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B-Site Engineering in Ba-Based Perovskites via Solid-State Synthesis Unlocks High Power Density in SOFCs
Sefiu Abolaji Rasaki1, Mmakeng John Otsweleng1, Hassan Idris Abdu2
1Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, TN2 1N4, Canada.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 30, 2025
Summary
Three novel perovskite cathodes show promise for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Material composition and microstructure influence performance at temperatures below 700°C, enabling efficient energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Conversion
Background:
- Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) require advanced cathode materials for efficient operation.
- Developing stable and high-performance cathodes for intermediate-temperature SOFCs (≤700°C) is crucial.
- Perovskite oxides are promising candidates due to their tunable properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and evaluate novel perovskite-based cathode materials for SOFCs.
- To investigate the relationship between material composition, microstructure, and electrochemical performance.
- To understand the role of oxygen content and B-site doping on cathode behavior.
Main Methods:
- Solid-state reaction synthesis using camphor as a pore-former.
- Electrochemical characterization of cathode materials in SOFC configurations.
- Analysis of thermal stability and surface/lattice oxygen effects.
Main Results:
- Three novel perovskite materials (Ba3CoNb2O9, Ba3FeNb2O9, Ba6CoFeNb9O30) were successfully synthesized.
- Ba3CoNb2O9 and Ba3FeNb2O9 showed higher power densities below 550°C due to larger surface area.
- Ba6CoFeNb9O30 exhibited superior performance at higher temperatures (≥600°C) due to better oxygen utilization.
- All materials demonstrated high thermal stability and outperformed many existing SOFC cathodes.
Conclusions:
- Engineered perovskite cathode composition and microstructure are key for efficient SOFCs.
- These novel materials offer potential for stable and high-performance SOFC operation at reduced temperatures.
- Understanding oxygen stoichiometry and doping effects is vital for optimizing cathode design.
