Promotional role of BaCO3 on the chromium–tolerance of La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells

Degradation of cathodes caused by the gaseous Cr species from a Fe–Cr alloy interconnect is a key issue in the development of durable solid oxide fuel cells technologies. Herein, we explore the effect of infiltration of BaCO 3 nanoparticles on the electrocatalytic performance and Cr–tolerance of La 0.6 Sr 0.4 Co 0.2 Fe 0.8 O 3–δ (LSCF) cathodes. The BaCO 3 increases the performance of LSCF and the single–cell delivers a peak power density of 1.30 W cm –2 at 800 o C. The BaCO 3 gives rise to no Cr deposition and Sr segregation on LSCF after exposure in gaseous CrO 3 , while a BaCrO 4 surface layer is deposited on the cathode in contact with a Fe–Cr alloy. The synergetic effects of BaCrO 4 layer on mitigating the reaction between segregated Sr and Cr 2 O 3 and the very slow kinetics of reaction between BaCO 3 and CrO 3 contribute to the exceptional Cr–tolerance of the BaCO 3 infiltrated LSCF cathodes. • BaCO 3 nanoparticles are infiltrated into a LSCF cathode and bar sample. • The BaCO 3 enhances the electrocatalytic activity and Cr–tolerance of LSCF. • The BaCrO 4 protective layer significantly mitigates the reaction between Sr and Cr 2 O 3 . • The reaction kinetics between BaCO 3 and gaseous CrO 3 is very slow.