Development of titanium-doped SmBaMn2O5+δ layered perovskite as a robust electrode for symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells

Abstract

It is a big challenge ahead of finding a symmetric electrode material that optimally works as both anode and cathode, with excellent structural and chemical stability and high catalytic activity. Herein, we propose a high-performance symmetric electrode material, SmBaMn1.9Ti0.1O5+δ (SBMTi), with a single A-site layered perovskite phase in both reducing and oxidizing atmospheres. Owing to the high binding energy, titanium doping can enhance the structural stability and improve the catalytic activity to the hydrogen oxidation and oxygen reduction processes. The simple Ti-doping strategy enables a dramatic reduction in stoichiometric oxygen change upon oxidizing and reducing atmosphere alternation, and a considerable decrease in thermal expansion coefficient. The symmetrical cell with SBMTi electrode can provide a maximum power density of 603 mW cm−2 at 900 °C, and shows a relatively stable thermal-cycle and atmosphere alternation performance. The developed SmBaMn1.9Ti0.1O5+δ shows great potential as symmetric electrode in symmetrical solid oxide fuel cells.