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Enhanced electrochemical activity and stability of LSCF cathodes by Mo doping for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

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Abstract

La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.78Mo0.02O3−δ (LSCFM02), La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.75Mo0.05O3−δ (LSCFM05) cathodes were prepared and their electrochemical performance and stability were investigated. Mo doping into LSCF, which is confirmed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Rietveld refinement, increases unit cell parameters from 3.893 to 3.924 Å, causing expansion of unit cell volume. Polarization resistance (Rp) value of LSCFM05 cathodes is less that of LSCF cathodes at 750 °C, indicating that Mo-doped LSCF exhibits enhanced electrochemical performance. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis shows that high electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction of Mo-doped LSCF cathodes is related to mixed-valent Mo5+/Mo6+. LSCFM05 cathodes have less degradation rate during 20 h testing at 700 °C in air compared to LSCF cathodes. XPS results show that Mo doping reduces Sr surface segregation and is responsible for the stability enhancement of LSCF cathodes.

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Acknowledgements

The project was supported by Open Foundation of Guangxi Key Laboratory of Processing for Non-ferrous Metals and Featured Materials, Guangxi University (2019GXYSOF11), Hubei Superior and Distinctive Discipline Group of “Mechatronics and Automobiles” (XKQ2019060) and the 111 Project (B17034). XRD, SEM and TG examinations were assisted by the Center of Material Research and Analysis of Wuhan University of Technology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Hubei Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Automotive Components & Hubei Collaborative Innovation Center for Automotive Components Technology, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan, 430070, China

    Yihui Liu, Feng Zhou, Chao Wang & Shaohua Zhong

  2. Guangxi Key Laboratory of Processing for Non-ferrous Metals and Featured Materials, School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning, 530004, Guangxi, China

    Xiyong Chen

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  1. Yihui Liu
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  2. Feng Zhou
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Liu, Y., Zhou, F., Chen, X. et al. Enhanced electrochemical activity and stability of LSCF cathodes by Mo doping for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. J Appl Electrochem 51, 425–433 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10800-020-01515-z

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