Development of cathodes for SOFCs
Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) are attractive for a wide range of applications, from battery replacements, to automotive auxiliary power units, to large-scale electrical power generation. In SOFCs, oxygen anions are transported through an oxide membrane and react with the fuel at the anode (Figure). One of the most important subjects in the development of SOFCs is the improvement of the electrode performance to avoid severe limitations on the operating conditions and large efficiency losses. A wide number of perovskitic materials have been investigated with the aim to improve the performance of the cathode. Our work involves the preparation and the complete characterization (structural, morphological and electrochemical properties) of new cathode materials for intermediate - temperature SOFCs (IT - SOFCs).

Selected publications
1. S. Lee, M. Bevilacqua, P. Fornasiero, J. M. Vohs and R. J. Gorte, “SOFC Cathodes Prepared by Infiltration of LNF and LSNF in Porous YSZ.”, Journal of Power Sources 193 (2009), 747-753, doi:10.1016/j.jpowsour.2009.04.046.
2. T. Montini, M. Bevilacqua, E. Fonda, M. F. Casula, S. Lee, C. Tavagnacco, R. J. Gorte and P. Fornasiero, “Relationship between electrical behavior and structural characteristics in Sr-doped LaNi0.6Fe0.4O3-d mixed oxides.”, Chemistry of Materials 21 (2009), 1768-1774, doi:10.1021/cm900467c.