PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+delta composite cathode in protonic ceramic fuel cells

Abstract

The need for high performance of protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) has created significant interest in highly active cathode materials. Since a major charge carrier in PCFCs is proton, the use of triple conducting oxide (TCO) materials, in which oxygen ion, hole, and proton can be transported, is expected to improve the electrochemical performance of PCFCs. In this study, the applicability of PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co1.5Fe0.5O5+delta (PBSCF) cathode, known as TCO material, in PCFCs is investigated. The chemical compatibility of PBSCF with BaCe0.55Zr0.3Y0.15O3-delta (BCZY3) proton-conducting electrolyte at high temperature is examined by XRD. To improve the interfacial structure between BCZY3 electrolyte and single-phase PBSCF cathode, PBSCF-BCZY3 composite layer is inserted between both layers. The optimization of sintering temperature and thickness of cathode results in the successful fabrication of PCFCs, exhibiting low ohmic resistance and high electrochemical performance.