INFLUENCE OF CuO, Ag AND Zn ADDITIVE MATERIALS ON THE PROPERTIES OF BARIUM STRONTIUM COBALT FERRITE CATHODE FOR SOLID OXIDE FUEL CELL APPLICATION: A SHORT REVIEW

Muhammad Zul Idham Abdul Ghani; Hamimah  Abd Rahman; Zolhafizi  Jaidi; Umira Asyikin  Yusop; Mohammad Fikrey  Roslan; Sufizar  Ahmad; Shahruddin  Mahzan

Muhammad Zul Idham Abdul Ghani UNIVERSITY TUN HUSSEIN ONN MALAYSIA
Hamimah Abd Rahman Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Zolhafizi Jaidi Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Umira Asyikin Yusop
Mohammad Fikrey Roslan Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Sufizar Ahmad Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia
Shahruddin Mahzan

Keywords: BSCF, cathode, copper, SOFC, silver

Abstract

Alternative energy sources are necessary to meet the world’s energy needs. One of the most capable technologies for energy conversion in the future is solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The development of SOFCs has attracted great attention worldwide, particularly for intermediate low-temperature applications. The commercialisation of SOFCs can be accomplished after satisfying a few system requirements and discovering suitable material candidates. Hence, this review was constructed to study the current approach of material development for intermediate-temperature SOFCs and the influence of additive materials on the properties of barium strontium cobalt ferrite (BSCF)-based cathodes. This article discussed three types of additive materials, i.e. copper oxide (CuO), silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn), focusing on their chemical, physical, thermal and electrochemical characteristics. The additive material was substituted in the B-site of the BSCF cathode to improve cell performance. In addition, the additive materials have remarkably improved the cathode performance and chemical stability. The addition of CuO was intended to increase chemical bonding and enhance the cathode’s electrochemical reaction activity. On the one hand, the addition of Ag offers improved oxygen surface adsorption and dissociation of molecular oxygen into atomic oxygen. On the other hand, the addition of Zn can provide excellent thermal stability and good oxidation resistance and enhance the electrocatalytic activity of the oxygen reduction process. Therefore, this review focuses on identifying the influence and suitable additive material for BSCF perovskites regarding their chemical and physical properties for outstanding SOFC performance.