Characterization of Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells With PSCF Cathode

Abstract

A systematic study was initiated of anode-supported single cells with Pr0.58Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (PSCF) cathode. These solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were characterized by electrochemical and diffusion and permeation measurements. In particular, the influence of various sintering temperatures of the cathode and various types of Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ (CGO) interlayer was investigated in more detail. Results from electrochemical measurements performed between 650°C and 800°C showed that the performance of anode-supported SOFCs with screen-printed porous CGO interlayer and a PSCF cathode was excellent. Even at 650°C, the area-specific resistance was lower than 0.5Ωcm2. The microstructure of the cathode and the performance of this type of SOFC were not obviously affected by variations in the sintering temperature of the cathode. Higher electrochemical performance, in particular, in the temperature range 650–750°C, was achieved by applying a thin and dense CGO interlayer using reactive sputtering or electron beam physical vapor deposition.