Fabrication of BSCF-nanotube as cathode layer for a PCFC single cell

PCFCs have gained interest as a prospective energy device because of their capability of operation at intermediate temperature, leading to better efficiency and lower materials degradation. A great impact on the performance of PCFCs is the type of cathode used (structure and microstructure) and, in particular, the cathode material. In the present work, the influence of cathode composition on PCFC single cell performance was studied by using the homogeneous BSCF cathode and heterogeneous BSCF–nanotube cathode with 10% of nanotube addition. Both cathodes were prepared via identical electrolyte-supported cell configuration and spin coating method, ensuring a fair comparison.Structural characteristics were investigated by using X-ray diffraction (XRD) for phase formation and crystallographic stability. The XRD patterns also confirm that both cathodes share the same perovskite BSCF structure without any secondary phases and suggests that the addition of nanotube does not affect the long rady crystal structure. The polarization curves are used to analyse electrochemical activity. Maximum power density (Pmax) for the homogeneous BSCF cathode was higher (531.06 mW cm⁻²) than that for the heterogeneous BSCF–nanotube cathode (494.66 mW cm⁻²). We interpret these results as indicating that the performance difference is largely a microstructural/interfacial effect and not one of phase alteration. This work provides new understanding on the impact of cathode architecture in PCFC andsurrenders a promising methodology for the development and optimisation of nanotube-based cathodes.