A Robust YCo_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)O_3 Nanofiber Cathode Synthesized by Electrospinning for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

摘要

The cathode performance is considered as a key factor to enhance the power efficiency and reduce the polarization resistance of intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. In this work, we report a novel perovskite cathode, YCo_(0.5)Fe_(0.5)O_3 (YCF), which was synthesized via electrospinning technique and sol-gel process. SEM and TEM results show that the smooth YCF nanofibers exhibit a uniform diameter of 300 nm after calcination. Electrochemical performance demonstrates a relatively low area-specific resistance of 0.29 Ω·cm~2 at 650°C in air and this value is much lower than that of conventional powder YCF cathode (0.45 Ω·cm~2). The fuel cells show a high performance of 226 mW cm~(-2) at 550°C in hydrogen. The results suggest that the YCF nanofiber can be an alternative cathode candidate for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.