Enhanced electrochemical activity in Ca3Co2O6 cathode for solid-oxide fuel cells by Cu substitution

Cu-substituted Ca3(Co1−xCux)2O6 (x = 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15) are prepared and evaluated as cathode materials for solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Effects of Cu substitution for Co on structure, electrical conductivity, thermal expansion and electrochemical performance have been investigated. Pure hexagonal structure can be attained, but a small amount of impurity phase Ca0.828CuO2 appears if x is high. Ca3Co2O6 behaves as a thermal-activated semiconductor in the temperature range between 300 and 800 °C; its electrical conductivity is remarkably enhanced by Cu substitution. Experimental results show coexistence of mixed valent Co ions and disordered state of oxygen vacancies in the Cu-substituted samples. Meanwhile, Cu substitution leads to slightly enlarged thermal expansion coefficient, reduced area specific resistance and improved electrochemical performance. For x = 0.05, the power density as high as ca. 550 mW cm−2 at 800 °C is achieved in the single cell with La0.8Sr0.2Ga0.83Mg0.17O2.815 as electrolyte and Ni–Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 as anode. Cu substitution can effectively enhance the electronic and ionic transport properties of Ca3Co2O6 cathode for SOFCs.