Proton uptake kinetics and electromotive force in BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ cathode material with e−/O2−/H+ three mobile carriers for protonic ceramic fuel cells

Abstract

BaCo0.4Fe0.4Zr0.1Y0.1O3-δ (BCFZY) as a mixed electron, oxygen ion, and proton-conducting cathode materials is of particular interest as it leads to lower operation temperature for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs). This work investigates the proton uptake kinetics and electromotive force of BCFZY material with the predominant proton uptake reactions as hydrogenation by using electrical conductivity relaxation method. The deviation in proton uptake kinetics affected by oxygen partial pressure and water pressure is analyzed. The electromotive force induced by water partial pressure change is calculated based on the Nernst equation. The research implications of electron/oxygen ion/proton triple conductor materials for application in PCFCs have also been discussed.