La2NiO4+δ Infiltration of Plasma-Sprayed LSCF Coating for Cathode Performance Improvement

Perovskite-structured (La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3) LSCF has been widely studied as a cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells. However, the application of LSCF cathode is likely to be limited by its sluggish surface catalytic properties and long-term stability issues. Oxygen hyper-stoichiometric La2NiO4+δ with K2NiF4 structure exhibits higher catalytic properties, ionic conductivity, and stability in comparison with LSCF cathode. Due to the good chemical compatibility of these two cathode materials, it is possible to prepare a composite cathode by the infiltration of La2NiO4+δ in the porous LSCF. This composite structure fully utilizes the advantages of the two cathodes and enhances the LSCF cathode performance. In this study, the LSCF cathode was deposited by using an atmospheric plasma spray technique, and the porous LSCF cathode was then infiltrated by La2NiO4+δ. The atmospheric plasma spray technique was used to reduce the SOFC manufacturing cost. The microstructure of coatings was characterized by SEM and EDS. The cathode polarization resistance was found to decrease by ~40% after the La2NiO4+δ infiltration. Also, the activation energy decreased from 1.53 to 1.40 eV.