Work

A Novel Sc-Doped PrBaFe2O6-δ Cathode Enables High Performance for Proton Ceramic Fuel Cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: To optimize the oxygen reduction reaction activity and long-term stability of the PrBaFe2O6-δ (PBF) cathode for protonic ceramic fuel cell (PCFC), this study employed the sol–gel method to dope Sc at the Fe-site of PBF, preparing a novel PrBaFe1.8Sc0.2O6-δ (PBFS) cathode. The effects of different sintering temperatures on the phase composition, microstructure, and electrochemical performance of the PBFS cathode were systematically studied. Results showed that the PBFS cathode sintered at 1000 °C formed a single cubic perovskite structure, exhibiting excellent chemical compatibility with the electrolyte. Sc doping induced Fe in the cathode to exhibit a mixed valence state of Fe2+/Fe3+/Fe4+, thus significantly increasing the oxygen vacancy concentration. The single cell assembled achieved a peak power density of 1.303 W·cm−2 and a polarization resistance as low as 0.035 Ω·cm2 with H2 as the fuel at 700 °C. Moreover, after 100 h of long-term operation at 650 °C, the power density decayed by only 5.23%, thus demonstrating excellent long-term stability. This study offers an efficient cobalt-free cathode candidate for PCFC.

Source: Inorganics

DOI: 10.3390/inorganics14040107

Authors: Erxi Zhang, Jingxiong Liu, Yujia Nie, Wei Zhou, Feng Li, Peixin Xu

Institutions: Xiangnan University, Changsha University

Language: English

Topic: Advancements in Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Affordable and clean energy

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,654