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Vacancy-Redox Coupling at Interface-Engineered Heterostructures Enhances Reversible Energy Conversion in Protonic
Shuanglin Zheng1, Yuqi Geng1, Subrina Islam2
1School of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, USA.
Angewandte Chemie (International Ed. in English)
|April 11, 2026
Summary
We developed a novel oxygen electrode for protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) using a hierarchical structure. This design enhances catalytic activity and durability for efficient energy conversion.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Chemical Engineering
Background:
- Protonic ceramic cells (PCCs) require efficient oxygen electrocatalysis for energy applications.
- Controlling defect chemistry and cation redox under steam is crucial for PCC performance and durability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and investigate a hierarchically engineered oxygen electrode for enhanced performance in PCCs.
- To understand the role of defect chemistry and interphases in improving oxygen electrocatalysis.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a 3D mesh-like PrNi0.7Co0.3O3-δ (PNC) scaffold integrated with a vacancy-rich PrOₓ nanophase.
- Characterization of the electrode architecture and interfacial properties.
- Electrochemical testing in fuel-cell and electrolysis modes at 600°C.
Main Results:
- The hierarchical electrode architecture extended the reactive zone and created a PrOₓ-PNC interphase.
- Vacancy-mediated redox coupling between Pr and Co buffered oxygen potential and stabilized defects.
- The electrode achieved high performance (1.75 W cm⁻² in fuel-cell mode, 2.77 A cm⁻² at 1.3 V in electrolysis) with >92% Faradaic efficiency and >200 h durability.
Conclusions:
- Hierarchical engineering coupled with redox-buffered interphases is a viable strategy for high-performance PCCs.
- The developed electrode demonstrates significant potential for efficient and durable energy conversion systems.
- Understanding interfacial defect chemistry is key to optimizing protonic electrochemical devices.
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