B-Site Metal (Pd, Pt, Ag, Cu, Zn, Ni) Promoted La1−xSrxCo1−yFeyO3–δ Perovskite Oxides as Cathodes for IT-SOFCs

Perovskite oxides La1−xSrxCo1−yFeyO3–δ (LSCF) have been extensively investigated and developed as cathode materials for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) due to mixed ionic–electronic conductivity and high electrooxygen reduction activity for oxygen reduction. Recent literature investigations show that cathode performances can be improved by metal surface modification or B-site substitution on LSCF. Although the specific reaction mechanism needs to be further investigated, the promoting effect of metal species in enhancing oxygen surface exchange and oxygen bulk diffusion is well recognized. To our knowledge, no previous reviews dealing with the effect of metal promotion on the cathodic performances of LSCF materials have been reported. In the present review, recent progresses on metal (Pd, Pt, Ag, Cu, Zn, Ni) promotion of LSCF are discussed focusing on two main aspects, the different synthesis approaches used (infiltration, deposition, solid state reaction, one pot citrate method) and the effects of metal promotion on structural properties, oxygen vacancies content and cathodic performances. The novelty of the work lies in the fact that the metal promotion at the B-site is discussed in detail, pointing at the effects produced by two different approaches, the LSCF surface modification by the metal or the metal ion substitution at the B-site of the perovskite. Moreover, for the first time in a review article, the importance of the combined effects of oxygen dissociation rate and interfacial oxygen transfer rate between the metal phase and the cathode phase is addressed for OPEN ACCESS Catalysts 2015, 5 367 metal-promoted LSCF and compared with the un-promoted oxides. Perspectives on new research directions are shortly given in the conclusion.