Improvement of SOFC's Cathode by Silver and LSC Infiltration

INTRODUCTION: The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is a clean energy conversion device with very high efficiency. Therefore, using SOFC might be an effective solution for global environmental problems. However, the cost of production is too high to reach commercialization. Many researchers have been trying to lower the operating temperature of SOFC. Low operating temperature can widen material selection and this can reduce fabrication costs of SOFC systems, increasing the commercial viability of SOFC. Lowering the operating temperature requires development of cathode materials which have high electrocatalytic activity and stability. LSM is a good cathode material because of its fine stability and compatibility with YSZ electrolyte. It was previously reported that surface modification by infiltration method is an efficient way to improve catalytic ability of LSM or LSCF . In this study, the effect of silver and LSC infiltration into LSM electrodes was studied. Relationship between the microstructure of modified electrodes and cell performance was investigated.