Cathode Materials for Reduced-Temperature SOFCs

The progress toward a commercial solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) continues to be a slow struggle due to materials, stacking, and system challenges. One long-term challenge has been the search for suitable cathode materials for use on intermediate (650-800°C) yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) electrolytes and low-temperature (500-650°C) gadolinia-doped ceria (CGO) electrolytes. The present study has identified and possibly as potential cathode materials for YSZ. A La-deficient cathode has achieved an area-specific resistance of 0.1 Ω cm 2 at 800°C, with stable long-term performance. On CGO, and have all achieved an area-specific resistance close to 0.1 Ω cm 2 at 650°C, with relatively stable long-term performance, but further reduction in temperature to 600°C is necessary for efficient CGO operation.