Fabrication and performance of a ScMnSZ/LaSrCuFe cell with GDC interlayer for solid oxide fuel cells

Strontium- and copper-doped lanthanum ferrite (LaSrCuFe) was used as new cathode material for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) with scandia-stabilized zirconia electrolyte at intermediate temperatures. The performance of an anode-supported single cell prepared using a Ni/YSZ anode, ScMnSZ ((ZrO₂)_0.89(Sc₂O₃)_0.1(MnO₂)_0.01) electrolyte, and a LaSrCuFe cathode was evaluated. The effects on the cell performance of the GDC (GD_0.1Ce_0.9O_1.95) interlayer between the electrolyte and cathode were also investigated. The microstructure and chemical composition of the cell were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDS). AC impedance spectroscopy was used to measure the polarization resistance of a single cell. The results highlight the promising combination of ScMnSZ electrolyte and LaSrCuFe cathode material in terms of chemical compatibility and electrical performance.