Journal of Sol-Gel Science and Technology

April 2017, Volume 82,Issue 1, pp 233–238

Preparation and electrochemical properties of Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δcathode for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Peng Liu,Hongze Zhu,Jiangrong Kong,Ning Wei,Can Wang,Xianfeng Yang,Qicheng Liu

Abstract

Perovskite Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δwas synthesized via a glycine–nitrate process as the cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. Ultra-fine pure phase Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δpowder was obtained after the self-propagating combustion of a complex xerogel precursor. The Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δcathode showed good compatibility and an enhanced phase interface with a samarium-doped ceria electrolyte. Electrochemical measurements showed that the Ba0.8La0.2FeO3-δcathode achieved a low polarization resistance of 0.58 Ω cm2 at 800 °C in an air atmosphere. The porous nanostructure guaranteed the catalytic activity for the oxygen reduction reaction, even if the cathode material possessed a cobalt-free and low rare earth composition.