Conductive Cation Traps for Synthesizing Efficient and Stable Perovskite Catalysts

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Perovskite oxides are key materials for catalysis and energy conversion.
• Strontium doping enhances perovskite performance but causes instability due to Sr²⁺ segregation.
• Sr²⁺ segregation leads to inert phases, reducing material efficiency and lifespan.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design a strontium cation trap to prevent Sr²⁺ segregation in perovskite oxides.
• To enhance the stability and electrocatalytic activity of perovskite catalysts.
• To improve performance in high-temperature CO₂ reduction reactions (HT-CO₂RR).

Main Methods:

• Incorporation of SrMoO₄ as a Sr²⁺ cation trap during cell fabrication.
• Partial transformation of SrMoO₄ to conductive SrMoO₃ under reducing conditions.
• Testing catalyst performance in high-temperature CO₂ reduction reactions (HT-CO₂RR).

Main Results:

• The Sr²⁺ cation trap effectively prevented Sr²⁺ segregation into inert SrCO₃ phases.
• Catalyst conductivity and electrocatalytic activity were concurrently enhanced.
• A one-order-magnitude reduction in degradation rate was observed; stable operation for 160 h at 1 A cm^-2 achieved.

Conclusions:

• The Sr²⁺ cation trap strategy significantly improves the long-term stability of perovskite oxides.
• This method enhances electrode conductivity and electrocatalytic performance in HT-CO₂RR.
• The approach offers a viable solution for efficient and stable perovskite-based energy conversion devices.