SOFC composite cathodes based on LSM and co-doped cerias (Ce0.8Gd0.1X0.1O2–δ, X = Gd, Cr, Mg, Bi, Ce)

• Published in: Journal of power sources 2013-02, Vol.223, p.214-220
• Main Authors: Balaguer, M., Vert, V.B., Navarrete, L., Serra, J.M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Binary systems; Cathode; Cathodes; Cerium oxide; Chemistry; Chromium; Codoping; Composite electrode; Direct energy conversion and energy accumulation; Doped-ceria; Economics; Electrical engineering. Electrical power engineering; Electrical power engineering; Electrochemical conversion: primary and secondary batteries, fuel cells; Electrochemistry; Electrode polarization; Energy; Energy. Thermal use of fuels; Equipments for energy generation and conversion: thermal, electrical, mechanical energy, etc; Exact sciences and technology; Fuel cells; Gadolinium; General and physical chemistry; LSM; Magnesium; Materials; Miscellaneous (electroosmosis, electrophoresis, electrochromism, electrocrystallization, ...); SOFC
• ISSN: 0378-7753; 1873-2755
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpowsour.2012.09.060

Ceria-based materials have been incorporated into LSM conventional cathodes in order to improve the electrochemical performance. Gadolinium and other elements (Mg, Cr and Bi) have been used as ceria co-dopants in order to enhance conduction and electrocatalytic properties of several LSM-ceria composites. Among the different tested LSM-ceria cathodes, Ce0.8Gd0.1Mg0.1O2−δ-based composite material offers the lowest electrode polarization resistance in the 700–900 °C temperature range. However, at the lowest tested temperatures these results are similar to those obtained for the Ce0.8Gd0.2O2−δ binary system, thus the selection of Gd-co-doping elements should principally address economic issues. Since LSM-based cathodes are pointed for high temperature applications (>800 °C), this magnesium-co-doped ceria-gadolinia compound could be an alternative to the widely used Ce1−xGdxO2−δ binary system. ► Composite SOFC cathodes were prepared by mixing LSM and multidoped ceria. ► Total conductivity and electrode polarization were measured and correlated. ► Impedance analysis allowed distinguishing three different electrode contribution. ► The best cathode contained Mg and Gc co-doped ceria mixed with LSM.