Catalyst-Exsolving Anode-Supported Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cell. Issue 9 (20th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Horlick, Samuel A.; Robinson, Ian A.; Huang, Yi-Lin; Wachsman, Eric D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the Electrochemical Society. Volume 168:Issue 9(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09-20
• Subjects: Electrochemistry -- Periodicals; 541.3705
• DOI: 10.1149/1945-7111/ac25a7
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0013-4651

Abstract

Abstract : While ceramic anodes provide a path to overcome the obstacles of the current state of the art cermet-based solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), they are limited by processing challenges, low conductivity, poor catalytic activity, and instability. Here, we address these challenges by fabricating a ceramic-anode-supported SOFC composed of Sr2 Fe0.4 Ni0.8 Mo0.8 O6− δ (SFNM) which is highly conductive and spontaneously exsolves nano-catalysts for low temperature operation (600 °C). Using a simple and scalable procedure, we manufacture these SOFCs to have 60% lower ohmic loss than their electrolyte-supported analogues and we take advantage of the in-situ catalyst exsolution to circumvent additional catalyst deposition steps. We show that the catalyst exsolution triples the peak power density up to ∼200 mW cm −2 at 600 °C with H2 fuel, which is comparable to other ceramic anode SOFCs operating at considerably higher temperatures (>700 °C). Further, we discuss two major challenges facing exsolution-anode supported SOFCs, show our efforts to identify and address the root causes of such problems, and describe a potential path forward for next-generation anodes.