Scaffold Infiltrated Cathodes for Low-Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Technology

Background:

• High operating temperatures in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and electrolysis cells (SOECs) increase costs and reduce lifespan.
• Significant cathode polarization losses at lower temperatures hinder the performance of these energy conversion devices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel cathode material for low-temperature SOFCs and SOECs.
• To overcome performance limitations caused by high cathode polarization losses at reduced operating temperatures.

Main Methods:

• Engineering a universal ceria-based scaffold infiltrated with nanoscale electrocatalysts.
• Utilizing scalable ceramic processing techniques for material fabrication.
• Testing cell performance at 550 °C and evaluating durability over 500 hours.

Main Results:

• Achieved low cathode polarization (<0.25 Ω·cm²) and high power density (1 W/cm²) at 550 °C.
• Demonstrated excellent SOFC durability exceeding 500 hours.
• The engineered scaffold facilitated fast oxygen transport and electronic conductivity without high-temperature processing.

Conclusions:

• The ceria-based scaffold with infiltrated nanoscale electrocatalysts offers a promising pathway for low-temperature SOFCs and SOECs.
• This approach reduces processing and system costs through scalable ceramic techniques.
• Enables wider deployment of efficient energy technologies by improving performance and durability.