Improved surface activity of lanthanum ferrite perovskite oxide through controlled Pt-doping for solid oxide cell (SOC) electrodes

The development of multi-functional and highly mixed ionic-electronic conductive perovskite oxide-based electrodes is becoming an established trend for designing and developing SOFC/SOEC reversible cells. Ideally, the same material can be employed at both electrodes provided that structural stability, high conductivity and catalytic activity are preserved in different operational atmospheres. Here, controlled Fe substitution with a small extent (0.5 mol%) of platinum at the B-site of a lanthanum strontium ferrite is proposed as an effective method to enhance the original oxide properties as both air and fuel electrode for solid oxide cells. The effects of low Pt-doping on La0.6Sr0.4FeO3-δ structure, morphology and electrocatalytic activity are investigated and discussed. La0.6Sr0.4Fe0.995Pt0.005O3-δ (05P-LSF) is first tested as air electrode, displaying lower area specific resistance as compared to the Pt-free perovskite. 05P-LSF structural stability and conductivity are assessed in 100 % CO2 and 50 % CO2–50 % CO environments. Symmetric devices are then tested as SOECs in 100 % CO2, obtaining a current density output of 1.08 A/cm2 at 1.5 V. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) with distribution of relaxation times analysis (DRT) are used to provide insights on the electrode operation. Pt nanoparticle exsolution at the fuel electrode is induced by voltage application. The device stability under applied voltage is assessed for over 120 h. SOFC/SOEC characterization in a 50 % CO2/50 % CO mixture at 850 °C is also provided, obtaining a maximum power density of 270 mW/cm2 in SOFC mode, and a current density of 0.91 A/cm2 at 1.5 V in SOEC mode.