Ruddlesden–Popper Oxide (La0.6Sr0.4)2(Co,Fe)O4 with Exsolved CoFe Nanoparticles for a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Anode Catalyst

Abstract

Herein, a new ceramic‐based catalyst with exsolved CoFe nanoparticles anchored on the support of a Ruddlesden–Popper structure (La1.2Sr0.8Co0.12Fe0.88O4) is synthesized, and various physicochemical analyses are conducted to investigate its applicability as an anode of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). The catalyst is fabricated by reducing La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3 in an atmosphere of a 10% H2/N2 gas mixture at 800 °C, whose condition is much milder than the typical synthesis method of Ruddlesden–Popper materials. The single cell exhibits a good electrochemical performance with a maximum power density value of 729 mW cm−2 at a temperature of 800 °C. The presence of oxygen vacancies and the low synthesis temperature should be responsible for its good catalytic activity. Moreover, exsovled CoFe nanoparticles could provide additional chemisorption and activation sites for the H2 electrooxidation reaction, leading to the improved electrochemical performance. Therefore, this Ruddlesden–Popper material with exsolved CoFe nanoparticles could be a potential anode material for SOFCs.