Electrochemical Characteristics of Cathodes in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Based on Ceria Electrolytes

Abstract

The ionic current‐overpotential characteristics of cathodes on ceria‐based electrolytes have been evaluated by galvanostatic current‐interrupt measurements. The measurements were carried out on mixed conducting ceria electrolytes under fuel cell operating conditions. The effect on the oxygen reduction kinetics of the simultaneous transport of electrons and oxygen was investigated. As model substances for cathodes were , Pt, Ag, and Au. Cathode reaction mechanisms as a function of the transport properties are discussed for the different cathode materials. Steady‐state cathode overpotentials were interpreted using a Butler‐Volmer‐type equation to describe charge‐transfer processes and to evaluate exchange current densities. At 700°C the exchange current density of the best cathode was 180 mA/cm2 whereas the one for was only 30 mA/cm2. In both cases we identified charge‐transfer on the cathode material as the rate‐limiting step.