Supercilious Enhancement in Oxygen-Reduction Catalytic Functionalities of Cubic Perovskite Structured LaFeO3 by Co-Doping of Gd and Ce for LT-SOFCs

Low-temperature solid fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) hold remarkable promise for the cooperative corporation of small- and large-scale applications. However, the meager oxygen-reduction retort of cathode materials mires the low operating temperature conditions of SOFCs. Herein, we have developed a perovskite structured LaFeO3 by the co-doping of Gd and Ce ions, and their electrochemical properties have been studied. The developed LaFe0.8Gd0.1Ce0.1O3-delta cathode exhibits very small-area-specific-resistance and good oxygen-reduction reaction (ORR) activity at low operating temperatures of 450-500 degrees C. We have demonstrated a high-power density of 0.419 W-cm(-2) with a LaFe0.8Gd0.1Ce0.1O3-delta cathode operating at 550 degrees C with H-2 and atmospheric air as fuels. Moreover, LaFe0.8Gd0.1Ce0.1O3-delta exhibits high activation energy as compared to individual LaFeO3, which helps to promote ORR activity. Various spectroscopic measurements such as X-ray diffraction, SEM, EIS, UV-visible, TGA, Ramana, and photoelectron spectroscopy were employed to understand the improved ORR electrocatalytic activity of Gd and Ce co-doped LaFeO3 cathode. The results can further help to develop functional cobalt-free electro-catalysts for LT-SOFCs.