Microstructural stability of SSC fibrous cathode with embedded SDC particles for solid oxide fuel cells operating on hydrogen

The research dealing with performance enhancement by Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3−δ (SSC) fibrous cathode with embedded Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) particles has been reported by our previous study. In this paper, in order to assess the feasibility and reliability of this fibrous SSC-SDC cathode as a practical cathode, we conducted the short-term stability test using a half-cell under cathodic polarization treatment to identify the degradation phenomena only at the cathode. The polarization treatment was conducted under the current density of 500 mA/cm2. The stability test was carried out at 700 °C in air under the condition of open circuit. After the measurement, the resistance associated with charge transfer and surface catalytic reaction were increased by 159 and 77%, respectively. The reasons for this degradation can be considered common approaches of perovskites cathode materials such as grain growth and Sr-enrichment. Fortunately, the fibers maintain their original shape, porosity and interfacial adhesion to electrolyte.