Lanthanum chromite materials as potential symmetrical electrodes for solid oxide fuel cells

A commonly used interconnector material has been tested as electrode for a new concept of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, where the same material could be used, simultaneously, as interconnector, anode and cathode. We have found that a typical substituted chromite, such as La0.7Ca0.3CrO3-delta (LCC) can be considered a good candidate for such configuration, due to its high electronic conductivity in both reducing and oxidising conditions, and moderate catalytic properties for oxygen reduction and hydrogen oxidation. The symmetrical design renders performances of 100 mWcm(-2) at 950 degrees C, using 0, and H, as oxidant and fuel respectively. Performances exceeding 300 mWcm(-2) can be predicted for a 100 mu m-thick YSZ electrolyte.