Highly Efficient CuCo₂O₄ Decorated Er_0.4Bi_1.6O₃ Nanostructured Cathode for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

The cathode efficiency for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells is largely limited by the catalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction. Here by, we design and synthesize CuCo₂O₄ decorated Er_0.4Bi_1.6O₃ cathode by means of a simple gelation method and then screen-print it on scandium-stabilized zirconia electrolyte cell followed by a relatively lower temperature sintering process. The decoration of CuCo₂O₄ adequately enhances the electro-catalytic activity of the composite cathode for the ORR. In addition, Er_0.4Bi_1.6O₃ matrix also reduces the sintering temperature (from 1000 °C to 850 °C) compared to the pristine CuCo₂O₄ electrode. The CuCo₂O₄-decorated-Er_0.4Bi_1.6O₃ composite cathode demonstrates a lower polarization resistance (0.016 Ω cm² at 800 °C) in air, exhibiting an 87% decrease in comparison to the primary CuCo₂O₄ cathode.