Effect of cobalt on the activity of dual phase “(Gd_0.6Sr_0.4)_0.99Fe_1-xCo_xO_3-δ” SOFC cathodes

The effect of the amount of cobalt in (Gd_0.6Sr_0.4)_0.99Fe_1-xCo_xO_3-δ solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) cathodes (x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25) was studied by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), dilatometry, four-point DC conductivity measurements, cone-shaped electrodes, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). XRD and scanning electron microscopy revealed two phases: a cubic phase and an orthorhombic phase. One phase has a small particle size (cubic phase), and the other phase (orthorhombic) has a larger particle size. Dilatometry indicated that the thermal expansion coefficient increased with increasing Co content. The electrical conductivity maximum for the Co-rich compound was found to have a value of 82 S cm⁻¹ at approximately 300 °C. It was shown that the activity of the cathodes was strongly dependent on the amount of cobalt. The highest activity was found for the cobalt-rich compound (Gd_0.6Sr_0.4)_0.99Fe_0.75Co_0.25O_3-δ with an area-specific resistance of 0.9 Ωcm² at 600 °C, measured on a cone-shaped electrode in air.