Surface decorated La0.43Ca0.37Ni0.06Ti0.94O3−d as an anode functional layer for solid oxide fuel cell applications

Abstract

Surface decorated La0.43Ca0.37Ni0.06Ti0.94O3−d (LCNT) perovskite oxide was investigated as an anode functional layer (AFL) for anode-supported solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The surface exsolved Ni nano particles on LCNT scaffold enlarged electrochemically active triple phase boundaries (TPBs) without any agglomeration and mechanical failure. The Ni particles with 60 nm in diameter were homogeneously exsolved from LCNT perovskite. The Ni-YSZ anode supported cell with LCNT anode functional layer (AFL) exhibited a maximum power density of 0.94 W/cm2, similar to that of the conventional Ni-YSZ AFL cell at 900 °C. The activation polarization resistance of the LCNT AFL cell was effectively reduced compared to that of the Ni-YSZ AFL cell, though it had higher Ohmic resistance due to thicker YSZ electrolyte and lower electrical conductivity. Our study suggests the potential use of LCNT with exsolved nano particles as an active and durable AFL for high-temperature SOFCs. © 2020, The Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers.