Boosting the performance of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3-δ cathode through surface modification by encapsulation of Sm0.5Sr0.5CoO3-δ via sonic spraying

La 0.8 Sr 0.2 MnO 3 -δ (LSM) is commonly used as a cathode in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). However, the implementation of LSM as an active cathode with other high-performance components of SOFCs is hindered by its insufficient electrochemical activity and limited ionic conductivity. To address this challenge, we recognize the surface modification of LSM as a promising strategy to boost its performance. We propose a uniform coating of Sm 0.5 Sr 0.5 CoO 3-δ (SSC) on LSM by combined infiltration and spraying to improve the cathode structure thereby enhancing the catalytic activity of LSM. A combined infiltration and spraying method involved the droplet of LSM particles encapsulated by the nitrate precursor of SSC through sonic spraying (Encap-SSC). The cell employing Encap-SSC exhibits a peak power density of ∼0.99 W/cm 2 , which is two times higher than that achieved using a typical infiltration. The results suggest that encapsulation is an attractive approach to boost the cathode performance in SOFCs. • Encapsulation eliminates repetitive steps of the typical infiltration process. • The encapsulation method achieves uniform SSC catalyst distribution. • Encap-SSC cell achieved 0.99 W/cm 2 , twice that of typical infiltration.