Validation of H+/O2− conduction in doped ceria–carbonate composite material using an electrochemical pumping method

A hydrogen and oxygen electrochemical pump technique has been employed to elucidate the conduction of proton and oxygen ion in a doped ceria–carbonate composite electrolyte for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells. The composite material shows efficient conductivities of both of the two ions at 650 °C. The molten carbonate phase is important for the migration of both of the two ions. The mechanism of the conduction of proton and oxygen ion is also discussed.

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► The gas electrochemical pumps are used to study the conductions of H+ and O2−.
► H+ and O2− conductions in the ceria–carbonate electrolyte are proved.
► The effects of the carbonate content and the operating temperature are examined.
► The conduction mechanisms of H+ and O2−are proposed.