained using a simple model where the resistance scaled directly with the LSCF surface area, as estimated from cross-sectional fracture surfaces. The Tanner, Fung, Virkar composite cathode model was also applied and showed that ionic transport in these 25-μm-thick cathodes was not a significant limitation at 600 °C, but became more limiting at 700 °C. Calculated polarization resistances were within ∼40% (without fitting parameters) of reported values.