Understanding the electrochemical mechanism of the core-shell ceria-LiZnO nanocomposite in a low temperature solid oxide fuel cell

• Ceria based solid solutions have been considered some of the best candidates to develop intermediate/low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT/LT-SOFCs, 600-800 degrees C). However, the barrier to commercialization has not been overcome even after numerous research activities due to its inherent electronic conduction in a reducing atmosphere and inadequate ionic conductivity at low temperatures. The present work reports a new type of all-oxide nanocomposite electrolyte material based on a semiconductor, Li-doped ZnO (LixZnO), and an ionic conductor, samarium doped ceria (SDC). This electrolyte exhibits superionic conductivity (>0.1 S cm(-1) over 300 degrees C), net-electron free and excellent electrolytic performances (400-630 mW cm(-2)) between 480 and 550 degrees C. Particularly, defects related to interfacial conduction and the intrinsic and extrinsic properties of ions are analysed. An internal or interfacial redox process on two-phase particles is suggested as a powerful methodology to overcome the internal short-circuit problem of ceria-based single phase materials and to develop new advanced materials for energy related applications. The combination of the above promising features makes the SDC-LiZnO nanocomposite a promising electrolyte for LTSOFCs.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Kemi -- Materialkemi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Chemical Sciences -- Materials Chemistry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

Electrolytes

Ionic conductivity

Lithium

Nanocomposites

Zinc oxide

Electrochemical mechanisms

Electronic conduction

Low temperature solid oxide fuel cells

Nanocomposite electrolytes

Reducing atmosphere

Samarium doped cerias

Single-phase materials

Superionic conductivity

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