BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3 − δ as an electronic blocking material for microtubular solid oxide fuel cells based on doped ceria electrolyte

BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3 − δ (BZCY), an intermediate temperature proton conductor, has been applied as an electronic blocking material for microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) using doped ceria electrolyte. Bi-layer electrolyte consisting of 3 μm thick BZCY and 10 μm thick Sm0.2Ce0.8O1.9 (SDC) are successfully deposited on anode substrates with 1.0 mm diameter using phase inversion, suspension-coating and co-firing techniques. At 700 °C, open circuit voltage increases from 0.72 V for the cells with single SDC electrolyte to 0.97 V for those with bi-layer electrolyte, demonstrating that BZCY can effectively prevent the internal shorting in doped ceria electrolyte. Peak power density of 246 mW cm−2 has been achieved at 700 °C with the microtubular SOFCs based on the bi-layer electrolyte.

In this communication, BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3 − δ (BZCY), which is a proton conductor, has been used as the electronic blocking material of samaria-doped ceria (SDC) electrolyte for microtubular solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs). Open circuit voltages are substantially increased, from 0.72 V at 700 °C to 0.97 V when BZCY is applied as the electronic blocking layer, demonstrating that BZCY can be an alternative novel electronic blocking material. Peak power density of 246 mW cm−2 has been achieved at 700 °C with microtubular cells based on BZCY–SDC electrolyte, suggesting that the bi-layer electrolyte is attractive for applications in micro-tubular SOFCs.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights
► BZCY is used as a new electron blocking material for SDC electrolyte.
► The OCV value of BZCY–SDC electrolyte is promoted, compared to SDC electrolyte.
► Peak power density of 246 mW cm–2 is obtained at 700 °C with a bi-layer electrolyte cell.