Optimization of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 composite cathodes for ITSOFCs

The present study deals with the microstructure and evaluation of the performance of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3 (LSC, as a continuous electronic-conducting phase)-Ce0.8Gd0.2O1.9 (CGO, as a continuous ionic-conducting phase) composite cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs). Three cathode designs have been considered, which differ only in the CGO starting powders used. Cathodes I and II use CGO powder with micrometer- (3–8 μm) and nanometer-sized particles (20–30 nm), respectively. Cathode III, however, uses a mixture of CGO powders with micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles in the weight ratio of 4:6. The cathodic morphology and cell performance were investigated and the optimal composite cathode is presented.