LAUSR

Abstract Nanocrystalline Ba0·6Sr0·4Co0·8Fe0·2O3 (BSCF-6482) powder is synthesized by combustion synthesis technique. Powder calcined at 1000 °C reveals phase pure cubic perovskite. Transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis exhibits soft agglomerates of average size ∼50 nm wherein interplanar spacing for (110) and (221) resembles to the cubic lattice. While DC electrical conductivity of 23 S cm−1@800 °C is observed, interfacial polarization measured by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy is found to be the least @850 °C (0.18 Ω cm2). Cell performance has been compared among BSCF-6482, BSCF-5582 and LSCF-6482 mixed ionic and electronic conducting (MIEC) and conventional electrode (LSM). Higher performance (1.37 A/[email protected] V,800 °C) with high hydrogen generation rate (0.57 Nl/cm2/h) is found during steam electrolysis with cell fabricated using BSCF-6482 having minimal area specific resistance 0.33 Ω cm2. Under similar operating condition, BSCF-5582, LSCF-6482 and LSM exhibit hydrogen generation rate of 0.35, 0.28 and 0.23 Nl/cm2/h respectively. Cell microstructure is clinically correlated with the higher reactivity of BSCF-6482 air electrode in steam electrolysis.