Electrode performance test on single ceramic fuel cells using as electrolyte Sr- and Mg-doped LaGaO3

The electrode performance of a single solid oxide fuel cell was evaluated using a 500 mu m thick La0.9Sr0.1Ga0.8Mg0.2O2.85 (LSGM) as the electrolyte membrane. Comparison of La0.6Sr0.4CoO3-delta (LSCo) and La0.9Sr0.1MnO3 (LSM) as cathodes showed LSCo gave an exchange current density two orders of magnitude higher than that of LSM. Comparison of CeO2/Ni and LSGM/Ni as anodes showed a degradation of the latter with time, and studies of the anode-electrolyte interface and the reactivity of NiO and LSGM suggest better anode performances can be obtained with a buffer layer that prevents formation of LaNiO3. The cell performance showed that, with a proper choice of electrode materials and LSGM as the electrolyte, a SOFC operating at temperatures 600 degrees C < T-op < 800 degrees C is a realistic goal.