Electrospun fabrication of nanofibers as high-performance cathodes of solid oxide fuel cells

The oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity can strongly affect the performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). To improve the electron transfer and enhance active sites for reactions in cathode, La0.8Sr0.2MnO3 mixed with Y2O3-stabilized ZrO2 (LSM/YSZ) nanofibers were co-fabricated by the electrospinning method. The fibers were well characterized and the electrochemical properties were evaluated by preparing a symmetrical sample with yttria-stabilized Zirconia (YSZ) pellet as electrolyte. The electrochemical impedance spectra reveal that appropriate grinding time can benefit an improved electrical conductivity and this nanostructure also has a porosity of up to 50%, which is expected to reduce the resistance of mass transfer and enhance the electron and ion transportation.