Subhash C. Singhal

Estimation of charge-transfer resistivity of Pt cathode on YSZ electrolyte using patterned electrodes

YSZ Electrolyte discs with patterned LSM electrodes having different three phase boundary (TPB) lengths but the same electrode-electrolyte interface area, were prepared using photomicrolithography. Impedance spectra for half-cells were obtained under oxygen partial pressures, ranging from 10-3 to 1 atm and temperatures from 650 to 800oC. Area specific charge transfer resistance was found to vary inversely. While the charge transfer resistance is inversely proportional to consistent with the charge transfer reaction occurring mainly at the TPB, at 800oC some transport through LSM also appears to occur. The estimated value of charge transfer resistivity corresponding to the charge transfer reaction occurring at TPB, in air at 800oC is in good agreement with that estimated from actual fuel cell tests using quantitative stereological analysis of LSM-YSZ composite electrodes and were found to decrease with increasing and with increasing temperature. The activation energy for the overall charge transfer reaction was estimated to be ~1.5 eV.