IT-SOFC based on a disaggregated electrospun LSCF nanofiber electrode deposited onto a GDC electrolyte disc: Preparation technique and morphological characterization

Laboratory-size intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) are manufactured, based on La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-d (LSCF) nanofiber electrodes applied onto Ce0.9Gd0.1O1.95 (GDC) electrolyte discs. The LSCF nanofiber electrodes are produced through electrospinning. The electrospun tissue is gently disaggregated in a-terpinol before been applied onto the electrolyte, in order to break the fibers into segments, while preserving their morphology. GDC electrolytes are obtained by uniaxial pressing of the GDC powders, followed by sintering. The dispersed nanofibers are deposited onto the electrolyte to form symmetrical IT-SOFCs, which are then heat treated. SEM characterisation of the heat treated IT-SOFCs proves that the nanofibers morphology is preserved, forming a 3-D structure with many contact points among the fibers themselves, which is expected to feature simultaneously enhanced charge conduction and electrochemical reaction. The cells are ready for electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), which is the ideal tool to characterize the electrochemical performance of the disaggregated electrospun LSCF nanofiber electrodes.