A-site deficient (La0.6Sr0.4)1–Co0.2Fe0.6Nb0.2O3– symmetrical electrode materials for solid oxide fuel cells

Electrocatalysis in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and Electrolyzers

Interest in energy-to-X and X-to-energy (where X represents green hydrogen, carbon-based fuels, or ammonia) technologies has expanded the field of electrochemical conversion and storage. Solid oxide electrochemical cells (SOCs) are among the most promising technologies for these processes. Their unmatched conversion efficiencies result from favorable thermodynamics and kinetics at elevated operating temperatures (400-900 °C). These solid-state electrochemical systems exhibit flexibility in reversible operation between fuel cell and electrolysis modes and can efficiently utilize a variety of fuels. However, electrocatalytic materials at SOC electrodes remain nonoptimal for facilitating reversible operation and fuel flexibility. In this Review, we explore the diverse range of electrocatalytic materials utilized in oxygen-ion-conducting SOCs (O-SOCs) and proton-conducting SOCs (H-SOCs). We examine their electrochemical activity as a function of composition and structure across different electrochemical reactions to highlight characteristics that lead to optimal catalytic performance. Catalyst deactivation mechanisms under different operating conditions are discussed to assess the bottlenecks in performance. We conclude by providing guidelines for evaluating the electrochemical performance of electrode catalysts in SOCs and for designing effective catalysts to achieve flexibility in fuel usage and mode of operation.

Overview of Approaches to Increase the Electrochemical Activity of Conventional Perovskite Air Electrodes

The progressive research trends in the development of low-cost, commercially competitive solid oxide fuel cells with reduced operating temperatures are closely linked to the search for new functional materials as well as technologies to improve the properties of established materials traditionally used in high-temperature devices. Significant efforts are being made to improve air electrodes, which significantly contribute to the degradation of cell performance due to low oxygen reduction reaction kinetics at reduced temperatures. The present review summarizes the basic information on the methods to improve the electrochemical performance of conventional air electrodes with perovskite structure, such as lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) and lanthanum strontium cobaltite ferrite (LSCF), to make them suitable for application in second generation electrochemical cells operating at medium and low temperatures. In addition, the information presented in this review may serve as a background for further implementation of developed electrode modification technologies involving novel, recently investigated electrode materials.

Recent Progress in the Design, Characterisation and Application of LaAlO3- and LaGaO3-Based Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Electrolytes

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are efficient electrochemical devices that allow for the direct conversion of fuels (their chemical energy) into electricity. Although conventional SOFCs based on YSZ electrolytes are widely used from laboratory to commercial scales, the development of alternative ion-conducting electrolytes is of great importance for improving SOFC performance at reduced operation temperatures. The review summarizes the basic information on two representative families of oxygen-conducting electrolytes: doped lanthanum aluminates (LaAlO₃) and lanthanum gallates (LaGaO₃). Their preparation features, chemical stability, thermal behaviour and transport properties are thoroughly analyzed in terms of their connection with the target functional parameters of related SOFCs. The data presented here will serve as a starting point for further studies of La-based perovskites, including in the fields of solid state ionics, electrochemistry and applied energy.

Interfacial La Diffusion in the CeO2/LaFeO3 Hybrid for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Activity

The electrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of great significance for energy conversion and storage. The hybrid strategy is attracting increasing interest for the development of highly active OER electrocatalysts. Regarding the activity enhancement mechanism, electron coupling between two phases in hybrids has been widely reported, but the interfacial elemental redistribution is rarely investigated. Herein, we developed a CeO₂/LaFeO₃ hybrid electrocatalyst for enhanced OER activity. Interestingly, a selective interfacial La diffusion from LaFeO₃ to CeO₂ was demonstrated by the electron energy loss spectra and elemental mapping. This redistribution of cations triggers the change of the chemical environment of interface elements for charge compensation because of the electroneutrality principle, which results in increased oxygen vacancies and high-valent Fe species that promote the OER electrocatalysis. This mechanism might be extended to other hybrid systems and inspire the design of more efficient electrocatalysts.