Investigation of PO43− oxyanion-doping on the properties of CaFe0.4Ti0.6O3−δ for potential application as symmetrical electrodes for SOFCs

CaTi0.6-xFe0.4PxO3-δ (0≤x ≤ 0.075) perovskite series are investigated as potential symmetrical electrodes for SOFCs. Pure phase compounds with a cubic perovskite structure (s.g. Pm3¯m) are obtained for x ≤ 0.025, while higher doping level leads to the formation of Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2 as secondary phase. The P-doped compounds are structurally stable under reducing atmosphere unlike the undoped phase. Conductivity values of the P-doped samples are slightly higher than that of the undoped one, i.e. 0.11 and 0.07 Scm−1 for CaTi0.575Fe0.4P0.025O3-δ and CaTi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ, respectively, at 750 °C in air. The performance of CaTi0.575Fe0.4P0.025O3-δ acting simultaneously as both anode and cathode was also tested in a symmetrical solid oxide fuel cell with a 240 μm thick YSZ electrolyte. Hence, these results show that PO43− units can be introduced into CaTi0.6Fe0.4O3-δ perovskite structure, having beneficial effects on the electrochemical performance and the phase stability. •CaTi0.6-xFe0.4PxO3-δ series (x = 0, 0.025, 0.05 and 0.075) oxyanion-doped electrodes have been prepared by the freeze-dried precursors method.•Phosphorus can be successfully incorporated into calcium iron titanate perovskites, having beneficial effects on the conductivity and phase stability.•These materials exhibit good properties as symmetrical electrode for SSOFCs.