LSCM–(YSZ–CGO) composites as improved symmetrical electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells

A new concept of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), recently proposed, using simultaneously the same material (La0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3−δ, LSCM), as both, anode and cathode, has been verified. The performance of such new design, symmetrical fuel cells (SFCs), could be improved by using a YSZ/CGO-based composite. The optimum ratio to minimise the series and the polarisation resistances (Rp) under reducing conductions was 1:1. This composition renders improved Rp values by a factor of 2 at 950 °C in flowing H2 in comparison to LSCM-YSZ composites. Thus, the use of a mixed composite (YSZ–CGO) will allow to extend the applicability of LSCM at temperatures lower than 850 °C. LSCM–(YSZ–CGO) based SFCs offer promising performances, e.g., 0.4 W cm−2 at 950 °C using humidified H2 as fuel.