A novel core–shell nanocomposite electrolyte for low temperature fuel cells

We report a rapid and cost-effective method to coat SDC nano-particles with a thin LiZn-oxide nanocomposite layer. This composite is determined to have a structure with two phases consisting of Li2O and ZnO and examined to distribute over the surfaces of SDC nano-particles uniformly by using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and high-resolution TEM (HRTEM). The measurments of electrical property demonstrate that such a thin layer enables the ionic conductivity of SDC to be significantly increased (higher than 0.1 S cm−1 at the temperature of 300 °C) equivalent to the conductivity of pure SDC at 800 °C or YSZ at 1000 °C. This superionic conductivity is caused by the two-phase interfaces formed between nano-particles.

► We have coated LiZn-oxide on SDC nano-particles forming a core–shell two-phase nanocomposite thin film.
► Electrical property measurments show that such a thin layer has significantly enhanced ionic conductivity.
► This enhancement of conductivity is benefited from the interfaces between nano-particles.
► This novel SDC nanocomposites have opened a new advanced low temperature SOFC technology.