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Robust catalytically-activated LSM-BCZY-based composite steam electrodes for proton ceramic electrolysis cells
1Instituto de Tecnología Química (Universitat Politècnica de València - Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas) Av. Naranjos s/n E-46022 Valencia Spain jmserra@itq.upv.es.
RSC Advances
|May 6, 2022
Summary
This study enhances proton ceramic electrolyzer cells (PCECs) by infiltrating backbone electrodes with catalytic nanoparticles like Pr6O11-CeO2. This significantly improves performance under high steam pressure electrolysis, reducing electrode polarization resistance.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Proton ceramic electrolyzer cells (PCECs) utilize backbone electrodes for improved efficiency.
- Understanding rate-limiting steps in anode operation is crucial for enhancing PCEC performance, especially under high steam pressure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate and improve anode reaction rates in PCECs operating under high steam pressure.
- To explore catalytic activity enhancement through nanoparticle infiltration and electrochemical activation of electrode surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of La0.8Sr0.2MnO3- (LSM) and BaCe0.2Zr0.7Y0.1O3- (BCZY27) composite electrodes on BCZY27 electrolytes.
- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) analysis in symmetrical cells under varying temperatures (800-500 °C) and high steam pressure (3 bar wet air).
- Electrode infiltration with metal precursors (Pr6O11, CeO2, ZrO2, Pr6O11-CeO2) followed by firing and electrochemical testing under bias currents.
Main Results:
- The LSM/BCZY27 50/50 vol% composite electrode demonstrated the best performance with a polarization resistance of 6.04 Ω cm² at 700 °C under high steam pressure.
- Infiltration with Pr6O11, CeO2, and Pr6O11-CeO2 nanoparticles significantly reduced electrode polarization resistance to below 0.2 Ω cm² at 700 °C.
- The Pr6O11-CeO2-activated LSM/BCZY27 electrode exhibited the most promising results, indicating effective catalytic activation.
Conclusions:
- Electrode infiltration with specific catalytic nanoparticles and electrochemical activation are effective strategies for enhancing PCEC anode performance.
- The Pr6O11-CeO2 catalyst shows significant potential for improving water splitting and oxygen evolution kinetics in high steam pressure electrolysis.
- Further investigation into the effects of oxygen and water partial pressures is needed to fully characterize rate-limiting processes.
