Synergistic role of Biomolecules and Bio-chelating agents in the sustainable development of an efficient BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm, Gd) perovskite electrolyte for IT-SOFC

Abstract

Here, BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm, Gd) perovskite electrolyte materials were synthesized via a semi-organic combustion route by employing the synergetic role of biomolecules and bio-chelating agent of lemon juice for IT-SOFC. The synthesized BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm, Gd) electrolyte was compared to BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm, Gd) synthesized with a typical chemical combustion route. The structural analysis confirmed the orthorhombic phase of all perovskite electrolytes while the microstructural analysis revealed dense microstructure for electrolytes synthesized with bio-chelating agents compared to those synthesized with chemical combustion route. The compositional analysis confirmed the presence of all elements and the thermal analysis established the stability within the SOFC operating temperature range of BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm, Gd) synthesized with both routes. The electrochemical measurements exhibited a maximum power density of 0.47 W cm−2 for BaCe0.97M0.03O3-δ (M = Sm) synthesized with lemon juice as a chelating agent suggesting its potential use as an efficient electrolyte for IT-SOFCs. The outcomes show that the semi-organic route can be successfully used for the synthesis of perovskite structure materials with minimal negative impact on the environment compared to chemical routes.