Preparation and performance of Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1-yCuyO3-δ as cathode material of IT-SOFCs

The Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1-yCuyO3-delta (y=0.05-0.4) were synthesized by a sol-gel method. Crystal structure, electrical conductivity and electrochemical performance of these samples as cathode material for IT-SOFCs have been investigated. X-ray diffraction indicated that the samples with y <= 0.2 were single phase orthorhombic perovskite structure, but in the case of y >= 0.3, traces of a second phase were observed. The electrical conductivity decreased gradually with increasing Cu addition. Compared with Pr0.7Sr0.3CoO3-delta, all prepared Pr0.7Sr0.3Co1-yCuyO3-delta compositions with y=0.05-0.3 show lower overpotential and the sample with y=0.1 exhibits the lowest overpotential. With Pr0.7Sr0.3Co0.9 Cu0.1O3-delta cathode and porous NiO/Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 anode, the single cell based on SDC electrolyte was obtained by a dry pressing process. Maximum power density of the cell was 481 mW cm(-2) at 750 degrees C. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All fights reserved.