Enhancement of Electrochemical Properties of Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells using In-situ Synthesis of Multi-doped Ceria Nanoparticles

Nano-size Sm and Nd-doped ceria (SNDC) that has the higher ionic conductivity than that of Gd-doped ceria (GDC) was applied to a commercial cathode of solid oxide fuel cells by using an infiltration process in order to improve electrochemical performance and durability. SNDC nano-particles were synthesized via an in situ sol–gel process on Sr- and Fe-doped LaCoO3 (LSCF) and GDC composite cathode. The microstructure and electrochemical property of the tailored cathode to oxygen reduction reaction were evaluated. It appeared that the application of the SNDC infiltrated cathode decreased the electrode polarization resistance and thus increased the power density, which was attributed for the conductive nanoparticles to expand the reactive sites and promote the cathode reaction.