A La0.6Sr0.4CoO3−δ-based electrode with high durability for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

A highly stable electrode based on La0.6Sr0.4Co3−δ (LSC) was developed for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrode was prepared by impregnating LSC into a porous samaria-doped ceria (SDC, Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9) frame, which was deposited to an SDC electrolyte using screen-printing and co-firing techniques. The electrochemical properties of the composite electrode were investigated by impedance spectroscopy. High stability upon thermal cycle was demonstrated for this composite electrode although LSC and SDC have significant difference in thermal expansion. After 20 times of 500–800 °C thermal cycles and 10 times of room-temperature-to-800 °C thermal cycles, no increase in area specific resistance (ASR) was observed for such electrodes. In addition, improved performance was achieved with the impregnated composite electrode when compared with a conventional composite electrode prepared with a screen-printing technique.