The Investigation of Ni-Doped SrFeO3−δ Perovskite for a Symmetrical Electrode in Proton Ceramic Fuel Cells

The development of symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells with identical cathode and anode is beneficial for thermal matching and reducing the cost. Herein, proton-conducting electrolyte and novel high catalytic activity electrode material for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells are proposed. Ni-doping at the B-site of (Sr_0.8Ce_0.2)_0.95FeO_3-δ (SCF) indicates reduced cell edge lengths, cell volume, and a more porous honeycomb structure. The B-site elements in oxide tend to have a high oxidation state via Ni-doping. Simple doping modification in SCF causes better thermal matching between the electrode and electrolyte and form more oxygen vacancies at the operating temperature. At the anode side, Ni-doping improves the stability of the symmetric electrode in reducing the atmosphere. The polarization resistance of symmetrical cells for new electrode material is half of the original both in oxidation and reduction atmosphere, which indicates boosted electrochemical performance for the cathode and anode. At the same time, Ni-doping reduces the impedance activation energy of the anode reaction in symmetric cells. The output performance of the cell is 210.4 mW·cm^-2 at 750 °C and the thickness of the electrolyte is 400 μm, achieving a highly efficient symmetrical electrode in proton ceramic fuel cells. The new finding of materials provides a novel high efficiency symmetrical electrode and proposes guidance for the improvement of solid oxide fuel cells at a reduced temperature.