Self-Assembled Nanocomposite Based on SrCo0.7Fe0.2Sc0.1O3−δ as an Efficient Intermediate-to-Low-Temperature SOFC Cathode

The high performance of intermediate-to-low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (ILT-SOFCs) closely depends on the catalytic activity of the cathode material. However, most high-activity perovskite cathodes are rich in Sr and will arise from Sr segregation during the long-term working, resulting in the decay of activity and stability. Herein, by regulating the calcined way and temperature, a type of self-assembled nanocomposite perovskite cathode is developed, the stoichiometric SrCo_0.7Fe_0.2Sc_0.1O_3-δ (SCFSc) powder self-separates into a cubic phase (Pm3̅m, Sc-rich) and a tetragonal phase (P4/mmm, Sc-fewer). Meanwhile, a single cubic phase is prepared with the same formula via calcining the SCFSc pellet. It is found that the nanocomposite cathode shows better oxygen reduction reaction catalytic activity than single cubic SCFSc, caused by lower impedance of oxygen surface exchange and bulk diffusion. Particularly, the nanocomposite SCFSc cathode with the self-assembled heterointerfaces mitigates the Sr segregation and shows a peak power density of 1.17 W cm^-2 at 700 °C and excellent stability for ∼101 h at 600 °C. This work provides a strategy for the development of nanocomposite cathodes to mitigate cation segregation and improve catalytic activity and stability.