Synthesis and Electrochemical Characterization of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ and BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-δ Electrospun Nanofiber Cathodes for Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

The microstructure, elements distribution, and crystallinity of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta (LSCF) and BaZr0.8Y0.2O3-delta (BZY) nanofibers prepared by electrospinning method are systematically characterized. The electrochemical performance of the single cell with the cathode of nanofiber microstructure is tested by compared with the traditional powder materials. The results of electrochemical measurement manifest that the overall performance of the cells is improved greatly by the cathode with nanofibers. At the operating temperature of 700 degrees C, the peak power density is 1105 mW cm(-2) and the polarization resistance is 0.041 omega cm(2), much better than the cells with powder cathode. The nanofiber cathode has excellent permeability and faster charge transfer rate due to its porous network structure, uniform diameter, and small grain size. Three-phase boundaries and reaction rate in cathode are increased, and thus the stability and electrochemical performance of individual cells are improved. This study not only expands the application of electrospinning in the field of energy, but also provides more methods to prepare high-quality electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs).