A novel anode supported BaCe0.4Zr0.3Sn0.1Y0.2O3−δ electrolyte membrane for proton conducting solid oxide fuel cells

A novel BaCe0.4Zr0.3 Sn0.1Y0.2O3−δ (BSY) electrolyte membrane with thickness of 20 μm was fabricated on NiO-based anode substrate via a one-step all-solid-state method followed by a co-sintering at 1450 °C for 5 h. Chemical stability test demonstrated that BSY electrolyte showed adequate chemical stability against CO2 and H2O at intermediate temperature. Besides, the doping of Sn also enhanced the conductivity in humidified hydrogen. With Nd0.7Sr0.3MnO3−σ cathode and hydrogen fuel, the fuel cell generated maximum output of 320, 185 and 105 mW cm−2 at 700, 650 and 600 °C, respectively. The interfacial resistance of the fuel cell was studied under open circuit conditions and the short-term cell performance also confirmed the stability of BSY electrolyte membrane.