Preparation of nanoscale composite LSCF/GDCS cathode materials by microwave sintering for intermediate-temperature SOFC applications

This study investigates the microwave sintering characteristics of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-delta powder mixed with 20 wt% Ce0.78Gd0.2Sr0.02O2-delta electrospun nanofiber composite cathodes. The electrode kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction at the cathode of solid oxide fuel cells are investigated using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. Compared with conventionally-sintered cells, the microwave-sintered cells exhibit higher exchange current densities and lower polarization resistances. Higher heating rates and good connections between the composite cathode and the electrolyte are achieved. The experimental results show that the performance can be improved by introducing the microwave sintering composite cathode materials with distinctive microstructures. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l. All rights reserved.