Effect of surface decoration with Co3O4 nanoparticles on the O2-reduction reaction of a La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3- δ SOFC cathode.

J. ASCOLANI-YAEL; A. MONTENEGRO-HERNÁNDEZ; L. BAQUÉ; L. MOGNI

Congreso; 13th European SOFC & SOE Forum 2018; 2018

This work presents the study of the effect on the electrochemical response as Solid OxideFuel Cell (SOFC) cathode of a Mixed Ionic and Electronic Conductor (MIEC) whosesurface was modified by nanoparticle decoration. Electrochemical ImpedanceSpectroscopy ?EIS? was used to evaluate the cathode polarization resistance (Rtot) ofLa0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ ? decorated with 10% of Co3O4 nanoparticles, the spectra werecollected as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure ?pO2 ? (10-4 < pO2 < 1atm.). The surface decoration was characterized with scanning electronic microscopy andX-ray diffraction which showed reproducible and homogeneous impregnations. The Co3O4impregnation reduced 60% of the total cathode´s polarization resistance in air in thetemperature range between 400ºC and 700ºC. The impregnation left the activation energyunmodified but changed the oxygen reduction reaction limiting process at the cathode´ssurface.