High-Efficiency Construction and Performance Optimization of Surface-Modified LSCF-GDC Multiphase Composite Air Electrodes

doi:10.15541/jim20250496

Abstract

Abstract: To enable the efficient operation of reversible solid oxide cells (RSOCs) at intermediate or lower temperatures, the development of high-performance air electrodes is crucial. This work addresses the insufficient oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity of the conventional La_0.6Sr_0.4Co_0.2Fe_0.8O_3-_δ-Gd_0.2Ce_0.8O_3‑_δ (LSCF-GDC) air electrode at these temperatures by constructing a nano-catalyst coating on the LSCF-GDC electrode skeleton via a simple and cost-effective infiltration method. Through systematic optimization of the sintering temperature, loading amount and type of catalysts, Pr_0.5Sr_0.5CoO_3-_δ (PSC) is confirmed as the optimal catalyst for modification. The modified symmetrical cell exhibits a polarization resistance (R_p) of 0.16 Ω·cm² at 600 ℃, 71.4% lower than that of the pristine LSCF-GDC air electrode (0.56 Ω·cm²). Relaxation time distribution (DRT) analysis indicates that PSC nanoparticles significantly enhanced the ORR/OER kinetics by synergistically optimizing oxygen diffusion, surface exchange, and ion transport processes. The single cell with PSC modification achieves an outstanding peak power density of 1.23 W cm^-2 in the fuel cell (FC) mode at 700 ℃ with 92.19% enhancement. Both FC and electrolysis cell (EC) modes modified with nano-PSC exhibit superior long-term stabilities. This study demonstrates that PSC impregnation modification is an effective strategy for comprehensively improving the overall performance of LSCF-GDC air electrodes, which is of great significance for promoting intermediate temperature RSOC technology.

Key words: reversible solid oxide cells, air electrode, surface modification, Pr_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ catalyst, oxygen reduction/evolution reaction

CLC Number:

TM911

SHEN Xuesong, XIE Kaifeng, XUE Qiang, ZHENG Guozhu, XIAO Guoping, CHEN Ting, CHEN Wenmiao, WANG Shaorong. High-Efficiency Construction and Performance Optimization of Surface-Modified LSCF-GDC Multiphase Composite Air Electrodes[J]. Journal of Inorganic Materials, DOI: 10.15541/jim20250496.

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