Boosting the oxygen reduction reaction mechanisms in IT-SOFC cathodes by catalytic functionalization

Abstract

A robust LSM-GDC composite was used as a backbone electrode for the infiltration of different catalysts, dispersed as oxide nanoparticles after firing. Catalyst candidates were screened using symmetric cells supported on the GDC electrolyte. Among the tested catalysts, praseodymium infiltration exhibited an outstanding and highly stable promotion effect of the oxygen reduction reaction. Impedance spectroscopy modelling provided insight into the nature of the distinct mechanisms limiting the cathode performance. The Pr-promotion in cathodes resulted in a fivefold rise in the power density peak when tested on a fully assembled anode-supported fuel cell.