Performance of SrCo_1–xIr_xO_3−δ (x = 0.10 and 0.15) Perovskites as Potential Cathode Materials for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (IT-SOFC)

We have designed and synthesized by wet chemical techniques a family of excellent cathode materials to be used in intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cell (IT-SOFC) devices based on SrCoO3−δ oxide. We have replaced Co by 10 and 15% of Ir4+ in SrCo1–xIrxO3−δ (x = 0.10 and 0.15), eluding the unwanted hexagonal phase of SrCoO3−δ by the introduction of a highly charged ion at the Co position. In this way, the ionic and the electronic conductivity, together with the catalytic activity for O2 reduction, was substantially improved. After identification from X-ray diffraction, an in situ neutron powder diffraction study enabled the structural characterization between 25 and 800 °C, unveiling a tetragonal to cubic phase transition around 380 °C. A significant quantity of oxygen vacancies at 800 °C was identified, also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis. The thermal expansion is virtually linear, without abrupt changes except a subtle change of slope at 380 °C concomitant with the tetragonal-to-cubic order–disorder transition. A good chemical compatibility with the LSGM electrolyte is also shown. Electrical conductivity shows a metallic behavior in the 400–850 °C region, and impedance spectroscopy measurements yield polarization resistances as low as 0.07 Ω cm2. Finally, in situ tests of the performance on electrolyte-supported single cells gave a power density of 891 mW/cm2 at 850 °C, using pure H2 as fuel, demonstrating that these materials perform as excellent cathodes for IT-SOFCs.