LSM-YSZ Cathodes with Reaction-Infiltrated Nanoparticles

To improve the La 1-x Sr x MnO 3-␦ -yttria-stabilized zirconia ͑LSM-YSZ͒ cathode performance of intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells ͑SOFCs͒, Sm 0.6 Sr 0.4 CoO 3-␦ ͑SSC͒ perovskite nanoparticles are incorporated into the cathodes by a reactioninfiltration process.The SSC particles are ϳ20 to 80 nm in diameter, and intimately adhere to the pore walls of the preformed LSM-YSZ cathodes.The SSC particles dramatically enhance single-cell performance with a 97%H 2 + 3%H 2 O fuel, between 600 and 800°C.Consideration of a simplified triple-phase boundary reaction geometry indicates that the enhancement may be attributed to the high electrocatalytic activity of SSC for electrochemical reduction of oxygen in a region that can be located a small distance away from the strict triple-phase boundaries.The implication of this work for developing high-performance electrodes is also discussed.