LAUSR

Lanthanum-based transition metal cations containing perovskites have emerged as potential catalysts for the intermediatetemperature (600–800C) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Here, we report a facile acetylacetone-assisted combustion route for the synthesis of nanostructured La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3-δ (LSCF6428) cathodes for intermediate-temperature solid-oxide fuel cells (ITSOFCs). The as-prepared powder was analyzed by thermogravimetry analysis–differential scanning calorimetry. The powder calcined at 800C was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electrode microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurements. It was found that the porosity of the air electrode significantly increased by utilizing the nanostructured LSCF6428 instead of commercial powder. The performance of a single cell fabricated with the nanostructured LSCF6428 cathode increased by 112%, from 0.4 to 0.85 W cm, at 700C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed a considerable reduction in the area-specific resistance and activation energy from 133.5 to 61.5 kJ/mol, resulting in enhanced electrocatalytic activity toward ORR and overall cell performance.