Synthesis and characterization of (Pr0.75Sr0.25)1 − xCr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ as anode for SOFCs

The complex perovskite (Pr0.75Sr0.25)1 − xCr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ (PSCM) has been prepared and studied as possible anode material for high-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). PSCM exhibits GdFeO3-type structure and is both physically and chemically compatible with the conventional YSZ electrolyte. The reduction of PSCM resulted in structural change from orthorhombic Pbnm to cubic Pm-3m. Selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis on the reduced phases indicated the presence of a √2 × √2 × 2 superlattice. The total conductivity values of ∼ 75% dense Pr0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ at 900 °C in air and 5% H2/Ar are 9.6 and 0.14 S cm− 1 respectively. The conductivity of PSCM drops with decreasing Po2 and is a p-type conductor at all studied Po2. The average TEC of Pr0.75Sr0.25Cr0.5Mn0.5O3 − δ is 9.3 × 10− 6 K− 1, in the temperature range of 100–900 °C and is close to that of YSZ electrolyte. The anode polarization resistance of PSCM in wet 5%H2 is 1.31 Ω cm2 at 910 °C and in wet CH4 at 930 °C; the polarization resistance is 1.29 Ω cm2. PSCM was unstable at 900 °C in unhumidified hydrogen. Cell performance measurements carried out using graded PSCM and La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 as anode and cathode respectively yielded a maximum power density of 0.18 W cm− 2 in wet 5%H2/Ar at 910 °C and the corresponding current density was 0.44 A cm− 2 at 0.4 V. The activation energy for the electrochemical cell operating in wet (3% H2O) 5%H2/Ar fuel is 85 kJ mol− 1.