Cobalt-free layered perovskite GdBaFe2O5+x as a novel cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

A cobalt-free layered perovskite oxide, GdBaFe₂O_5+x (GBF), was investigated as a novel cathode for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). Area-specific resistance (ASR) of GBF was measured by impedance spectroscopy in a symmetrical cell. The observed ASR was as low as 0.15 Ω cm² at 700 °C and 0.39 Ω cm² at 650 °C, respectively. A laboratory sized Sm_0.2Ce_0.8O_1.9 (SDC)-based tri-layer cell of NiO-SDC/SDC/GBF was tested under intermediate temperature conditions of 550-700 °C with humidified H₂ (∼3% H₂O) as a fuel and the static ambient air as an oxidant. A maximal power density of 861 mW cm⁻² was achieved at 700 °C. The electrode polarization resistance was as low as 0.57, 0.22, 0.13 and 0.08 Ω cm² at 550, 600, 650 and 700 °C, respectively. The experimental results indicate that the layered perovskite GBF is a promising cathode candidate for IT-SOFCs.