Synthesis and Characterization of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 Nanofiber/Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 Nanoparticle Composite as Cathode Material for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Abstract

La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 (LSCF6428) was synthesized as nanofibers by electrospinning method followed by a simple thermal treatment. The morphology and structure of as obtained nanofibers were characterized by field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The typical ceramic fiber diameter is 100-200 nm, The results showed these materials had a single perovskite phase. Then two forms of LSCF6428: nanofiber and nanoparticles were blended with Ce0.9Gd0.1O2 (CGO91) nanoparticles to fabricate composite cathode. The electrochemical properties of the two composite cathodes were determined using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis. The area specific resistance (ASR), and activation energy of the two composite cathodes were compared at temperatures from 500 to 650ºC, which suggested the LSCF6428 nanofibers has better performance for IT-SOFC than does the nanoparticles.