Entropy-driven order-to-disorder transition in perovskite anodes for high-performance solid oxide fuel cells

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Electrochemistry
• Energy Conversion

Background:

• Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) offer efficient electricity generation from hydrocarbons.
• Perovskite anode structural control is key for hydrocarbon oxidation and preventing carbon deposition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel strategy for atomic-scale structural regulation in perovskite anodes.
• To enhance hydrocarbon oxidation kinetics and mitigate carbon deposition in SOFCs.

Main Methods:

• An entropy-driven approach to induce order-to-disorder transitions in perovskite oxides.
• Synthesis of a high-entropy perovskite anode (La$_{0.2}$Pr$_{0.2}$Sm$_{0.2}$Gd$_{0.2}$Y$_{0.2}$BaFe$_{2}$O$_{5+δ}$) from ordered PrBaFe$_{2}$O$_{5+δ}$.

Main Results:

• The high-entropy perovskite anode facilitated oxygen vacancy formation and improved hydration capacity.
• Accelerated hydrocarbon steam reforming and carbon elimination processes were observed.
• Achieved a peak power density of 774.53 mW·cm⁻² and over 1000 hours of stability with wet methane at 700 °C.

Conclusions:

• The entropy-driven order-to-disorder transition is an effective strategy for designing advanced perovskite anodes.
• This work addresses critical challenges for SOFCs operating with hydrocarbon fuels, improving efficiency and durability.