Development of an SFMM/CGO composite electrode with stable electrochemical performance at different oxygen partial pressures

This paper carefully evaluates the electrocatalytic activity of Sr2FeMo0.5Mn0.5O6 (SFMM) double perovskite as a candidate to substitute the state-of-the-art Ni/YSZ fuel electrode. The electrochemical performance of a 40% SFMM/CGO composite electrode was studied in CO/CO2 and H2 with different oxygen partial pressure. Two different cell configurations are prepared at a relatively low temperature of 800 °C to increase the electrochemically active surface area. The cell was supported with a 150 μm 10Sc1CeSZ electrolyte in the first configuration. The cell in the second configuration was made by applying a 400 nm thin 8YSZ layer on 150 μm CGO electrolyte to improve the electrolyte ionic conductivity. Improving catalytic activity with increasing oxygen partial pressure is a key characteristic of the developed electrode. The polarization resistance of about 0.34 and 0.56 Ω cm2 at 750 °C in 3%H2O + H2 and 60% CO/CO2 makes this electrode a promising candidate for SOCs application.