Nanointegrated, High-Performing Cobalt-Free Bismuth-Based Composite Cathode for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Cost-effective cathodes are crucial for advancing low-temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs).
• Cobalt-based electrocatalysts are effective for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) but pose cost, safety, and stability concerns.
• Developing cobalt-free alternatives is essential for SOFC development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a high-performance, cost-effective, and stable cobalt-free cathode for LT-SOFCs.
• To overcome the limitations of cobalt-based cathodes through nanoengineering.
• To enhance the performance and durability of bismuth-based fuel cells.

Main Methods:

• Nanoengineering of cobalt-free electrocatalysts.
• Utilizing a bismuth-based fast oxygen ion-conducting scaffold.
• Fabrication and testing of LT-SOFCs with the novel cathode material.

Main Results:

• Achieved a peak power density of 1.2 W/cm² at 600 °C, the highest reported for a cobalt-free cathode.
• Demonstrated comparable performance to cobalt-based cathodes.
• Improved performance durability by 80% due to suppressed bismuth evaporation, the best among bismuth-based fuel cells.

Conclusions:

• Nanoengineered cobalt-free electrocatalysts on a bismuth-based scaffold can match and exceed the performance of cobalt-based cathodes.
• This approach significantly enhances both performance and stability in LT-SOFCs.
• The developed cathode represents a breakthrough for cost-effective and durable fuel cell technology.