Nanoparticles Infiltration into SOFC Cathode Backbones

Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFCs) with yttrium stabilized zirconia electrolyte were fabricated by the impregnation of nanoparticle promoters into specific backbone cathodes: electronic conductor La0.8Sr0.2MnO3, ionic conductor Sm0.2Ce0.8O2-delta and mixed ionic and electronic conductor Nd1.95NiO4+delta. The electrochemical performances of the symmetrical half-cells and single cells were improved using impregnated cathodes. The electrochemical measurements showed that a MIEC backbone is more efficient than a pure electronic or a pure ionic one. The highest area specific resistance was given by La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 -impregnated samples (ASR(elec) = 1.15 Omega.cm(2)) at 700 degrees C. At the same temperature, the lowest resistance was measured on a Pr2NiO4+delta impregnated into an Nd1.95NiO4+delta backbone (ASR(elec)= 0.26 Omega.cm(2)). Complete single IT-SOFCs with and without infiltrated air electrodes have been then manufactured and the infiltration improved clearly the efficiency of the cell, more than 6% in the temperature range 650-750 degrees C without specific optimization.