Pr2NiO4–Ag composite cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells with ceria-carbonate composite electrolyte

Pr2NiO4–Ag composite was synthesized and evaluated as cathode component for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells based on ceria-carbonate composite electrolyte. X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the formation of a single phase K2NiF4–type structure occurs at 1000 °C and Pr2NiO4–Ag composite shows chemically compatible with the composite electrolyte. Symmetrical cells impedance measurements prove that Ag displays acceptable electrocatalytic activity toward oxygen reduction reaction at the temperature range of 500–600 °C. Single cells with Ag active component electrodes present better electrochemical performances than those of Ag-free cells. An improved maximum power density of 695 mW cm−2 was achieved at 600 °C using Pr2NiO4–Ag composite cathode, with humidified hydrogen as fuel and air as the oxidant. Preliminary results suggest that Pr2NiO4–Ag composite could be adopted as an alternative cathode for low temperature solid oxide fuel cells.

► Pr2NiO4 (PNO) is used as low temperature SOFCs cathode with composite electrolyte.
► The K2NiF4 type structure of PNO is formed at 1000 °C.
► PNO, Ag and electrolyte show chemical compatibility with one another at 650 °C.
► Infiltration of nano-Ag to PNO improves the ORR activity and fuel cell performance.
► A peak power output of 695 mW cm−2 is obtained at 600 °C with PNO–Ag composite cathode