Synthesis and performance of Sm0.9Sr0.1Cr0.5Fe0.5O3 as anode material for SOFCs running on H2S-containing fuel

Sm0.9Sr0.1Cr0.5Fe0.5O3 (SSCF) was successfully synthesized by gel combustion method. The structure and physicochemical properties of SSCF were examined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR). The results showed that SSCF had orthorhombic perovskite-type structure and a homogeneous distribution of pores and particles with grain size in the range 200-300 nm. Meanwhile, SSCF exhibited good chemical compatibility with electrolyte Ce0.8Sm0.2O1.9 (SDC), and no additional diffraction peaks associated with impurities were observed after exposure to 10 % v/v H-2/N-2 and 1 % v/v H2S/N-2. The conductivities of SSCF were evaluated with DC four-probe method in various atmospheres at 400-800 A degrees C. The highest conductivities of SSCF were 0.56, 0.26 and 0.12 S cm(-1) in air, 10 % v/v H-2/N-2 and 1 % v/v H2S/N-2, respectively. The electrochemical properties were measured for the cell with configuration of SSCF-SDC/SDC/Ag at different temperatures. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) revealed that with the increase in temperature, the ohmic and total interfacial resistances of the cell decreased and the ohmic resistance gradually became the main factor affecting the performance of the cell.