Optimisation of high-performance, cobalt-free SrFe1-xMoxO3-δ cathodes for solid oxide fuel cells prepared by spray pyrolysis

Strontium-ferrite-based perovskites as cobalt-free cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) have been analysed employing structural, stability and electrochemical studies. Neutron diffraction of SrFeO3-δ SrFe0.9Mo0.1O3-δ prepared by a Pechini method confirmed that undergoes phase transition from tetragonal to cubic symmetry at 300–400 °C, whereas Mo-doping stabilises in the range RT-900 °C. Spray-pyrolysed electrodes offered significantly lower area-specific resistances 0.2 0.11 Ω cm2 700 respectively, comparison their analogues synthesised (0.55 0.42 cm2), grain size, scanning electron microscopy. Thermal cycling ageing studies indicated more robust response spray-pyrolysed electrodes, particular Mo-doped phase, which achieved stable electrode-polarisation resistance <0.1 10 heating/cooling cycles 100 h Anode-supported single with thin Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ electrolyte produced performances 0.5 0.9 W cm−2 800 respectively. deposited spray pyrolysis is, thus, proposed promising cathode IT-SOFC based on its good structural highly competitive performance.