Cobalt doping as a microstructural optimization strategy for Sr2Fe1.5Mo0.5O6-δ cathodes in direct ammonia SOFCs for N2O abatement
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Perovskite-type oxides are promising materials for mitigating nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions. Although widely studied for thermal N 2 O decomposition, their application in electrochemical N 2 O abatement in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) remains largely unexplored. The double perovskite Sr 2 Fe 1.5 Mo 0.5 O 6- δ (SFMO) stands out for its mixed ionic–electronic conductivity and redox stability; however, it exhibits low power conversion efficiency when N 2 O is supplied to the cathode. This work focuses on improving SFMO performance by partially substituing Fe with small amount of Co (Sr 2 Fe 1.5- x Co x Mo 0 .5 O 6- δ , x = 0.05) to enhance its intrinsic and microstructural properties, aiming to improve cathode performance under N 2 O conditions in a direct ammonia SOFC (DA-SOFC), operating at 600–750 °C. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy revealed similar reaction mechanisms in both compositions, despite notable microstructural differences caused by Co-doping. The denser SFCMO layers showed better grain connectivity, nearly doubling the peak power density (∼30 mW cm −2 ) compared to undoped SFMO, highlighting the beneficial role of microstructural alterations.
Source: Fuel
Institutions: Universidade do Porto, University of Aveiro
Language: English
Subfield: Materials Chemistry
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,330
OpenAlex ID: W7161306801