The novel perovskite Sr0.90Ba0.10Co0.95Ti0.05O3-δ has been designed as cathode material to be used in intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFC). To enlarge the unit-cell size and enhance oxygen diffusion, Sr atoms have been partially substituted by a 10 % of Ba. This new compound was characterized through X Ray Diffraction (XRD) unveiling a tetragonal phase at RT. An in situ Neutron Powder Diffraction (NPD) study between RT and 800 °C showed a transition to a cubic perovskite at 400 °C, which was also noticeable in the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dilatometric analysis. Adequate chemical and mechanical compatibility were achieved with the components of the cell. Electrical conductivity peaked at 400 °C, with values over 200 S cm−1, where it changed its behavior from semiconductor-like to insulator. Finally, polarization resistances as low as 0.062 Ω cm−2 were obtained for the working temperature of the cell in a symmetric cell, associated with the excellent power densities of 564 and 752 mW cm−2 obtained at 850 °C using pure H2 as fuel for the conventional test fuel cell and in a Pd-infiltrated one. © 2024 Elsevier Ltd and Techna Group S.r.l.

JAA thanks the financial support of the MCIN for funding the project number: PID2021-122477OB-I00. We acknowledge the Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) for making all facilities available. VC and JPG thank to the MCIN (MCIN/AEI/10.13039/501100011033) for granting the project PID2020-112848RB-C21. VC and JPG appreciate the support of Community of Madrid-Universidad Complutense de Madrid for the concession of the project PR27/21-002 and for granting the "Atraccion de Talento program" fellowship, 2019- T2/IND-13483.

Peer reviewed