One-pot molten salt synthesis of Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ@PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ as the oxygen electrode for reversible solid oxide cells

Abstract

One-pot molten salt method, an environment-friendly, cost effective, facile and novel technology, is employed to synthesize Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ@PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ (GDC@PBSC) composite powder. An interesting structure: nano polygonal Ce0.9Gd0.1O2-δ (GDC) particles rivet on the surface of regular square PrBa0.5Sr0.5Co2O5+δ (PBSC) particles is successfully prepared. PBSC and GDC co-provide oxygen ion transmission paths, which increase the length of three-phase boundary (TPB). Using both PBSC and GDC@PBSC as the oxygen electrodes for solid oxide cells (SOCs), the button cell with GDC@PBSC electrode exhibited higher power density (0.64 W cm−2 in dry H2) and electrolysis current density (0.40 A cm−2 at 1.3 V in 50 vol.% CO2/50 vol.% H2) at 750°C. The results indicate that the GDC@PBSC material prepared by one-pot molten salt method is a promising oxygen electrode for solid oxide cells (SOCs).