High Cu content LaNi1-xCuxO3-δ perovskites as candidate air electrode materials for Reversible Solid Oxide Cells

Abstract High Cu content perovskite-type LaNi1-xCuxO3-δ oxides are evaluated as alternative air electrode materials for Solid Oxide Cells. Auto-combustion synthesis allowed to obtain fine oxide powders up to a Cu content of x = 0.75 under ambient pressure. Investigations of the crystal structure, oxygen deficiency, chemical and thermal stability, as well as transport properties reveal satisfactory characteristics, with high total electrical conductivity and high concentration of oxygen vacancies at elevated temperatures. LaNi1-xCuxO3-δ-based electrode layers show low polarization resistance values in La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.8Mg0.2O3-δ-based symmetrical cells. The lowest values for Cu-rich compositions at 800 °C are 0.056 Ω cm−2 for LaNi 0.5Cu0.5O3-δ and 0.054 Ω cm−2 for LaNi0.25Cu0.75O3-δ with La0.2Ce0.8O3-δ buffer layer. For the reversible cell with LaNi0.5Cu0.5O3-δ air electrode, approx. 870 mW cm−2 power density output at 900 °C is obtained when fueled with wet H2, as well as over 3 A cm−2 current density at 2 V in the electrolysis mode.