Pr2NiO4–Ag composite cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells with ceria-carbonate composite electrolyte

Abstract

Pr 2 NiO 4 –Ag composite was synthesized and evaluated as cathode component for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells based on ceria-carbonate composite electrolyte. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the formation of a single phase K 2 NiF 4 –type structure occurs at 1000 °C and Pr 2 NiO 4 –Ag composite shows chemically compatible with the composite electrolyte. Symmetrical cells impedance measurements prove that Ag displays acceptable electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction at the temperature range of 500–600 °C. Single cells with Ag active component electrodes present better electrochemical performances than those of Ag-free cells. An improved maximum power density of 695 mW cm −2 was achieved at 600 °C using Pr 2 NiO 4 –Ag composite cathode, with humidified hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant. Preliminary results suggest that Pr 2 NiO 4 –Ag composite could be adopted as an alternative cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells. ► Pr 2 NiO 4 (PNO) is used as low temperature SOFCs cathode with composite electrolyte. ► The K 2 NiF 4 type structure of PNO is formed at 1000 °C. ► PNO, Ag and electrolyte show chemical compatibility with one another at 650 °C. ► Infiltration of nano-Ag to PNO improves the ORR activity and fuel cell performance. ► A peak power output of 695 mW cm −2 is obtained at 600 °C with PNO–Ag composite cathode