La0.4Ba0.6Fe0.8Zn0.2O3-δ as cathode in solid oxide fuel cells for simultaneous NO reduction and electricity generation

A perovskite-type oxide La0.4Ba Fe-0.6 Zn-0.8 O-0.2 (3-) (LBFZ) was investigated as the cathode material for simultaneous NO reduction and electricity generation in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The microstructure of LBFZ was demonstrated by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that a single cubic perovskite LBFZ was formed after calcined at 1100 degrees C. Meanwhile, the solid-state reaction between LBFZ and Ce0.8Sm O-0.2 (1.9) (SDC) at 900 degrees C was negligible. To measure the electrochemical properties, SOFC units were constructed with Sm0.9Sr Cr-0.1 Fe-0.5 O-0.5 (3) as the anode, SDC as the electrolyte and LBFZ as the cathode. The maximum power density increased with the increasing NO concentration and temperature. The cell resistance is mainly due to the cathodic polarization resistance.