Electrochemical investigation of cubic structured Fe-doped-SrCoO3 nano-structured cathode for SOFC synthesized via sol-gel route

Renewable alternative energy sources are required due to rapidly depletion of fossil fuels in the current scenario. Low temperature-solid oxide fuel cell (LT-SOFC) is one of the best alternative energy conversion devices. The commercialization of LT-SOFC requires a highly efficient, oxygen permeable, good electro-chemically performing cathode. The Sr0.3Co0.6Fe0.1 oxide (SCF) composite cathode was prepared by environmentally friendly sol-gel method. The crystal structure of prepared material was analyzed by x-ray Diffractometry, while structural characteristics were studied by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. The particle size was calculated by Scherer's formula and found to be 36 nm. The results were also confirmed by SEM images. The prepared material showed porous coral reef like surface morphology in recorded scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The activation energy was calculated by Arrhenius curve that is 0.3 eV and highest electronic conductivity measured and calculated was 4.201 Scm−1. SCF oxide cathode was tested for potential LT-SOFC between the range of 450 °C–650 °C temperature. The maximum current density and power density obtained at 650 °C was 887 mAcm−2 and 110 mWcm−2 respectively.