Nanoscale Interface Engineering of LaCrO₃-CeO₂ Composite Fuel Electrode for High-Performance Multifunctional Solid...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• In-situ exsolution is key for perovskite-ceria composite fuel electrodes in solid oxide cells (SOCs).
• While metal nanoparticle synergy is studied, perovskite/ceria interface engineering is underexplored.
• This research focuses on optimizing the interface for improved SOC performance.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel nanocomposite LaCrO3&CeO2 fuel electrode using a cosynthesis approach.
• To investigate the impact of nanoscale alternating distribution and in-situ exsolved Ni nanoparticles on electrochemical performance.
• To explore the role of nanointerface engineering in enhancing stability and preventing degradation.

Main Methods:

• Cosynthesis of a LaCrO3&CeO2 nanocomposite with nanoscale alternating distribution.
• In-situ exsolution of Ni nanoparticles from the LaCrO3 surface after reduction.
• Fabrication and testing of solid oxide cells (SOCs) with LSGM electrolytes.

Main Results:

• Achieved peak power densities of 1.489 W cm-2 (H2) and 1.260 W cm-2 (CH4) at 800 °C.
• Demonstrated high current densities for coelectrolysis (1.778 A cm-2) and pure CO2 electrolysis (1.445 A cm-2) at 1.3 V.
• Exhibited stable operation for 200 h, outperforming conventional mechanically mixed electrodes.
• Inhibited carbon deposition and oxidation of exsolved Ni nanoparticles.

Conclusions:

• Nanointerface engineering in perovskite-ceria composites significantly enhances SOC performance.
• The developed nanocomposite electrode offers superior catalytic activity and stability.
• This work provides a pathway for designing advanced fuel electrodes through nanoscale interface control.