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Updated: Aug 7, 2026
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Decoupling Electronic-Ionic Transport and Catalysis Enables High-Performance, Chemically Stable Sr-Free Air
Ji-Eun Won1,2, Wooseok Lee1, Jaehyun Seo1
1Hydrogen Energy Materials Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
|August 5, 2026
Summary
A novel strontium-free air electrode enhances high-temperature electrochemical cells. This durable electrode avoids degradation from strontium, improving performance and longevity in energy systems.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Electrochemistry
- Energy Storage
Background:
- Strontium (Sr) doping in perovskite air electrodes is crucial for high-temperature electrochemical cells but causes degradation.
- Existing Sr-doped electrodes suffer from performance decline due to Sr-related degradation mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a high-performance, strontium-free air electrode for electrochemical cells.
- To overcome the limitations of Sr-induced degradation while maintaining or improving functionality.
Main Methods:
- Engineered multi-valent B-site perovskites with La-occupied A-sites for high electronic conductivity.
- Utilized oxygen-interstitial Ruddlesden-Popper phases for efficient ionic transport without Sr.
- Incorporated highly active nanocatalysts via infiltration to boost surface reaction kinetics.
Main Results:
- Achieved electrochemical performance comparable to state-of-the-art Sr-containing electrodes.
- Demonstrated exceptional durability under harsh electrolysis, especially with chromium (Cr) vapor exposure.
- The Sr-free electrode maintained stable performance over 200 hours, unlike Sr-based electrodes which degraded ~15% within 100 hours.
Conclusions:
- A Sr-free air electrode design strategy resolves critical durability issues in high-temperature electrochemical systems.
- This approach offers a scalable and applicable pathway for advanced energy systems.
- Independent tailoring of electronic, ionic, and catalytic properties leads to superior electrode performance and stability.
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