Structural and Electrochemical Characterisation of NBZFO Cobalt-Free Cathode Material for Intermediate-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells: An Experimental Investigation Environmentally friendly energy conversion devices

Compared to other energy-generating technologies and energy conversion devices, intermediate- temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT-SOFCs) have gained significant attention from energy experts due to its high energy density, moderate operating temperature (600-800 degrees C), low emissions and reliability. Enhancing the performance of IT-SOFCs requires suitable and excellent cathode materials. Thus, a perovskite-type Nd 0.5 Ba 0.5 Zr 0.8 Fe 0.2 O 3+delta (NBZFO) material was synthesised via traditional solid-state reaction technique and analysed as a potential cathode material for IT-SOFCs. Analysis of X-ray diffraction data (XRD) revealed a singlephase perovskite material that crystallises in cubic space group (pm-3m). The thermal and electrochemical properties were analysed with the aid of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). NBZFO has an electrical conductivity in air of 80 S cm-1 -1 at 400 degrees C and a polarisation resistance (Rp) of 0.106 Omega cm2 2 at 800 degrees C. TGA reveals a slight loss in weight of about 0.58%, thereby suggesting a highly stable cathode material for IT-SOFC. Electrochemical investigation shows that NBZFO has good electronic and ionic conductivity and excellent oxygen stichometry. Further studies are required to understand the effects of varying B-site composition of the cathode material.