Perovskite-related intergrowth cathode materials with thin YSZ electrolytes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

The electrochemical performances of solid oxide fuel cells with thin yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes and YSZ/Ni anodes were studied with two intergrowth oxides cathodes (Sr_2.7La_0.3Fe_1.4Co_0.6O_7−δ and LaSr₃Fe_1.5Co_1.5O_10−δ) and the results compared to a related perovskite cathode (La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ). It was found that cells produced with LaSr₃Fe_1.5Co_1.5O_10−δ exhibited peak power densities close to 0.75 W cm⁻², despite the relatively modest electrical conductivity of this compound. In contrast, cells produced with Sr_2.7La_0.3Fe_1.4Co_0.6O_7−δ and La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.5Fe_0.5O_3−δ cathodes both exhibited peak power densities of less than 0.4 W cm⁻². The greater performance for the cells produced with LaSr₃Fe_1.5Co_1.5O_10−δ may be attributed to a higher catalytic activity for this compound or to an improved adhesion of the cathode to the interlayer/electrolyte.