Characterization and electrochemical performances of Pr2CuO4 as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract K 2 NiF 4 -type structure oxide Pr 2 CuO 4 is synthesized and evaluated as a cathode material for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs). The electrode forms good contact with the electrolyte after sintering at 950 °C for 4 h in air. The lowest polarization resistance ( R p ) (0.56 Ω cm 2 at 700 °C in air) and cathodic overpotential values are achieved when the material is sintered at 950 °C on CGO electrolyte. Two main oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) processes are identified. The rate limiting step for ORR is the charge transfer process. The excellent electrochemical performance indicates that Pr 2 CuO 4 can be a promising cathode material for IT-SOFCs.